Purchase Surplus City Property

The City of Council Bluffs obtains title to property by several means including 657a process, donation, acquisition, foreclosure of previous liens, or dedication of easements, right-of-way, or other public purposes. Some of these properties have been considered “surplus” by a City Property Committee, and are available for purchase. Properties that are considered “surplus buildable” can be used to be built upon by a use that is allowed in the zoning district for which the lot is located, and properties considered “surplus non-buildable” would not be buildable exclusively, but could potentially be built upon if sold to an adjacent property owner. 
   
Process to Purchase Surplus City-owned Property
Offers to purchase surplus city property shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s office with the completed application, and a down payment totaling 10% of the last assessed or appraised value for a buildable lot OR 10% of a value established by the Street Property Fee Schedule for non-buildable remnant parcels, AND a $50.00 administrative fee. 

The down payment will be refunded if the City Council does not accept the application. If the applicant does not purchase the property within the specified timeframe (typically 60 Days), or if the applicant withdraws their offer, the deposit is not refundable. The administrative fee is not refundable under any circumstances.

The City of Council Bluffs reserves the right to offer portions of City Owned Properties to adjacent property owners to correct nonconforming parcels, or if it is determined that it would be in the best interest of the neighborhood for an adjacent property owner to acquire all of, or a portion of a subject parcel.

The City of Council Bluffs reserves the right to add specific restrictions or conditions on the purchase of property, if it is determined that said conditions are in the best interests of the City.


Application to Purchase Surplus City-owned Property

List of Surplus City-owned Buildable and Non-Buildable Properties