One problem which particularly impacts the urban core is the large number of abandoned and dangerous buildings. Dramatic efforts have been made to remove these blighted structures, but out of this success, a different kind of challenge evolved. Hundreds of vacant lots were created - many in concentrated clusters. These vacant often are not maintained by their owners and become collection sites for trash and weeds.
The largest challenge to the redevelopment of these sites was the demolition liens placed on the properties. These liens were caused by the need for the City to step in and pay for the cost of demolition, which are often far in excess of the value of the land, thus making it very difficult to re-develop the site.
City Planning and Development Department and the Neighborhood and Community Services Department developed an incentive program which will make it possible to redevelop these sites without the demolition liens restricting the use of the property. The main goal of this program is to put these lots back into productive use and insure that the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. In order for the City to remove a demolition lien from a specific site, an application and approval process must be followed.
The Demolition Lien Waiver Program is a concept of the FOCUS Kansas City Comprehensive and Strategic Plan that recommends targeted incentive programs should be created to encourage specific growth and re-development activities. The Demolition Lien Waiver Program has formed the application process around three types of proposed uses for the lots under consideration.
Application Requirements
Application Process
Obtain the application form by downloading it from the website or by calling (816) 513-2852 and requesting that a form be sent to you by mail. Complete the signed application and return it to:
Demolition Lien Waiver Program, 16th Floor, City Hall, 414 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Mo. 61406
Include all supporting documents required on the application, including; affidavits, tax receipts, property ownership within KCMO, list of violations of KCMO code of ordinances for the last two years, etc.
Provide proforma, site plan and/or development plan if required.
Program staff will review the application to insure that all the information is complete and that all requested materials are provided.
Program staff will verify all code violation information, police records and property ownership records.
After your application has been reviewed and information verified; program staff will evaluate your application, develop recommendations and schedule your request for the next available Demolition Lien Waiver Committee meeting.
All residences within 185 feet of the property will be notified of your request and the intended use of the property which you have proposed.
You will be notified in writing of the Committee's decision.
If the lien value is $10,000 or more the applicant is required to enter into a contract agreeing to complete all terms, conditions or requirements before the lien is released.
The lien will be waived two years after approval of the application provided that all conditions of approval are met. The lien will be waived at closing of the construction loan if the applicant is seeking conventional financing.
Schedule of Fees
| Side Lot & Vacant Lot | $110.00 |
| General Residential | $140.00 |
| Commercial & Mixed Use | $160.00 |
Submit a cashier's check or money order payable to City Treasurer with application.
No personal checks will be accepted. Application fee is non-refundable.
