Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program

The Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development as part of the state’s operating budget legislation. The program was updated under state law to continue addressing blight across Ohio communities by funding demolition and revitalization activities for properties that are not classified as brownfields. The program is intended to support local governments in removing unsafe or abandoned structures and preparing sites for future community use, contributing to economic development, neighborhood stabilization, and public safety improvements. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance for the demolition of commercial and residential buildings that are vacant, abandoned, or blighted, along with limited site revitalization activities following demolition. Eligible properties must not meet the definition of a brownfield, meaning they cannot involve subsurface environmental contamination requiring remediation. The program supports a wide range of structure types, including residential dwellings and commercial or mixed-use properties, provided they meet eligibility conditions related to vacancy and blight. Certain exclusions apply, such as agricultural structures, properties requiring only rehabilitation, and most occupied structures unless they are directly connected to blighted properties requiring demolition. Funding is allocated at approximately 21.5 million dollars per fiscal year, with a portion reserved for each county to ensure equitable distribution. Each county is required to designate a single Lead Entity that will apply for and administer the grant. This entity is responsible for entering into agreements with any subrecipients, managing program implementation, ensuring compliance with all requirements, and overseeing reporting and reimbursement processes. Subrecipients may include local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other community-based entities involved in redevelopment activities. Allowable costs under the program are broad and include administrative expenses capped at ten percent of the total award, pre-demolition activities such as inspections and environmental assessments, and demolition-related costs including hazardous material removal, structural teardown, and debris disposal. Required post-demolition costs include site restoration activities like grading and seeding, while optional improvements such as landscaping and minor infrastructure enhancements are capped per project. Ineligible costs include property taxes, ongoing maintenance after demolition, and expenses unrelated to the demolition or immediate site preparation. The application process requires Lead Entities to submit a grant user access form, designate authorized users, and create system accounts prior to application submission. Applications must include detailed project information such as scope of work, budget, site identification, and required documentation demonstrating that properties meet eligibility criteria. Supporting materials include verification of blight and vacancy, ownership documentation, photographs, and proof of site access. Additional documentation such as environmental assessments or subrecipient agreements may also be required depending on the project structure. The application timeline for the fiscal year includes an opening date in late October and a submission deadline in mid-November. Grant agreements begin following award announcements and remain active for one year, during which all funded activities must be completed. Reimbursement is provided on a monthly basis upon submission of supporting documentation, and final disbursement is contingent on submission of a comprehensive performance report. Reporting requirements include quarterly updates and a final report documenting completed demolitions, expenditures, and program outcomes. Program evaluation and award decisions are made at the discretion of the Ohio Department of Development, with consideration given to project readiness, compliance with program guidelines, and alignment with community redevelopment goals. While no matching funds are required for the fiscal year covered in this cycle, recipients must adhere to all applicable state laws, procurement standards, and environmental regulations. The program is structured as an annual funding opportunity tied to the state fiscal cycle, with future rounds expected subject to legislative appropriations and program continuation.

Ensure all required documentation for each property is complete and properly labeled; prioritize shovel ready projects with clear site control and compliance documentation; align projects with local redevelopment plans