Blight Removal & Reinvestment Program

The goal of the Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program is to partner with private property owners to remove blighted structures (both residential and commercial) and encourage reinvestment in the property. 
Project FundingEligible projects can receive a 50% matching grant of demolition costs, up to a maximum of $8,000 per structure.  The grant is available in two 25% increments: blight removal and reinvestment bonus.
Blight RemovalBlight removal is eligible for a grant of 25% of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of $4,000 per structure.  To qualify for the program, City planning staff will conduct a site visit of the property to determine if it qualifies as blight.   In general, a structure is considered blighted if it is deteriorated, dilapidated, unsafe, and/or obsolete.  A full definition of what qualifies as blight is available below.  
Reinvestment BonusA reinvestment bonus of 25% of demolition costs, up to a maximum of $4,000 per structure, is available if new construction is completed on the property within 18 months of when the demolition permit is issued.  To qualify for the reinvestment bonus, the new construction must entail a principle structure (house, office, or commercial building).
Qualifying Criteria / Definition of Blight
To qualify for the program City planning staff will conduct a site visit of the property to determine if it qualifies as blight.  A property may be considered blighted if it meets one or more of the following situations. 

  • Unsanitary or unsafe conditions
  • Buildings in which it is unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work due to dilapidation, deterioration, defective design or physical construction; inadequate utilities; lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; contamination by hazardous substances; or below minimum code.
  • Obsolete buildings which hinder the economically viable use or capacity of the property.
  • Buildings are such a condition that it is infeasible to rehabilitate
  • Excessive land coverage and overcrowding of structures.
  • The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes.
  • Constitutes an economic or social liability or a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare.
  • Excessive vacancy or abandoned buildings.
  • Extraordinary local crime rate that constitute a serious threat to the public safety and welfare.
  • Extraordinary local decline in property values or tax delinquencies that diminish the equitable delivery of public services and improvements.
Application Process and Procedures - Demolition
  1. Submit completed application form
  2. Meet with staff on site to discuss the project and for staff to conduct blight analysis
  3. Apply for a demolition permit and submit an environmental analysis which states whether hazardous materials are present or not.  The analysis must be performed by a reputable company.
  4. Demolish structure
  5. Submit invoice and lien waiver from contractor stating they have received payment.  If hazardous materials were present, documentation must be submitted stating the materials were appropriately disposed of by a business possessing a hazardous waste permit per Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations.  Proof of the permit must be submitted.  
  6. The City will issue a grant for 25% of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of $4,000 per structure. 
  7. Once an application for the Blight Removal and Reinvestment Program has been submitted, the applicant will have 180 days to complete demolition.  If demolition is not completed within this timeframe the applicant will not be able to receive funds.

For Additional Information, Please Contact:
City of Riverside Community Development Department
(816) 741-3993Supporting DocumentsBlight Removal and Investment Application Form