Salt Lake City owns a variety of land and buildings — from parks and trails to utility infrastructure and public facilities. Most City-owned land is actively used for the public land isn’t for sale. But when the City no longer needs a property, it may be declared “surplus” and considered for sale or redevelopment through a public process.
Whether you’re a developer looking for opportunities, a neighbor interested in an adjacent lot – here’s how the process works:
What Is “Surplus” Property?
Before the City can sell land or a building, the property must be reviewed and formally designated as surplus, meaning it’s no longer needed for City use. This is an internal process that ensures the property isn’t needed by any City department or for public purposes.
Once a property is declared surplus, the City typically must use one of two paths to sell the City property:
- Sealed Competitive Bid – The City invites the public to submit sealed offers, and the highest qualified bid is usually awarded the sale. This is the preferred process.
- Request for Proposals (RFP) – In these cases, proposals are evaluated based on project quality, public benefit, and developer qualifications. This process is used when the City is looking for a specific outcome, like affordable housing or community-focused development.
Why Most City Property Isn’t for Sale
We often get questions about buying City-owned land—but in most cases, that land isn’t available for private purchase.
Here’s why:
- Open Space: Much of the City’s land is part of our Open Space Inventory—parks, trails, and natural areas that are protected and maintained for public use.
- Public Right-of-Way: Streets, sidewalks, and alleys are typically preserved for long-term public use. However, in some cases, a portion of right-of-way can be vacated or sold—but this requires a formal review and approval by the Salt Lake City Council.
- Airport Property: Land owned by the Salt Lake City Department of Airports is reserved for aviation-related uses and frequently has federal restrictions.
- Public Utilities: Some properties are used for essential services like water, sewer, and stormwater. These are managed by the Department of Public Utilites and are generally not eligible for sale or lease.
What About Streets and Alleys?
City streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way are generally preserved for public use. However, there is a process for requesting a closure or purchase of public right-of-way. These requests are reviewed case-by-case and must be approved by the Salt Lake City Council. You can apply through the Planning Division.
Open Opportunities: RFPs and Sealed Bids
When the City has surplus property available for sale or development, active opportunities will be listed here.
Don’t see anything listed? That means there are currently no surplus property opportunities available. Please check back or contact us to join our interest list.
Contact
- real_estate@slc.gov