311 Help Desk
City of harrisburg logo
City of harrisburg logo

Adopt-A-Lot Program

About the Program

The City of Harrisburg encourages you to participate in our Adopt-A-Lot Program.  The idea is to transform city-owned vacant lots into greenspaces that the community can enjoy.

Adopt-A-Lot Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Adopt-a-Lot Program?

The City of Harrisburg’s Adopt-A-Lot program allows people to “adopt” city-owned vacant lots for the purpose of maintaining and beautifying them. It gives residents, businesses, and organizations a change to create greenspace in their communities which could include a community garden or open area where kids can play. It allows people to utilize the land, free of the burden of taxes or other financial obligations obligations that come with ownership. 

Who may participate?

Any Harrisburg City resident, civic or non-profit organization, school group, business or neighborhood group committed to caring for the vacant lot is eligible to adopt a lot.

What can I do on an adopted lot?

An Adopt-A-Lot Adoptee can create community spaces that include, but are not limited to:

  • Community Gardens
  • Clean and Green Spaces
  • Recreation Spaces
What can't I do on an adopted lot?

Adopted lots CANNOT be used for:

  • Parking
  • Carwashes
  • Dog Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Permanent Structures
  • For Profit Businesses
What are the lots?

Vacant lots owned by the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority that are eligible to be adopted are located throughout the city. Please reach out to Daeniya West at [email protected] for more information and a list of eligible lots within your requested area.

What is the cost? How do I adopt?

The fee to adopt a lot is $1 per lot on an annual basis. To adopt a lot please fill out the online application or print and mail in an application addressed to:

Brooke Bobitz

10 North 2nd Street, Suite 202

Harrisburg, PA 17101

 

Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted about the next steps within 30 days.