The City of Craig uses two tools to give people access to city property for a variety of purposes, both private and commercial. If you are looking for short term access (generally less than 12 months) to a small piece of property for a use that will not change the nature of the property, require substantial improvements, or require exclusive use of the property you likely qualify for an Access Permit. Click HERE to access information on requesting an Access Permit. Most access permits simply require a letter requesting the use, and description of the property and can be approved by staff administratively.
If you are looking at a piece of city owned land and would like to talk to the city about longer term exclusive use of the property with the option to develop or improve the property then likely you will need to talk to city staff about a Lease. The lease process is substantially more involved than access permits but offer greater benefits to the leaseholder. The city uses the following process to lease city property:
- An application is submitted to the city for the lease of a piece of property.
- The application begins a 30 day public notice period (and publishing for at least three weeks in a local newspaper)
- During the 30 day public notice period an ordinance is introduced to the City Council allowing staff to negotiate the lease.
- At the end of the 30 day public notice period a public hearing is held by the City Council and the council will approve or disapprove the ordinance.
- If the ordinance is approved staff will begin negotiations with the applicant.
- The applicant will usually be required to have an appraisal done on the property and any surveying, subdividing, or replatting necessary to accomodate the lease.
- After the appraisal, necessary surveying, and all negotiations are complete the final lease terms are presented to the City Council for approval.
- Once approved by the City Council the lease is executed and begins.