Vacaville Parcels
Mapping vacant and underutilized parcels in Vacaville so residents can say what they want to see there -- before a developer files an application.
What this is
An interactive inventory of opportunity parcels in Vacaville – vacant lots, shuttered storefronts, underutilized sites where something could happen if enough people cared about what went there.
Each parcel has a map pin, a description, and a feedback form. The form asks: What would you like to see here? What matters most to you? Would you participate?
Current status
The parcel data is placeholder. Addresses are approximate, APNs are generic, boundaries aren’t drawn. This is a working prototype to test whether the format invites participation before investing in verified data.
The feedback forms are live and functional, powered by Touchpoints, an open-source platform for public feedback.
Volunteer: Parcel Photographer
We need someone to walk or bike Vacaville and photograph vacant lots and underutilized sites. A vacant lot looks different on a map than from the sidewalk. Photos make the parcels real and help residents picture what could be there.
What you’d do:
- Visit parcel locations and capture 1-3 photos each (phone camera is fine, 4:3 ratio preferred)
- Keep a simple log of which parcels you’ve photographed
- Submit photos and help keep parcel records accurate and up to date
No special skills required – just a phone, comfortable shoes, and curiosity about your city.
Interested? Email ryan@civic.studio or come to a meetup.
What else we need
- Verified parcel data. Real addresses, real APNs, real zoning designations for vacant and underutilized sites in Vacaville – especially downtown and the Monte Vista corridor. The county assessor’s parcel viewer is a good starting point.
- Feedback submissions. Visit /parcels, pick a site, and tell us what you’d like to see. Every response builds a picture of what the community actually wants.
- Local context. Some sites have history – prior proposals, environmental constraints, ownership complications. If you know the backstory, that’s valuable.
- Signal amplification. Share individual parcel pages with neighbors and local business owners.
Why it matters
Most land use decisions happen in planning commission meetings that few people attend. By the time a project reaches public hearing, the developer has already spent months on plans. The window for meaningful community input is narrow and often too late.
This project moves upstream: creating a visible, low-friction space for people to express what they want from their city – parcel by parcel, block by block – before anyone files an application.
How to contribute
See the contributing guide for how to get involved with OpenSolano projects, including how to submit data corrections and improvements via GitHub.
Related posts
Related pages
- Browse Parcels — Interactive map and feedback forms for each parcel
- County Map — Solano County interactive map with jurisdictions and parks
Get involved
This is an ongoing, open project. Contributions, feedback, and local knowledge are welcome.