Sioux City approves vacation of small alley near 106 13th Street to allow off-street parking

The Sioux City Council approved a resolution vacating a 16-by-50-foot alley adjacent to 106 13th Street after a hearing in which the property owner petitioning for the vacation said he wanted to use the space for off-street parking.

Adrian Cansino, the petitioner, told the council he had maintained the small alley since moving into the house and wanted to buy his half of the alley to create off-street parking: "I just wanted to actually be able to purchase it and actually be able to make a driveway or off street parking." The council opened and closed the public hearing after Mr. Cansino spoke.

City planning staff explained the process for selling vacated alley property. City planner Whit Scholl said that if the council vacated the alley, the property would be handled by the real estate office, which would send offers to purchase; interested adjacent owners would have an opportunity to respond and complete the purchase process.

Council members noted the alley had been left in the original vacations years earlier and that adjacent property owner Heland would have the option to buy half the vacated alley if the council approved. The council voted to waive statutory rules and then approved the vacation on a 5-0 vote.

The alley was described in the hearing as approximately 16 feet by 50 feet. Mr. Cansino said he and previous owners had maintained the area and that an 8-foot width would allow him to park a car. Planning staff noted that if a future owner required full access across the former alley, parties could negotiate easements or purchase additional portions when available.

The council directed the city's real estate staff to follow the standard notice and offer-to-purchase process for vacated right-of-way and to proceed with the sale steps if adjacent owners respond affirmatively. The resolution passed unanimously.