Planning Commission approves petition to vacate antiquated public service easement in Nelson
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Summary
The commission adopted a resolution finding the vacation consistent with the general plan and approved the petition to vacate a public service easement recorded on an 1878 map for a parcel in Nelson (RA25‑0001). Staff concluded the vacation qualified for a categorical/common‑sense CEQA exemption.
The Butte County Planning Commission on July 24 adopted a resolution finding that a petition to vacate a public service easement in the old town map of Nelson is consistent with the county general plan and approved the vacation petition RA25‑0001.
Principal planner Mark Petchelena presented the item, explaining the easement derives from an antiquated 1878 map and describing the parcel and hashed area proposed for vacation. Petchelena said the parcel owner (identified in the record as Bruce Roberts) holds contiguous lots shown on the old map and is petitioning to remove the county easement that runs through the property.
Under environmental review, staff determined the vacation is eligible for a common‑sense exemption and does not change land use or cause environmental impacts that would require further CEQA study. Petchelena said staff would recommend the commission find the petition consistent with the general plan, which is one of the requirements to approve a vacation.
There were no public opposition comments during the hearing and the commission moved to adopt the petition. A motion to adopt the petition to vacate the public service easement (RA25‑0001) was made and seconded on the record and approved by the commission without recorded opposition.
Why it matters: Vacations of obsolete easements clear title and can simplify development or management of parcels created under historical mapping practices. The commission’s finding of general plan consistency and the CEQA exemption clear the way for the county to remove the easement from record encumbrances on the parcel, subject to any final ministerial steps to update county records.
Background and next steps: Petchelena provided exhibits showing the easement area between historical lots and explained that the petitioner owns the affected lots. The commission approved the petition on the record; staff will complete clerical steps to record the vacation in county records.
Discussion vs. decision: The commission’s vote to adopt the vacation is a formal action (decision). Staff provided factual analysis (discussion) including land‑use consistency and the environmental review determination.