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Council approves first reading of ordinance to vacate right-of-way; staff cites development implications
Summary
On first reading the Powell City Council approved Ordinance 1-20-25 to vacate a portion of right‑of‑way adjacent to private lots; staff and council discussed impacts on future access and utility extensions.
The Powell City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 1-20-25, a proposal to vacate a parcel of city right‑of‑way adjacent to privately owned lots, after discussion about how the change could affect future development and utility access above the site.
A staff member explained the request came from a property owner who purchased the lot next to his current property and does not want a street running through the two parcels; Planning and Zoning had approved the request. The staff member cautioned the council that the city “would probably never recommend to just get rid of a right away,” noting right‑of‑ways are often retained for future growth and that utilities (water and sewer) do not currently extend to the upper parcel.
Council members raised concerns that vacating the right‑of‑way could add cost or complexity for future developers trying to access parcels above the site. Staff noted there is an alternate potential right‑of‑way (a Tenth Street alignment) farther up that could provide access, and that other subdivision or developer solutions — such as horizontal road access from adjacent parcels — are possible.
A motion to approve Ordinance 1‑20‑25 on first reading and authorize signatures passed on a voice vote recorded in the transcript as “Aye” with no recorded opposing votes on first reading. The ordinance will return for a subsequent reading as required by council procedures.
Quotations in this article are drawn from the council meeting transcript of Jan. 20, 2025.
