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Council tables Canyon County request to vacate portion of North 13th Avenue for county parking expansion
Summary
Canyon County requested vacation of a section of North 13th Avenue to expand parking for a new sheriff's office. Councilors raised concerns about fair market value, access to driveways and the city’s absence of a formal fee mechanism for vacations; council voted to table the item indefinitely to allow follow‑up.
Caldwell — A public hearing on May 5 over a Canyon County request to vacate a portion of North Thirteenth Avenue was tabled indefinitely as council members sought more information on property valuation, access and a mechanism for accepting payment or land swaps.
City planner presented the application and said the county had purchased adjacent parcels to expand parking tied to a new sheriff’s office project. Staff said the Traffic Commission recommended approval conditioned on a new public utility easement for an existing storm drain and a future pressurized sewer line. One nearby resident submitted written opposition citing neighborhood encroachment and construction behavior.
Councilors raised similar questions during the hearing. Councilor Doty and Councilor Stowe asked what the fair market value for the right of way would be and said the county should pay a fair price. Councilor Elgud asked about driveway access for two residences that formerly used the right of way; staff and the mayor confirmed those parcels were already owned by Canyon County and access would not be removed.
Councilor Kelser Williams and other council members asked for a more defined internal process: the city currently has no formal mechanism to accept payment for vacations of right of way, staff and the city attorney confirmed. After discussion Councilor Doty moved to table the request until the city staff can provide the legal and administrative details; Councilor Stoddick seconded and the council voted to table the request indefinitely.
Why it matters: Vacating public right of way transfers control from the city to a private or other public owner and commonly requires clarifying access, public‑utility interests and compensation. Council said it wants a mechanism or policy for handling future similar requests.
Ending: The item was tabled with direction to staff to return when the city has more information about valuation, legal authority and options (land swap, fee, or other compensation).
