Council approves ordinance vacating common property lines for downtown industrial parcel

Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance vacating the common property lines between tax lots identified on map number 36-5-17-CC, clearing a procedural step for a proposed 7,600-square-foot light-industrial, multi-bay building at Southeast J and Southeast Eleventh Street.

The property owner applied to remove the internal line between the two lots to allow construction of a four-unit, bay-style warehouse. "This item before you tonight is a property line vacation as the mayor stated," Brad, the planning staff presenter, told the council during his staff report. He said staff reviewed the vacation against the development-code criteria and found the application met the standards.

The city received no public comments during the quasi-judicial hearing. Councilmember Rick moved the ordinance for first reading, seconded by Councilmember Kathleen. The council then held a second-reading motion — moved by Councilmember Indra and seconded by Councilmember Rick — and unanimously adopted the ordinance on second reading.

Brad noted the application is limited to vacating the common property line and does not approve development of the proposed building; any construction will still require separate permits. The staff presentation also explained a discrepancy in historical subdivision lines vs. assessor records and asked council to include both identified lines in the motion.

An ordinance adopting the vacation will return to council for final filing and administrative steps. The council did not receive substantive opposition at the hearing and directed staff only to bring final ordinance language back for ministerial completion.

The council roll-call votes on both readings were unanimous.