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Placer County updates property-abandonment procedures and forms to modernize public submissions
Summary
Public Works presented a revised abandonment procedure and new application forms to require more complete upfront submissions and to allow online payment and tracking; the board received the briefing and staff will return with fee recommendations.
Placer County Public Works presented updated procedures, forms and a new online workflow for requests to abandon (vacate) public rights-of-way and easements. The changes are intended to modernize the application process, reduce staff time spent on incomplete inquiries, and standardize how the county collects utility and adjacent-owner approvals.
Why it matters: Abandonment (vacation) procedures apply when a private party requests that Placer County relinquish a public interest in property the county holds on behalf of the public — for example, a small segment of roadway or an unused utility easement. The county must determine the request is unnecessary for present or prospective public use and must follow state law (Streets and Highways Code and the Subdivision Map Act). Public Works said more complete, front-loaded submissions will speed review and improve predictability for applicants and reviewers.
What the update includes: Public Works will accept electronic submissions and payments through the county’s online permit portal (Acellus); provide applicants with a checklist and sample letters to solicit required approvals from utilities, other county departments and adjacent landowners; require a letter of agency when third-party consultants file on an owner's behalf; and suggest a re-examination of application fees that have not been updated in some time.
Board and public comment: Supervisors asked about Tahoe-area situations where shoreline access, neighborhood access, or prescriptive use raise complicated ownership and public-access questions; staff said those cases would involve additional review and coordination with Tahoe-specific committees and county planning. Staff also said a fee review is underway and that they will return with fee-recommendations.
Ending: The board received the presentation; no ordinance change or final fee adoption occurred at the meeting. Public Works said it will implement the online application process and come back with proposed fee updates after internal review.
