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Planning Commission approves two summary vacations to clear the way for Freeman Court housing and private development on Woodland Avenue
Summary
The Woodland Planning Commission unanimously approved two summary‑vacation resolutions to remove surplus right‑of‑way at 334 Freeman Street to facilitate Opportunity Village’s 12‑unit Freeman Court permanent supportive housing and to vacate the north portion of an alley at 414 Woodland Avenue to allow future development. Both were found consistent with the general plan and CEQA‑exempt.
The Woodland Planning Commission on Feb. 2026 voted unanimously to recommend that City Council adopt two summary‑vacation resolutions intended to enable infill development.
Staff told commissioners the first request, PC 26‑02, would vacate a 0.02‑acre surplus right‑of‑way on the east side of 334 Freeman Street to clear an encumbrance hindering construction of Freeman Court, a 12‑unit permanent supportive housing project by Opportunity Village. "The item before you tonight is a business item ... the first area that has surplus right of way is at 334 Freeman Street," staff said, noting the project has secured HUD vouchers to sustain the units and that a 12‑foot public utility easement (PUE) would replace the existing right‑of‑way easement to preserve utility access.
Commissioners asked about transit and design details. Staff said the rendering shown came from Opportunity Village’s original design review application and that Yolo Transit had been contacted about service in the area; staff noted that putting in a bus stop is inexpensive but servicing it requires operating resources.
Commissioner Smith moved approval of Resolution PC 26‑02 (finding the 0.02‑acre vacation consistent with the general plan and identifying Parcel 5‑0705‑007). The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
The commission then considered PC 26‑03, a request from the owner of property at 414 Woodland Avenue to vacate the north portion of an alley (0.138 acre, Parcel 5‑595‑001.03). Staff said the city has not used or maintained the north section of the alley for more than five years, meeting the statutory non‑use requirement for a summary vacation, and that the southern half presents additional access and outreach complexities that staff expects to address separately.
By acclamation Commissioner Harris moved approval of Resolution PC 26‑03; Commissioner Smith seconded the motion and the commission voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation to council.
Votes at a glance
• PC 26‑02 (334 Freeman Street): Motion by Commissioner Smith; seconded; outcome — approved unanimously. Purpose: vacate 0.02 acre to enable Opportunity Village’s Freeman Court supportive housing; staff stated CEQA categorical exemption as a minor alteration in land use limitations.
• PC 26‑03 (414 Woodland Avenue): Motion by Commissioner Harris; seconded by Commissioner Smith; outcome — approved unanimously. Purpose: summary vacation of 0.138 acre (north alley) to unencumber an underlying property for future private development.
Why it matters
Staff said both vacations support infill development and the city’s general‑plan policies, and the Freeman Street action specifically removes a barrier to a small permanent supportive housing project that staff described as responding to a long waiting list for permanent supportive housing in Yolo County.
What’s next
The planning commission’s actions were recommendations to City Council; staff will transmit the adopted resolutions and proposed findings to council for final action. The commission also noted that any future transit service shown in project renderings will depend on Yolo Transit’s operational decisions and funding.
Sources and provenance
This article is based on the Planning Commission staff presentation and public meeting discussion (topic introduced SEG 275; discussion concluded SEG 667).
