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Planning board backs simpler process to vacate public ways in draft code change
Summary
The board recommended a draft amendment to city code division 3 to streamline vacations of public streets and easements, saying the change reduces applicant expense and preserves utility and public-notice checks.
City planning staff presented a draft change to Division 3 of the city code that would shorten the process and reduce mailing and application costs for requests to vacate public streets, alleys, canals and similar non-fee interests.
Carl explained the proposal would leave the existing vacation process in place for complex cases but allow limited, nonmovable encroachments to proceed directly to City Council with a simplified notice requirement. "What we propose to do is to add section 2 the code, leaving the existing vacation of easement...we don't even have to come to the planning advisory board anymore. We go straight to council," Carl said.
Board members discussed safeguards such as required notice to utilities, the service date limiting eligibility for the simplified path and the underlying purpose of checks and balances in the code. With no public speakers on the item, a board member moved to recommend the amendment to council; members voiced approval and the chair declared the motion passed.
What happens next: The board's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; staff said the draft includes a service date after which the simplified path would not apply and emphasized the utility-notification steps remain part of the process.
