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City staff pitches internal application for residents who want to buy small 'orphan' city parcels
Summary
Staff presented an internal application and checklist to evaluate resident requests to purchase small city‑owned 'orphan' parcels; council asked for clearer fields (application date and price language) and discussion of encroachment disclosures, but left pricing and penalties for later deliberation.
City staff told council they have drafted an administrative application to standardize responses when residents ask to purchase small city‑owned parcels adjacent to private property — commonly called "orphan parcels." The form is intended as a staff tool to collect the location, proposed use, evidence of maintenance/encroachment, and whether the parcel interferes with city infrastructure or trail corridors.
"Does this document elicit the information that the council members need to come to a final decision on whether or not to sell the property?" Jay asked, summarizing the purpose of the proposed form. Councilors asked staff to add an applicant date field and to clarify that final sale prices will be set by council policy rather than by staff. Several councilors expressed concern about penalizing residents who have maintained city property for years; staff said eligibility rules (for example, parcels along trail corridors) will continue to rule out many sales, and that any encroachment penalty or premium will be a separate policy conversation.
Staff said the application is an internal tool they will refine as the first petitions are received and will bring any changes to council prior to sale decisions.
