Alameda County staff say Morrison Canyon road vacation is progressing, pending Planning Commission review

Alameda County public works staff updated the Transportation & Planning Committee on May 19 about a petition to vacate a short portion of Morrison Canyon Road that sits primarily within one private property.

Public works Director Daniel Widesen Bett told the committee the adjacent property owner initiated the request and that about 21 additional petitioners supported the vacation. As required by the Streets and Highways Code, the county notified utilities and government entities; utility providers generally raised no objection but requested easement reservations to preserve access.

Widesen Bett said the county will establish access easements across the portion proposed for vacation so utility access is preserved. He also reported the East Bay Regional Park District submitted a letter indicating concurrence and the City of Fremont provided conditional approval, noting the city will meet with the property owner to verify that its criteria are satisfied.

Committee members asked whether Planning anticipates any inconsistency with the county general plan. Planning staff said they do not expect substantive conflicts but that the Planning Commission date (tentatively June 16) is set by the commission and could change. If the Planning Commission confirms the vacation meets public-finding requirements and aligns with the general plan, staff said the matter will be scheduled for a Board hearing to consider formally vacating the road.

There were no public speakers on the item. The committee received the update but did not take a vote; the next procedural milestone is Planning Commission review for general-plan consistency.