HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6c - Approve a Utility Easement with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to Facilitate CALTRANS Intersection Improvement Project at Santa Rosa Street & Highland Drive Item 6c
Department: Public Works
Cost Center: 5010
For Agenda of: 7/15/2025
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Aaron Floyd, Interim Public Works Director
Prepared By: Luke Schwartz, Transportation Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVE A UTILITY EASEMENT WITH PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC
(PG&E) TO FACILITATE CALTRANS INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT AT SANTA ROSA STREET & HIGHLAND DRIVE
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the Mayor to execute a Public Utility Easement Agreement with PG&E in a final
form approved by the City Attorney to support improvements planned by Caltrans to the
Santa Rosa Street (State Route 1) & Highland Drive intersection.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City’s 2017 Safe Route to School Plan for Bishop Peak and Pacheco Elementary
Schools and 2021 Active Transportation Plan recommend future improvements to the
intersection of Santa Rosa Street (State Route (SR) 1) and Highland Drive to improve
crossing access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians crossing Santa Rosa Street.
This segment of Santa Rosa Street (SR 1) is also designated as part of the High Injury
Network in the City’s Draft Vision Zero Action Plan, with a high frequency and severity of
traffic collisions. The Action Plan also identifies recommended improvements to this
intersection to reduce collision potential.
The purpose of this report is to seek Council authorization to execute a utility easement
with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) that is needed to support the implementation of
safety improvements planned for the Santa Rosa Street (SR 1)/Highland Drive
intersection by Caltrans.
DISCUSSION
Background
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is planning to construct
improvements at the intersection of Santa Rosa Street (SR 1) and Highland Drive, with
an initial scope of work that included upgrades to traffic signal equipment, modifications
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to increase visibility of the advance “TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD” warning sign and beacon
on southbound State Route 1 approaching this intersection, and ADA curb ramp
improvements. When made aware of this project in 2023 , representatives of the City, Cal
Poly, and the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) requested that
Caltrans consider incorporating additional traffic safety improvements to this project, with
a particular focus on improving safety for people crossing Santa Rosa Street (SR 1) on
foot and by bicycle.
This intersection serves as a primary gateway into the City of San Luis Obispo and the
Cal Poly Campus, serving more than 1,200 pedestrian and bicycle crossings per day.
While the overall collision rate for this intersection does not appear to be above average
considering the high volume of traffic at this location, there have been two severe injury
collisions, and one fatal collision reported in the past five years. The City’s 2017 Safe
Routes to School Plan for Bishop Peak and Pacheco Elementary, 2021 Active
Transportation Plan, and Draft Vision Zero Action Plan all recommend future crossing
improvements at this intersection, with a recommendation for design elements that
improve safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists crossing Santa Rosa Street.
Following further coordination with Caltrans and a funding contribution provided by
SLOCOG of approximately $400,000 towards additional design features, Caltrans has
agreed to design and construct added crossing improvements to this intersection as part
of this project if this can be done within available budget and without significant delays to
the project. As currently designed, the project includes the following added features,
which implement the primary recommendations of the City’s aforementioned plans:
Hi-visibility traffic signal backplates with yellow retroreflective edges (increases
visibility of signal heads)
Hi-visibility “ladder-style” crosswalk markings
Widening to provide a dedicated eastbound right-turn lane on Highland Drive,
which provides width for a channelized bike lane to the left of right-turning vehicles
(reduces potential for vehicle vs. bike “right hook” collisions)
Eastbound and westbound bicycle left-turn boxes
“NO RIGHT TURN” illuminated blank-out signs to restrict right-turns on red during
lead pedestrian walk intervals (allows pedestrians and bicycles to get a head start
into the intersection without conflicts before vehicles have a green light).
An exhibit illustrating the proposed improvements is provided as Attachment A.
Utility Easement
During design of the proposed project improvements, Caltrans determined that an
existing PG&E utility pole and junction box would need to be relocated to accommodate
the project. This would involve shifting an existing PG&E pole located within a City-owned
parcel approximately 10’-15’ to the south from its existing position. The pole is currently
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within a City-owned parcel and will remain within this parcel when relocated. Caltrans is
coordinating this relocation with PG&E and will be funding the relocation costs; however,
because this infrastructure is located on City-owned property, the City will need to grant
a public utility easement to PG&E to facilitate this work. The City-owned parcel (APN No.
073-341-025) is located at the southwest corner of the Santa Rosa Street/Highland Drive
intersection and currently includes a gateway monument sign and landscaping. Exhibit
B shows the location of the affected City-owned parcel and PG&E utilities to be relocated.
The realignment of these utilities and related easement dedication is not anticipated to
substantively impact the value or intended use of this property and there is no direct cost
to the City; thus, staff is requesting Council authorization to execute a public utility
easement deed with PG&E, which is provided for reference as Attachment C.
This project is anticipated to start construction summer of 2026.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
The development of the City’s previously adopted Safe Routes to School Plan for Bishop
Peak and Pacheco Elementary, 2021 Active Transportation Plan, and 2025 Draft Vision
Zero Action Plan, which include recommendations for improvements to the Santa Rosa
(SR 1)/Highland Drive intersection, involved numerous presentations and meetings with
the City’s Active Transportation Committee (ATC).
Public Engagement
Development of the City’s previously adopted Safe Routes to School Plan for Bishop
Peak and Pacheco Elementary, 2021 Active Transportation Plan, and 2025 Draft Vision
Zero Action Plan, involved numerous public engagement efforts and opportunities for
community input on recommended improvement projects and priorities. Further, this item
is on the Council Agenda for the July 15, 2025, meeting and will follow all required
postings and notifications. The public will have an opportunity to comment on this item at
or before the meeting.
CONCURRENCE
This staff report has been reviewed and approved by the City Public Works Departmen t,
City Attorney’s Office, and City Administration.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply to the specific action
recommended in this report (executing a public utility easement) because the action does
not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. As the entity leading
planning, design and construction of the related improvements proposed at the Santa
Rosa Street (SR 1)/Highland Drive intersection, Caltrans will be responsible for
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conducting the environmental review required prior to construction of any physical
improvements at this location. With that said, it is expected that the specific action of
relocating the existing electrical utilities would qualify for a categorical exemption under
CEQA Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement or
Reconstruction).
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: No
Fiscal Analysis:
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City associated with executing requested utility
easement agreement with PG&E. PG&E utility poles and overhead wires already exist
on this City-owned parcel, and the proposed utility relocations do not substantively impact
the value or potential use of this property. Further, Cal trans has agreed to design and
construct additional betterments as part of this intersection improvement project at the
request of the City, Cal Poly, and SLOCOG staff, which will directly benefit local road
users, particularly students and staff commuting to Cal Poly from the Highland Drive
neighborhood. The cost associated with these added features, including utility
relocations, is approximately $450,000. The City does not have any funding nor is
expected to provide any funding to support the project.
As lead project proponent, Caltrans would typically be required to compensate the City
for granting the requested utility easement per Caltrans policies; however, because the
value of the added design features Caltrans has agreed to include in this project at the
City’s request exceed the anticipated value of these easement rights, staff is
recommending that the Council approve granting this easement at no cost to Caltrans.
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ N/A $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $ N/A $ $ $
ALTERNATIVES
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The Council could decide not to approve granting a public utility easement to
PG&E.This course of action would impede the ability of Caltrans to construct the safety
improvements planned for the Santa Rosa (SR 1)/Highland Drive intersection. Under this
scenario, Caltrans would likely revise the project designs to eliminate or significantly
reduce the scope of pedestrian/bicycle crossing improvements to avoid the conflicting
PG&E utilities. If these planned safety improvements were to be eliminated from this
project, the City would likely need to advance these elements in a future capital
improvement project, taking on responsibility for construction and utility relocation costs.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Proposed Intersection Improvements
B - Utility Relocation Exhibit
C - Draft Public Utility Easement Deed
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SANTA ROSA ST (SR 1)HIGHLAND DRCHANNELIZED BIKE LANE TOLEFT OF RIGHT-TURN LANEBIKE LEFT TURN BOXHIGH-VISIBILITYCROSSWALKMARKINGSWIDEN TO ADDEASTBOUNDRIGHT-TURN LANE,REDUCING "RIGHTHOOK" CONFLICTSWITH BICYCLISTSHIGH-VISIBILITY SIGNAL BACKPLATESNO RIGHT TURN ON REDILLUMINATED SIGN DURING LEADPEDESTRIAN WALK SIGNALNTSSANTA ROSA STREET (STATE ROUTE 1) & HIGHLAND DRIVEPROPOSED INTERSECTION CROSSING IMPROVEMENTSCHANNELIZED BIKE LANE TOLEFT OF RIGHT-TURN LANEPage 27 of 251
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Santa Rosa (SR 1) & Highland Drive Intersection Improvements
Utility Relocation Exhibit
City-Owned Parcel (No. 073-341-025) Affected by Utility Easement
PG&E Utility Pole to Be Relocated
Relocate PG&E Pole
10’-15’ south (away
from Highland Drive)
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Distribution Easement (Rev.02/2020)
RECORDING REQUESTED BY AND RETURN TO:
PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 210
Oakland, CA 94612
Attn: Land Rights Library
Location: City/Uninc______________________
Recording Fee $_____________________________
Document Transfer Tax $ __________
[ ] This is a conveyance where the consideration and
Value is less than $100.00 (R&T 11911).
[ ] Computed on Full Value of Property Conveyed, or
[ ] Computed on Full Value Less Liens
& Encumbrances Remaining at Time of Sale
[ ] Exempt from the fee per GC 27388.1 (a) (2); This
document is subject to Documentary Transfer Tax
Signature of declarant or agent determining tax
(SPACE ABOVE FOR RECORDER'S USE ONLY)
LD#2230-12-10112 EASEMENT DEED
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,
hereinafter called Grantor, hereby grants to PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, a
California corporation, hereinafter called Grantee, the right from time to time to excavate for, construct,
reconstruct, install, replace (of initial or any other size), remove, maintain, inspect and use facilities of
the type hereinafter specified, together with a right of way therefor, within the easement area as
hereinafter set forth, and also ingress thereto and egress therefrom, over and across the lands of Grantor
situated in the City of San Luis Obispo, County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, described as
follows:
(APN 073-341-025)
That portion of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 22, Township 30 South, Range
12 East, MDM described in the Relinquishment of Highway Right of Way dated December 17, 1975
and recorded in Volume 1871 of Official Records at page 902, San Luis Obispo County Records.
The facilities and easement area are described as follows:
Such poles, aerial wires, cables, electrical conductors with associated crossarms, braces, transformers,
anchors, guy wires and cables; and such underground conduits, pipes, manholes, service boxes, wires,
cables, and electrical conductors; aboveground marker posts, risers, and service pedestals; underground
and aboveground switches, fuses, terminals, and transformers with associated concrete pads; and
fixtures and appurtenances necessary to any and all thereof, as Grantee deems necessary for the
distribution of electric energy and communication purposes; all to be located within the strips of land of
the uniform width of 32 feet, lying 16 feet on each side of the alignment of the facilities as initially
installed hereunder. The approximate location of said facilities are shown upon Grantee’s Drawing
Number 35617824 attached hereto and made a part hereof.
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Distribution Easement Rev. (02/2020)
Grantor further grants to Grantee the right, from time to time, to trim or to cut down, without Grantee
paying compensation, any and all trees and brush now or hereafter within said easement area, and shall
have the further right, from time to time, to trim and cut down trees and brush along each side of said
easement area which now or hereafter in the opinion of Grantee may interfere with or be a hazard to the
facilities installed hereunder, or as Grantee deems necessary to comply with applicable state or federal
regulations.
Grantor also grants to Grantee the right to use such portion of said lands contiguous to said easement
area as may be reasonably necessary in connection with the excavation, construction, reconstruction,
replacement, removal, maintenance and inspection of said facilities.
Grantor hereby covenants and agrees not to place or construct, nor allow a third party to place or
construct, any building or other structure, or store flammable substances, or drill or operate any well, or
construct any reservoir or other obstruction within said easement area, or diminish or substantially add
to the ground level within said easement area, or construct any fences that will interfere with the
maintenance and operation of said facilities.
Grantor further grants to Grantee the right to apportion to another public utility (as defined in Section
216 of the California Public Utilities Code) the right to construct, reconstruct, replace, remove, maintain,
inspect, and use the communications facilities within said easement area including ingress thereto and
egress therefrom.
The legal description herein, or the map attached hereto, defining the location of this utility distribution
easement, was prepared by Grantee pursuant to Section 8730 (c) of the Business and Professions Code.
This document may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all
of which, together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
The provisions hereof shall inure to the benefit of and bind the successors and assigns of the respective
parties hereto, and all covenants shall apply to and run with the land.
Dated: __________________, _______
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
_____________________________________________
By:
Print Name:______________________________
Title:____________________________________
I hereby certify that a resolution was adopted on the ____ day of _________, 20____, by the
_____________________________________ authorizing the foregoing grant of easement.
By__________________________________ Title________________________________
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Distribution Easement Rev. (02/2020)
State of California
County of )
On __________________________, before me, Notary Public,
Insert name
personally appeared
,
who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within
instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that
by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed
the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and
correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
Signature of Notary Public
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER
[ ] Individual(s) signing for oneself/themselves
[ ] Corporate Officer(s) of the above named corporation(s)
[ ] Trustee(s) of the above named Trust(s)
[ ] Partner(s) of the above named Partnership(s)
[ ] Attorney(s)-in-Fact of the above named Principal(s)
[ ] Other
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who
signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of
that document.
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Distribution Easement Rev. (02/2020)
Attach to LD: 2230-12-10112
Area, Region or Location: 4
Land Service Office: San Luis Obispo
Line of Business: Electric Distribution (43)
Business Doc Type: Easements
MTRSQ: 22.30.12.22.24,
FERC License Number:
PG&E Drawing Number: 35617824
Plat No.: MM3307
LD of Affected Documents:
LD of Cross Referenced Documents:
Type of interest: Electric Pole Line Easements (3), Electric Underground Easements (4)
SBE Parcel:
% Being Quitclaimed:
Order or PM: 35617824
JCN:
County: San Luis Obispo
Utility Notice Number:
851 Approval Application No: ;Decision:
Prepared By: m22f
Checked By: l3b0
Approved By:
Revised by:
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