HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2001, BUS 8 - CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR ABANDONMENT OF THE DESERET PLACE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN CASA C
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: John Mandeville,Community Development Director
Prepared By: John Shoals,Associate Planner 4164
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SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR ABANDONMENT OF THE
DESERET PLACE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN CASA STREET
AND ITS WESTERLY TERMINUS;ABAN45-01, SIERRA VISTA HOSPITAL.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Planning Commission,adopt a Resolution of Intention to consider
abandonment of the street right-of-way (R/W) and set a public hearing for December 4,
2001.
2. Find the City-owned property underlying the.R/W as surplus property and authorize the
Mayor to execute a document quitclaiming the City's rights to the property and transferring
it back to the adjacent landowner.
DISCUSSION
Situation
The City has received an application for abandonment of the Deseret Place street right-of-way
(R/W) between Casa Street and its westerly terminus (see Attachments 1 and 2). The applicant,
Sierra Vista Hospital, would like to enlarge its property to create additional parking spaces by
purchasing the Latter Day Saints church property on the north side of Deseret Place and combining
the properties to expand its medical facilities. Their plans are complicated by the fact that Deseret
Place separates the two properties and is owned in fee by the City of San Luis Obispo. The
Hospital is asking the City to abandon the R/W and quitclaim its rights to the land.
In order to abandon this public right-of-way,the California Streets and Highways Code(State Law)
requires the legislative body review the abandonment for consistency with the General Plan, adopt
a "Resolution of Intention"to abandon the R/W and adopt a final "Resolution of Abandonment."
In August 2001, the Planning Commission found the proposed abandonment to be consistent with
the General Plan because the right-of-way is not needed for present and future public
transportation/circulationand public utilities. The City Council must make a determination on
General Plan consistency and consider whether to adopt a "Resolution of Intention," which
would set a public hearing to consider the final abandonment. If passed, a final "Resolution of
Abandonment"will be adopted and recorded with the County Recorder.
Generally,when R/W is abandoned,unencumbered fee title is divided equally among the adjacent
property owners, subject to title company certification and any necessary easements for utilities
Council Agenda Report
ABAN 45-01 (Deseret Place)
Page 2
being obtained. However,the proposed project is not atypical abandonment because the City owns
the property underlying the R/W, and would retain fee ownership even if the R/W were
relinquished. As such, the applicant would have to acquire the unencumbered property from the
City.
The applicant's representatives are asking the City to quitclaim its rights to the underlying property
and not offer it for sale. They believe the City would unfairly benefit by selling the property that
was originally dedicated to the City by the adjacent property owners. Normally,City-owned land
must be disposed of in accordance with the procedures set forth in the City's Property Management
Manual (PMM). The PMM states: "Right-of-Way that has been purchased in fee will be sold at
market value. " However,the PMM does not really address this situation because the City did not
purchase the R/W, but acquired it through an offer of dedication with the development of the
Hospital and church properties. So, there appears to be some flexibility in deciding if this City-
owned property should be sold,exchanged or returned to the adjacent property owners.
Staff supports the applicant's request because the City did not purchase the right-of-way and the
property should revert back to the adjacent landowners who originally dedicated it to the City.
Given the property's size, shape and location, the abandonment will not create a separate lot for
development by another agency or individual. This narrow strip of land is surrounded by the
applicant's property and would be best developed in conjunction with the Hospital's expansion
plans. If the Council decides to abandon the right-of-way, it must decide how the property should
be disposed of prior to a final action on the abandonment.
Planning Commission Action
The City Planning Commission reviewed the R/W abandonment on August 22, 2001. Planning
Commission discussion focused on several aspects of the project, including: whether the public
R/Ws are needed for present and future circulation needs; continued access to any City or public
utility services in the area; the disposition of any abandoned City-owned property resulting from
the R/W abandonment; and the applicant's plans for redevelopment of the abandonment area.
The Planning Commission voted 6-0-1 (Commr. Cooper was absent) to find the proposed
abandonment to be consistent with the City's General Plan and to recommend City Council
adoption of a Resolution of Intention to set a public hearing for consideration of the final
abandonment. The Planning Commission also voted to recommend that the City Council declare
the City-owned property surplus and to direct City staff to dispose of the property consistent with
the City Property Management procedures. Attachment 4 is a copy of Planning Commission
Resolution. Minutes from the August 22, 2001 hearing are included as Attachment 5. The
Planning Commission staff report is included as Attachment 6.
CONCURRENCES
The Public Works Department supports the proposed abandonment, subject to the public water
main and appurtenant structures (in Deseret Place R/W) becoming private facilities and the
relocation of any water services and meters to the Casa Street right-of-way.
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Council Agenda Report
ABAN 45-01 (Deseret Place)
Page 3
The Utilities Department supports abandoning the public waterline in the R/W because there are
no customer services on this line, and it would eliminate maintenance costs to the City. If the
abandonment were approved, the waterline would have to be abandoned at the mainline in Casa
Street. The Utilities Department also recommends that the two dry-barrel fire hydrants be
replaced and relocated, or connected to a private on-site system. The specifics would be worked
out with any future development of the property.
The R/W abandonment proposal was sent to the local utility companies for their review and
comment. The Gas Company does not maintain gas-piping facilities within the abandonment area.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) did not have any comments on the proposed abandonment.
PG&E does,however,indicate that any future relocation or under-grounding of pole lines will be at
the expense of the requesting party, including land acquisition. Charter Communications did not
respond,but will be given another opportunity to comment during the final abandonment process.
FISCAL IMPACTS
No fiscal impacts are expected with abandonment of the public right-of-ways. Any upgrades and
relocation of infrastructure would be done at the applicant's expense not the City. There would,
however, be a fiscal benefit because the City would not be responsible for the maintenance of a
private roadway or driveway.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could find that the right-of-way is needed for present or future public purposes,
and decide not to adopt a Resolution of Intention to consider abandonment,without a public
hearing.
2. The Council could abandon the right-of-way and authorize staff to sell the surplus property at
fair market rates.
3. The Council could continue action on the Resolution of Intention, with specific direction to
staff and the affected property owners regarding additional information required.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1- Vicinity Map
Attachment 2-Zoning Map
Attachment 3- Map of Abandonment Area
Attachment 4- Planning Commission Resolution
Attachment 5- Draft Minutes of Planning Commission meeting of August 22, 2001
Attachment 6- Planning Commission Staff Report of August 22, 2001
Attachment 7- Draft Resolution"A" - Resolution of Intention to Consider Abandonment
JShoals/CC/ABAN45-01(Deseret)
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Attachment 4
PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 5318-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF ABANDONMENT
OF THE DESERET PLACE RIGHT-OF-WAY (R/W) AND
AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR THE SALE OR
EXCHANGE OF THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY UNDERLYING THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY; ABAN 45-01
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted
a public hearing in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California, on August 22, 2001, for the purpose of considering Application No. ABAN45-
00, which is a request for a General Plan consistency determination for abandonment
of a public right-of-way and the future disposition of City-owned property.
WHEREAS, said public hearing was for the purpose of formulating and
forwarding recommendations to the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
regarding projects ABAN 45-01; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the
manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has duly considered all evidence,
including the testimony of the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and
recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of San Luis Obispo as follows:
Section 1. Findings. Based upon all the evidence, the Commission makes the
following findings:
Right-of-Way Abandonment Findings
1. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is consistent with the General plan because
it is no longer need for public purposes.
2. The right-of-way abandonment will be benefit the general public by eliminating the
City's costs for maintaining pavement and infrastructure within the R/W.
3. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is categorically exempt from environmental
review under Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Resolution No. 5318-01
Page 2 Attachment 4
Disposal of Surplus Property Findings
4. That portion of the right-of=way owned by the City of San Luis Obispo, is surplus
property and is no longer needed for public purposes, and disposal of said property is
consistentwith the City's General Plan.
5. The applicant (Sierra Vista Hospital) owns all of the properties surrounding this City-
owned property and is the only logical person to deal with in this matter.
6. This City-owned property is not suitable for development of public facilities or
affordable housing given its relative small size and irregular shape.
7. Disposition of the surplus property is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act.
Section 2. Action. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the
City Council, approval of application no. ABAN 45-01, subject to the following
conditions.
1. Reservation of easements for existing public utilities shall be required, to the
satisfaction of the respective utility companies, along with any revisions to those
facilities as a result of re-development. Specific details will be determined during the
abandonment process, prior to adoption of a final abandonment resolution by the
City Council.
2. A lot line adjustment or lot merger shall occur prior to recordation of a final
abandonment resolution to eliminate landlocked parcels to the satisfaction of the
Public Works and Community Development Director. If a lot line adjustment or lot
merger is not possible, an access easement may be considered to the satisfaction
of the Public Works.
3. The public water main in Deseret Place shall become a private main, along with the
fire hydrants. An appropriate backflow devise, valves or other necessary
appurtenances shall be installed to City and State standards and any water services
and meters within the street must be relocated to the Casa Street right of way, to the
satisfaction of the Public Works and Utilities Directors.
4. The existing storm drain easement and pipe system between Deseret Place and
Stenner Creek shall be quitclaimed by the City and maintained by the property
owner.
5. Streetlights within the abandoned street shall be private and the property owner
must assume the energy costs by application to PG&E.
6. Existing parking and driveway easement/agreement must be reviewed to determine
if any revisions would be necessary as a result of abandonment. (e.g., if a common
P7
Resolution No. 5318-01 : _ ` Attachment 4
Page 3
driveway and/or private utility easements are necessary within the abandoned
Deseret Place RMI, etc.)
7. Modifications to existing frontage improvements shall be required along Casa Street.
A "street-type" entrance is acceptable if this is to remain as the emergency
entrance; otherwise, a driveway ramp or "alley-type" entrance, sidewalk and curb
ramps must be installed, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director.
8. The public waterline within the Deseret Place R/W shall be abandoned at the
mainline in Casa Street.
9. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit the applicant will be required to submit
an alternative emergency vehicle access plan to the Fire Department for approval.
Fire and ambulance vehicles currently use Deseret Place as the primary access to
the hospital emergency room.
10. The existing fire hydrant at the end of Deseret Place shall be relocated to a location
as approved by the Fire and Utilities Departments.
Section 3. Action. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend to the
City Council authorize City staff to initiate proceedings for the sale or exchange of the
City-owned property underlying the street right-of-way in accordance with the City's
Property Management Procedures Manual.
On motion by Commr. Loh, seconded by Commr. Osborne, and on the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Commrs. Caruso, Osborne, Peterson, Loh, Aiken and Boswell
NOES: None
REFRAIN: None
ABSENT: Commr. Cooper
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 22nd day of August, 2001.
Ronald Whisenand, Secretary
Planning Commission
Attachment 5
DRAFT
SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
August 22, 2001
CALL TO ORDERIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The San Luis Obispo Planning Commission was call to order at 7:15 p.m. on
Wednesday, August 22, 2001, in the City Hall Council Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San
Luis Obispo, California.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners James Caruso, Orval Osborne, Alice Loh, Jim Aiken,
Michael Boswell, and Chairman Stephen Peterson.
Absent: Commr. Allan Cooper.
Staff: Recording Secretary Irene Pierce, Deputy Community Development
Director Ron Whisenand, Associate Planner John Shoals, Assistant City
Attorney Gilbert Truillijo, Community Development Director John
Mandeville.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The Minutes of June 13, 2001, were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments made.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. Deseret Place. ABAN 45-01; Request to abandon Deseret Place as a public
street to allow additional parking for Sierra Vista Hospital; Sierra Vista Applicant
Associate Planner John Shoals presented the staff report and recommended
abandonment of the Deseret Place right-of-way between Casa Street and its westerly
terminus, finding that the right-of-way abandonment is consistent with the general plan,
and recommended the Planning Commission find that the city-owned land underlying
$-9
Attachment 5
the right-of-way is surplus property and recommend to the City Council, authorization of
its sale or exchange in accordance with property management procedures.
Vice-Chairwoman Loh asked for a clarification on the infrastructure underneath the cul-
de-sac. She questioned ownership of water main from Casa Street and the other water
main belonging to the Hospital.
Associate Planner Shoals stated Public Works is in concurrence with the request
provided the utilities within Deseret Place become privately owned, that the water main
is abandoned at Casa Street, and that anything within this former right-of-way would be
under private ownership and private maintenance.
Vice-Chairwoman Loh asked if the same thing would apply to the Fire Department's
outlets, and asked if they would be moved closer to Casa Street.
Associate Planner Shoals stated that is correct.
Commr. Caruso asked what the distance is from Stenner Creek to the end of the cul-de-
sac.
Commr. Caruso asked how excess City property is disposed of and if this action is
acted on at the City Council level.
Associate Planner Shoals replied that the City Council would have the decision of
whether they direct staff to negotiate with applicant or if they follow the full process as
outlined in the staff report.
Mr. Hollander replied that they are in full agreement with the conditions as they are
written.
Commr. Caruso stated he does not like the idea of negotiating with one party to sell
property.
Chairman Peterson asked about the zoning of the surrounding parcels.
There were no further comments or questions and the public comment session was
opened.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Knight, R.R.M. Design Group, and representing Sierra Vista Hospital explained
that they are in the process of developing the larger master plan for the property. He
stated they will be asking the City Council to abandon the street so they have first right
to get the property back. He stated that they will be coming back with a master plan for
Commission so they will have an opportunity to review it as a future approval. He asked
that Commission support the staff recommendation.
John Hollander, Tennant Health Systems, commented that parking, doctor, and office
space is at a premium and this will allow them to correct some of the problems that they
i \
-' Attachment 5
are experiencing. He stated that they will be coming back to the Commission with a
master plan proposal to show more of what this project will do to solve the parking
crisis.
Vice-Chairwoman Loh asked if they agreed with staffs findings and recommended
conditions of approval.
Mr. Hollander replied that they are in full agreement with the conditions as they are
written.
Seeing no further speakers come forward, the public comment session was closed.
COMMISSION COMMENT:
Vice-Chairwoman Loh moved to recommend the City Council approve abandonment of
Deseret Place right-of-way and authorize initiation.of proceedings for the sale of the City
owned property and the right-of=way, based on findings and subject to conditions.. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Osborne.
Commr. Aiken asked to amend the motion to allow an additional statement under
condition (2) that would allow for the option of providing an access easement to the lot
that would not be accessible and it would actually be landlocked.
Vice-Chairwoman Loh noted the merger will require approval of the Public Works
Director and the Community Development Director.
Deputy Development Director Whisenand stated that staff would not have a problem
with that being added. He stated that after looking at this property, a lot-line adjustment
is probably going to be required.
Commr. Osborne stated that he supports that as an alternative.
The motion maker and the seconder agreed to amendment from Commissioner Aiken.
AYES: Commrs. Loh, Osborne, Boswell, Caruso, Aiken, and Peterson
NOES: None.
ABESENT: Commissioner Cooper
REFFRAIN: None.
` The motion carried 6-0.
�B ESS ITEM:
2. Cal Poly: ation by Cal Poly representativ culty/staff housing
project.
Deputy Development Di nald Whisenand s Cal Poly is a superior
agency and is r the jurisdiction of City or County. They red the City
-//
Attachment 6
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF RVORT ITEM# I
BY: John Shoals,Associate Planner MEETING DATE: August 22,2001
cc i -Qnr
FROM: Ron isenand,Deputy Community Development Director P12
FILE NUMBER:ABAN 45-01
PROJECT ADDRESS: No Specific Address
SUBJECT: Request for abandonment of the Deseret Place right-of-way between Casa Street and
its westerly terminus.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
A. Find that the right-of-way abandonment is consistent with the General Plan and recommend
that the City Council approve the abandonment with findings and conditions;and
B. Find that the City-owned land underlying the R/W is surplus property and recommend Council
authorize its sale or exchange in accordance with Property Management procedures.
BACKGROUND
Situation
The City has received an application for abandonment of the Deseret Place street right-of-way
(R/W) between Casa Street and its westerly terminus (see Attachments I and 2). The applicant,
Sierra Vista Hospital, would like to enlarge its property to create additional parking spaces by
purchasing the Latter Day Saints (LDS) church property on the north side of Deseret Place and
combining the properties to expand its medical facilities. Their plans are complicated by the fact
that Deseret Place separates the two properties and is owned in fee by the City of San Luis Obispo.
The Hospital is asking the City to abandon the R/W and quitclaim its rights to the land.
The Planning Commission's role is to review the proposed street abandonment for consistency with
the City's General Plan and to make a recommendation to the City Council. The Planning
Commission should be aware that the California Streets and Highways Code requires a street
vacation (R/W abandonment)be done in the interest of the public and not an individual property
owner. The Council will consider whether to adopt a"Resolution of Intention,"which would set a
public hearing to consider the matter of final abandonment. If passed, a final "Resolution of
Abandonment" will be adopted and recorded with the County Recorder.
The Commission is also being asked to make a General Plan determination on the sale or exchange
of the City-owned property underlying the R/W. The sale or disposition of City-owned property
must follow the procedures of the City's Property Management Manual, which requires that the
property be deemed surplus and offered to the public before a private party can acquire it. The
Commission's role is to determine if this land is surplus property, and to recommend to City
Council if the City should sell or trade this excess land to the applicant. Council would approve the
final sale of the property after the details have been worked out between the applicant and City
0-/Z
ABAN 45-01
Deseret Place R/W Abandonment Attachment 6
Page 2
staff. Final abandonment would not become effective until the property is sold. Public Works will
be the lead department in this matter.
Data Summary
Applicant: RRM Design Group(Sierra Vista Hospital)
Property Owners: Sierra Vista Hospital
Representative: RRM Design Group
Zoning of Adjacent Property: O(Office)
General Plan Designation of Adjacent Property: Office
Environmental Status: Categorically exempt under Class 1, Existing Facilities (Section 15301.
(c)of CEQA Guidelines).
Project Action Deadline: Not applicable.
Site Description
The project site is a paved street with sidewalk,curb and gutter. The total area of abandonment is
approximately 18,100 square feet or 0.42 acres (see Attachment 2). The project area is a mix of
office and residential uses. Surrounding land uses include: the LDS church, offices and small
apartments to the north, larger apartments to the east across Casa Street,a medical office building
and Sierra Vista Hospital to the south,and two surface parking lots. Stenner Creek and Santa Rosa
Street lie beyond the parking areas.
Project Description
The proposed project is a General Plan consistency determination on a requested abandonment of a
public right-of-way and the future disposition of City-owned property.
EVALUATION
In order to abandon the right-of-way, the California Streets and Highways Code requires the
Planning Commission to determine whether the abandonment is consistent with the City's General
Plan. This means that a determination needs to be made on whether the right-of-way will be
needed for present or future public purposes. In addition, continued access to any City or public
utility services and improvements needs to be properly preserved. The following paragraphs
discuss pertinent issues associated with the request and evaluate whether the public way will be
needed for future City purposes:
1. Future Circulation Needs
The General Plan Circulation Element designates Deseret Place as a local street that serves a
limited number of properties, including Sierra Vista Hospital and the former LDS Church. This
short street begins at Casa Street and terminates with a cul-de-sac just before the parking areas and
Stenner Creek. According to the General Plan, there are no plans to extend Deseret Place west to
connect with Santa Rosa Street. Based on this information,it can be concluded that this right-of-
way is not planned for any future roadway improvements.
09-13
ABAN 45-01
Attachment 6
Deseret Place R/W Abandonment
Page 3
It should, however, be noted that Deseret Place is the primary access to the hospital emergency
room, which is a very important function. While a public street is benefit, a private driveway,
maintained by the Hospital, could provide a similar or better access for emergency purposes. To
assure that adequate access is available, the Fire Department is requiring the Hospital to submit
an alternate emergency vehicle access plan for its approval prior to final abandonment.
Deseret Place does not provide direct access to the creek. Therefore, it is not needed for existing
or future creek access or maintenance purposes.
2. Public Utilities
The Public Works Department supports the proposed abandonment, subject to reservation of
necessary easements. If the Council determines that all or a portion of any "excess" right of way
should be abandoned, easements must be reserved for public and private utilities to the
satisfaction of the City and the respective utility companies. These easements will insure that the
affected local utilities retain rights to repair and service their facilities within the area proposed for
abandonment.
The Utilities Department supports abandoning the public waterline in the R/W because there are
no customer services on this line, and it would eliminate maintenance costs to the City. They
recommend that the waterline be abandoned at the mainline in Casa Street. The Utilities
Department also recommends that the two dry-barrel fire hydrants be replaced and relocated, or
connected to a private on-site system. The specifics would be worked out with any future
development of the property.
The R/W abandonment proposal was sent to the local utility companies for their review and
comment. The Gas Company does not maintain gas-piping facilities within the abandonment area.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) did not have any comments on the proposed abandonment.
PG&E does,however,indicate that any future relocation or under-grounding of pole lines will be at
the expense of the requesting party, including land acquisition. Charter Communications did not
respond,but will be given another other opportunity to comment during the abandonment process.
Staff finds that the proposed R/W abandonment will not adversely impact existing or future public
utilities in the immediate area or in the City as a whole.
3. Disposition of Abandoned Right-of-Way
First American Title Insurance Company prepared a preliminary title report(lot book guarantee)to
verify ownership of the land underlying the portion of the right-of-way proposed for abandonment.
The purpose of this exercise was to determine who would own the land once the rights-of-way are
abandoned. Typically,when a street R/W is abandoned,the underlying property reverts back to the
adjacent property owners. According to the Lot Book Guarantee documents,the R/W is owned by
the City, and needs to be acquired from the City of San Luis Obispo. If the Council decides to
6 "17
ABAN 45-01 C1 Attachment 6
Deseret Place R/W Abandonment
Page 4
abandon the right-of-way, it must decide how the property should be disposed of prior to a final
action on the abandonment.
The applicant has requested that the City quitclaim any rights to the property and transfer title to the
adjacent property owners. However,since the City owns this property in fee,any future sale of the
property must be in accordance with the City Charter and the California Government Code.
Section 906 of the City Charter requires that any sale of City property be by resolution.
Government Code Section 65402 requires the Planning Commission to prepare a report concerning
consistency with the General Plan. Government Code Section 54222 requires the offer of the
property to: the Housing Authority for low-income housing;the Parks and Recreation Department
for recreational or open space purposes; the San Luis Coastal School District for school purposes;
or any other entity of association desiring to purchase or lease the land for low- and moderate-
income housing opportunities. In staffs opinion,the property underlying the street R/W site is not
suitable for housing development or recreational purposes given its location, small size and
irregular shape. Because the applicant owns all of the land surrounding this City-owned property,
the transfer of the abandoned R/W to the hospital is logical and helps create a more functional site
plan.
OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
The Public Works Department's comments address: the reservation of easements, lot merger
requirements and infrastructure maintenance responsibilities. The Utilities Department's
comments address water and wastewater facilities. The Fire Department's comments address
emergency vehicle access and fire hydrant requirements. These department's comments have
been included as conditions of approval.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Commission may also recommend that the abandonment be denied,based on a finding that
a potential City need may exist for the public way in the future,or
2. Continue the request. If the Commission continues action, then specific direction should be
given to staff and the applicant regarding further information needed.
RECOMMENDATION
A. Find that the abandonment of the Deseret Place right-of-way is consistent with the City's
General Plan, and recommend that the City Council approve the abandonment, based on the
following findings and subject to conditions.
Findings
1. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is consistent with the General plan because it is no
longer need for public purposes.
ABAN 45-01 C
Attachment 6
Deseret Place R/W Abandonment
Page 5
2. The right-of-way abandonment will be benefit the general public by eliminating the City's
costs for maintaining pavement and infrastructure within the R/W.
3. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is categorically exempt from environmental
review under Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Conditions
1. Reservation of easements for existing public utilities shall be required, to the satisfaction
of the respective utility companies, along with any revisions to those facilities as a result
of re-development. Specific details will be determined during the abandonment process,
prior to adoption of a final abandonment.resolution by the City Council.
2. A lot line adjustment or lot merger shall occur prior to recordation of a final abandonment
resolution to eliminate landlocked parcels. The adjacent contiguous hospital and former
church properties must be merged, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director and
Community Development Director. (The medical office parcel is not intended to be
affected, unless desired by owners)
3. The public water main in Deseret Place shall become a private main, along with the fire
hydrants. An appropriate backflow devise, valves or other necessary appurtenances shall
be installed to City and State standards and any water services and meters within the
street must be relocated to the Casa Street right of way, to the satisfaction of the Public
Works and Utilities Directors.
4. The existing storm drain easement and pipe system between Deseret Place and Stenner
Creek shall be quitclaimed by the City and maintained by the property owner.
5. Streetlights within the abandoned street shall be private and the property owner must
assume the energy costs by application to PG&E.
6. Existing parking and driveway easement/agreement must be reviewed to determine if any
revisions would be necessary as a result of abandonment. (e.g., if a common driveway
and/or private utility easements are necessary within the abandoned Deseret Place R/W,
etc.)
7. Modifications to existing frontage improvements shall be required along Casa Street. A
"street-type" entrance is acceptable if this is to remain as the emergency entrance;
otherwise, a driveway ramp or "alley-type" entrance, sidewalk and curb ramps must be
installed, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director.
8. The public waterline within the Deseret Place R/W shall be abandoned at the mainline in
Casa Street.
rW
ABAN 45-01 �� Attachment 8
Deseret Place R/W Abandonment
Page 6
9. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit the applicant will be required to submit an
alternative emergency vehicle access plan to the Fire Department for approval. Fire and
ambulance vehicles currently use Deseret Place as the primary access to the hospital
emergency room.
10. The existing fire hydrant at the end of Deseret Place shall be relocated to a location as
approved by the Fire and Utilities Departments.
B. Find the City-owned property, underlying the street right-of-way, to be surplus property and
recommend that the City Council authorize its sale or exchange at a fair market value as
determined by a certified real estate appraiser,based on the following findings:
1. That portion of the right-of-way owned by the City of San Luis Obispo,is surplus property
and is no longer needed for public purposes,and disposal of said property is consistent with
the City's General Plan.
2. The applicant(Sierra Vista Hospital)owns all of the properties surrounding this City-owned
property and is the only logical person to deal with in this matter.
3. This City-owned property is not suitable for development of public facilities or affordable
housing given its relative small size and irregular shape.
4. Disposition of the surplus property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Vicinity Map
Attachment 2 Map of Abandonment Area
Attachment 3 - Planning Commission Resolution
Bhoals/PGABAN45-01(Deseret)
P-17
\ I
Attachment 7
RESOLUTION NO. (2001 Series)
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION OF
INTENTION TO ABANDON THE DESERET PLACE STREET RIGHT-
OF-WAY, BETWEEN CASA STREET AND ITS WESTERLY TERMINUS
(ABAN 45-01)
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission conducted a regular
public hearing on August 22, 2001, for the purpose of making a General Plan determination and
formulating a recommendation to the City Council on a request for abandonment of the Deseret
Place R/W between Casa Street and its westerly terminus;
WHEREAS, a title report prepared by First American Title Insurance Company shows
that the City of San Luis Obispo has fee ownership of land underlying the Deseret Place Street
R/W, and the City has received a request to quitclaim its rights to said property; and
WHEREAS,the disposition of City-owned property must be done in accordance with the
City Charter(Section 906), the California Government Code (Sections 54222 and 65402) and the
procedures of the City's Property Management Manual; and
WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission found that the proposed right-of-way
abandonment was consistent with the City's General Plan, and recommended that the City
Council approve the abandonment, based on findings and subject to conditions as indicated in
Planning Commission Resolution, incorporated herein by reference;
WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission found the land underlying the right-of-way
to be surplus City property and the disposal of said property to be consistent with the General
Plan and the City's Property Management Manual.
BE IT RESOLVED,by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Action - Intention to Abandon. It is the intention of the City of San Luis
Obispo to abandon the above-referenced public right-of-ways as shown on the map marked
Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, pursuant to Section 8300
et.seq. of the State of California Streets and Highways Code, and that the abandonment shall be
based on the following findings, and subject to the following conditions:
City Council ResOlutionlVo. (2001 Series) ��
ABAN45-01(Deseret Place)
Page 2 Attachment 7
Findings:
Right-of-Way Abandonment Findings
1. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is consistent with the General plan because it is no
longer needed for public purposes.
2. The right-of-way abandonment will benefit the general public by eliminating the City's costs
for maintaining pavement and infrastructure within the R/W.
3. The proposed right-of-way abandonment is categorically exempt from environmental review
under Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Disposal of Surplus Property Findings
4. That portion of the right-of-way owned by the City of San Luis Obispo,is surplus property and
is no longer needed for public purposes, and disposal of said property is consistent with the
City's General Plan.
5. The applicant (Sierra Vista Hospital) owns all of the properties surrounding this City-owned
property and is the only logical person to deal with in this matter.
6. This City-owned property is not suitable for development of public facilities or affordable
housing given its relative small size and irregular shape.
7. Disposition of the surplus property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Conditions:
1. Reservation of easements for existing public utilities shall be required, to the satisfaction of
the respective utility companies, along with any revisions to those facilities as a result of re-
development. Specific details will be determined during the abandonment process, prior to
adoption of a final abandonment resolution by the City Council.
2. A lot line adjustment or lot merger shall occur prior to recordation of a final abandonment
resolution to eliminate landlocked parcels to the satisfaction of the Public Works and
Community Development Director. If a lot line adjustment or lot merger is not possible, an
access easement may be considered to the satisfaction of the Public Works.
3. The public water main in Deseret Place shall become a private main, along with the fire
hydrants. An appropriate backflow devise, valves or other necessary appurtenances shall be
installed to City and State standards and any water services and meters within the street must
City Council Resolution Tv (2001 Series)
ABAN45-01(Deseret Place) Attachment 7
Page 3
be relocated to the Casa Street right of way, to the satisfaction of the Public Works and
Utilities Directors.
4. The existing storm drain easement and pipe system between Deseret Place and Stenner Creek
shall be quitclaimed by the City and maintained by the property owner.
5. Streetlights within the abandoned street shall be private and the property owner must assume
the energy costs by application to PG&E.
6. Existing parking and driveway easement/agreement must be reviewed to determine if any
revisions would be necessary as a result of abandonment. (e.g., if a common driveway and/or
private utility easements are necessary within the abandoned Deseret Place R/W, etc.)
7. Modifications to existing frontage improvements shall be required along Casa Street. A
"street-type" entrance is acceptable if this is to remain as the emergency entrance; otherwise,
a driveway ramp or "alley-type" entrance, sidewalk and curb ramps must be installed, to the
satisfaction of the Public Works Director.
8. The public waterline within the Deseret Place R/W shall be abandoned at the mainline in
Casa Street.
9. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit the applicant will be required to submit an
alternative emergency vehicle access plan to the Fire Department for approval. Fire and
ambulance vehicles currently use Deseret Place as the primary access to the hospital
emergency room.
10. The existing fire hydrant at the end of Deseret Place shall be relocated to a location as
approved by the Fire and Utilities Departments.
SECTION 2. Copies of the map showing the particulars of the proposed abandonment
are on file in the office of the City Clerk, at 990 Palm Street.
SECTION 3. Tuesday, December 4, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the
City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California is the time and place set for hearing all
persons interested in or objecting to the proposed abandonment, which time is more than fifteen
(15) days from the passage of this resolution.
SECTION 4. This resolution, together with the ayes and noes, shall be published once in
full at least ten (10) days before the public hearing on the proposed street right-of-way
abandonment, in The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this city.
SECTION 5. The City Engineer shall post at least three (3) notices of the proposed
abandonment in prominent locations near the portion of the street right-of-way to be abandoned
P-ZO
City Council Resolution N. (2001 Series)
ABAN45-01(Deseret Place) Attachment 7
Page 4
at least fourteen (14) days before the date set for the hearing in accordance with Section 8322 of
the Streets and Highways Code.
SECTION 6. The City Engineer shall notify utility companies affected by the proposed
abandonment within ten (10) days after adoption of the Resolution of Intention in accordance
with Section 8347 of the Streets and Highways code.
On motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this I6th day of October 2001.
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST:
City Clerk Lee Price
APPROVED:
�4j%tto ey fey . Jorgensen
Attachment:
Exhibit"A" - Street right-of-way Abandonment Map
JShoals/CC/ABAN45-01 Res
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:TING AGENDA_
DATE /074-01 ITEM#.
October 16, 2001
To: City Council
From: Jan Howell Marx
Re: Creek Set Back Ordinance Agenda Item #7
Generally, I approve of the changes proposed by the Planning Commission and staff
However, I am concerned about the proposed change in G2b ("Entitled Accessory Structures and
Uses")
PRESENT LANGUAGE
"b. parking spaces for single-family dwellings; patios; walkways." (P. 37 ordinance)
PROPOSED LANGUAGE
"b. Uncovered parking spaces for a single-family dwelling.
C. Uncovered patios, walkways and pedestrian paths (bicycle paths require a
discretionary exception as provided in part 4)." (P. 7-23)
This proposed language would create a loop-hole which could allow as an entitlement a
network of patios, walkways and pedestrian paths in creek setbacks in non"single family" areas
of the city, such as multifamily, commercial or industrial.
It is clear in the Open Space Element (p 80)that"Recreation within creek corridors" is
prohibited "except Mission Plaza and Mission Plaza Expansion areas." The above proposed
language could lead to a"Mission Plaza" style treatment of the creek as an entitlement in non R-
1 areas.
To make sure that the creation of any network of walkways entitlement for all four items
should be narrowly restricted to the single family dwelling context. Therefore, I propose the
following revised proposed language:
NEW PROPOSED LANGUAGE
"b. For single-family dwellings, parking spaces, uncovered patios and walkways."
NOTE: I request that as part of the Staff Report, the City Council be given the original text
of any ordinance which is being considered for amendment, as well as the legislative draft.
This will allow the Council to consider the proposed changes in light of the presently
enacted ordinance.
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