Special Notice / Hearing: Once a Week for two Weeks
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
Subject: Vacation (abandonment) of the unused Public Utility Easements located along a portion of the exterior boundaries of the property at 511 Entrada Way, in Unincorporated Menlo Park
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation regarding the vacation of 511 Entrada Way, in Unincorporated Menlo Park:
A) Open public hearing
B) Close public hearing
C) Adopt a resolution authorizing the vacation of the unused Public Utility Easements located along a portion of the exterior boundaries of San Mateo County Assessor’s Parcel Number 062-171-340, more commonly known as 511 Entrada Way, in Unincorporated Menlo Park.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1940, Public Utility Easements (“Easements”) were granted to the County for the purpose of providing public utility services to San Mateo County Assessor’s Parcel Number 062-171-340, more commonly known as 511 Entrada Way, in Unincorporated Menlo Park (“Property”) and adjacent properties. However, the Easements, which run along a portion the Property’s exterior boundaries as shown on Exhibit A attached, are not being used by the County or any other utility service providers.
The Property currently consists of a single family residence and detached garage, and the owners of the Property desire to make further improvements. Due to the location of the Easements, they impair the owners’ ability to make the desired improvements.
The Public Streets, Highways, and Service Easements Vacation Law (California Streets and Highways Code, Section 8300 et seq.) establishes that the legislative body of a local agency may vacate any street, highway, or public service easement within its jurisdiction that has been determined to be unnecessary for present or prospective public use. Your Board is the “legislative body” with authority to vacate the Easements.
DISCUSSION:
Real Property Services managed the petition and vacation process, which required discussions with the County’s Department of Public Works (“Department”) to determine whether the Easements were necessary for any public purposes. The Department researched the Easements and found no existing or future public uses for the Easements by the County.
Notices regarding the proposed vacation were also sent to property owners within 500 feet of the Property and various public agencies and utility service providers in the area. No individuals indicated any material concerns over the proposed vacation of the Easements. Additionally, no public agencies or utility service providers opposed the vacation of the Easements.
On January 10, 2018, a General Plan Conformity request was processed by the Planning Department and the vacation was found to be in conformity with the County’s General Plan by the Planning Commission.
Appropriate notices were posted as required by the Streets and Highways Code.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
Approval of this action contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Prosperous Community by enabling the Owners to construct improvements to the Property.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no net county cost.
Attachment:
Exhibit A - Map