Title
Approval of an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street.
Staff Contact:
Adam Dreller, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering, 360.742.6489
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
A property owner adjacent to an alley right-of-way south of Legion Way, between Adams Street and Jefferson Street has requested the City to initiate the process to abandon the alley adjacent to their property. The additional property will be used in the development and construction of a new apartment building consisting of 87 market rate units. This will be four stories of apartments over a first story of retail and parking stalls.
On December 9, 2025, a Public Hearing was held with no public comments. Council, therefore, directed staff to draft a Vacation Ordinance for Council approval.
City staff reviewed the request using criteria outlined in the Olympia Municipal Code Section 12.16.100. Staff recommends approval of the vacation with the requirement for the petitioner to make payment of one-half the appraised right-of-way land value to the City.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Public Hearing provided an opportunity for Council to hear comments from the community regarding the requested vacation. No public testimony was received during the hearing.
Financial Impact:
The applicant will be required to pay $19,500, which is one-half of the appraised value of the property to be vacated, before the vacation takes effect.
Per RCW 35.79.030, the property owner abutting the street or alley that is being vacated shall compensate the City in an amount which does not exceed one-half the appraised value of the area being vacated. If the alley has been part of a dedicated public right-of-way for twenty-five years or more, which this alley has been, the City may require compensation up to the full appraised value of the area being vacated. Historically, the City has only required one-half the appraised value as compensation regardless of the length of time the area has been public right-of-way. This is an effort to make the vacation process more affordable and promote development within the City.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street. This option allows the vacation to occur.
2. Approve on first reading with additional conditions desired by Council, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street. Staff will update the Ordinance with Council modifications prior to second reading.
3. Do not approve an Ordinance to Vacate an Alley Right-of-Way South of Legion Way, between Adams and Jefferson Street. The City right-of-way will remain.
Attachments:
Ordinance
Vicinity Map