Title
Public Hearing - Consideration of a Vacation Petition for a Right-of-Way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
Staff Contact:
Adam Dreller, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering, 360.742.6489
Presenter(s):
Adam Dreller, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
A property owner adjacent to a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive has requested the City to initiate the process to abandon 10 feet of right-of-way adjacent to their property. The additional property will be used to provide additional site area for a planned single-family residence.
On November 10, 2025, Council adopted a resolution setting the date of December 9, 2025 for a public hearing to hear public comment regarding the request.
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. The appraised value is $26,180 so the payment required is $13,090.
Climate Analysis:
This action is administrative in nature and does not have a direct impact on our climate goals. There are no known increases or decreases in greenhouse gas emissions with the proposed right-of-way vacation.
Equity Analysis:
Although this action is administrative in nature, the right-of-way vacation is a component of a proposed housing project. This would benefit the community by providing improved aesthetics, resulting in a higher-quality outcome for both the property and the surrounding area.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The public hearing will provide an opportunity for Council to hear from the community on the requested vacation petition.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to hold the public hearing to consider vacating a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive. If the vacation is approved, the petitioner will be required to pay the City $13,090 for the value of the right-of-way.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing on the petition to vacate a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive. After closing the hearing, if there are no concerns; move to approve the petition to vacate, direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance, and require payment to the City of one-half the appraised value.
2. Hold a public hearing, approve the petition to vacate a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive with additional conditions, and direct staff to prepare a Vacation Ordinance.
3. Hold a public hearing and do not approve the petition to vacate a portion of a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive. This option leaves the street right-of-way as is and redevelopment of the site will require revision.
Attachments:
Petition
Proposed Development Site Plan
Vicinity Map
Presentation