Title
Approval of an Ordinance to Vacate a Right-of-Way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive
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 a Right-of-Way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, an Ordinance to Vacate a Right-of-Way along Garfield Avenue Abutting West Bay Drive.
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 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.
On December 9, 2025, Council held a public hearing where the public expressed concern over the walkability along Garfield Avenue. As a part of the development, the developer is required to add frontage improvements which will include a 5-foot-wide sidewalk as proposed in Exhibit F.
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 provide an access and utility easement in lieu of payment of one-half the appraised right-of-way land value to the City. This would be of mutual benefit as follows:
Mutual Benefit Analysis:
Key points associated with the mutual benefit of the proposed land exchange include:
1. The City would gain more than 1,800 square feet of alley right-of-way for public access,...
Click here for full text