Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorize the Abandonment of Alleyway - Adopt Resolution 2025-79 ordering the closure and vacation of a portion of public alleyway and right-of-way south of Main Street from Martin Street to Giddings Street; and further authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to complete the abandonment. (Resolution required)
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Prepared by:
Sarah MacLennan, Assistant Eng, sarah.maclennan@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4271;
Jason Huckleberry, Eng & Building Dept Dir, jason.huckleberry@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4495.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Resolution No. 2025-79 ordering the closure and vacation of a portion of public alleyway and right-of-way south of Main Street from Martin Street to Giddings Street and further authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents to complete the abandonment.
Summary:
The abandonment of the alleyway is being requested by Grace Bible Church to enable the installation of a barrier preventing nuisance traffic utilizing the alley as a cutoff to circumvent the traffic signal at Giddings Street and Main Street. This vacation and abandonment is being conducted in accordance with California Streets and Highways Code Section 8334(a) allowing the vacation of an excess street or highway, in this instance an alleyway, that is not required for street or highway purposes. The proposed vacation meets the provisions of this section allowing the use of a summary process.
Background Discussion:
This alleyway to be abandoned was originally established on Parkside Tract map between Lots 1 through 8 in Block 15. These types of alleyways were used to access parking areas in the rear of single-family residences and for public utilities. The majority of the area is currently owned and operated by Grace Bible Church as part of its church facilities. The only property not owned by Grace Bible Church is currently a business that does not oppose the alleyway abandonment. All properties will maintain public street access after the abandonment. City staff agrees with the applicant that the alleyway is no longer needed for street or highway purposes.
The City will reserve from the vacation, a public service easement in the same alleyway as there are in-place public utility facilities that are in use at this location. The reservation will allow the public utilities to remain in place and in use.
Grace Bible Church submitted the request through the City’s Site Plan Review process as SPR No. 2025-19, proposing the installation of vehicle access gates at Giddings Street at the limits of Lot 6.
An access, joint use and maintenance agreement between all parcel owners shall be executed at time of vacation acceptance.
Fiscal Impact:
No additional impacts anticipated. The ongoing alleyway maintenance for the area vacated will be omitted.
Prior Council Action: None
Other: None
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the adoption of Resolution 2025-79 ordering the summary vacation and abandonment of the alley south of Main Street from Martin Street to Giddings Street as shown on Parkside Tract, recorded in Book 12 of Subdivision Maps at page 5, Tulare County Records.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 12/15/2025
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2025-79
2. Aerial Map
3. Parkside Tract