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January 16, 2008 (OTAi\\V6 t �&. b MY6
Subject: SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF ALEJO ROAD IN SECTION
11, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST; FILE R 07-51
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
The Streets and Highways Code of the State of California allows the City to consider
summarily vacating streets by following a streamlined process under certain conditions.
In this case, the City Council may summarily vacate an excess right-of-way of a street
not required for street purposes; the excess right-of-way may be summarily vacated
through the adoption of a Resolution, without a Public Hearing.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUMMARILY VACATING AND
ABANDONING ALL ITS RIGHT, TITLE AND INTERESTS TO A PORTION OF
ALEJO ROAD, IN SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST; FILE
R-07-51."
STAFF ANALYSIS:
On November 29, 2007, staff received a request from Mr. Mario Berardi and Mrs.
Rochelle Morgan to vacate excess public right-of-way for Alejo Road adjacent to their
properties located at 343 E. Via Colusa and 535 E. Via Colusa. Alejo Road east of
Indian Canyon Drive was previously designated as a Major Thoroughfare requiring 100
feet of right-of-way. However, the south boundary of the Palm Springs Estates
(otherwise known as the Las Palmas neighborhood) extends to the centerline of Alejo
Road, and no right-of-way was originally reserved for it on the subdivision map.
Of the nine lots within the Palm Springs Estates located on Via Colusa with rear
frontage on Alejo Road, all except two had previously been developed. In February
1989 the property owners of the parcel currently owned by Mrs. Morgan applied with the
ITEM NO.. p`'\
Alejo Road Summary Vacation
January 16, 2008
Page 2
City to construct a single family home. Included with the City's conditional approval of
the building permit was a requirement to dedicate to the City 50 feet of right-of-way for
Alejo Road, pursuant to the General Plan. In May 1999, the property owner of the
parcel currently owned by Mr. Berardi applied with the City to construct a single family
home. Similarly, the City's conditional approval of a building permit required dedication
of 50 feet of right-of-way for Alejo Road.
All lots fronting on Alejo Road between Indian Canyon Drive and Via Miraleste are
developed. At the westerly end is The Heavenstone Collection, a new subdivision of 6
homes that was approved by the City Council in March 2002- The City's conditional
approval of this subdivision required dedication of 50 feet of right-of-way and the
widening of Alejo Road to a major thoroughfare standard along its frontage. East of The
Heavestone development, single family homes have been constructed, some with
minimum setback from the rear property line.
For many years, it was understood that to implement the General Plan and construct
Alejo Road to a major thoroughfare standard, it would be necessary to acquire right-of-
way from the adjacent homes to widen Alejo Road between Indian Canyon Drive and
Via Miraleste. This would have likely required full acquisition of seven properties where
right-of-way dedication had not occurred and reduced setbacks exit between the rear
property line and the residential structures. During development of the Section 14
Master Development Plan, Specific Plan for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians,
a revised street section for Alejo Road was proposed. The proposal for Alejo Road
between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle El Segundo (Via Miraleste) was made to avoid
impacting the adjacent single family homes within the Palm Springs Estates, and shifted
the roadway south (into Section 14) with a 62 feet wide street section. This proposal
was eventually approved by the City as part of the Section 14 Master Development
Plan. Page 5-20 of the Section 14 Plan, identifying the guidelines recommended for
widening Alejo Road, and Figure 5-12 of the Section 14 Plan, showing the revised street
section for Alejo Road is included as Attachment 1.
Subsequently, the Palm Springs General Plan Update approved in October 2007
maintained the revised street section for Alejo Road, consisting of four lanes of traffic
within a 62 feet right-of-way, all of which is located south of the existing property line of
the homes within the Palm Springs Estates adjacent to and north of Alejo Road.
Additional right-of-way to construct this street section would be acquired from the south,
on adjacent properties that have been or will be acquired by the Agua Caliente Band of
Cahuilla Indians. Text from the Traffic Analysis of the General Plan Update relating to
the classification of Alejo Road (see Page 41), and maintaining the Section 14 Plan
special cross-section is included as Attachment 2.
The General Plan Update Traffic Analysis forecast 2025 traffic volumes for City streets,
and estimated that Alejo Road will carry 11,200 vehicles per day by 2025. The capacity
of an undivided four lane roadway is 26,900 vehicles per day, indicating that Alejo Road
will operate at Level of Service (LOS) A with excellent, free flow traffic movement.
Given the expected low volume of traffic on this segment of Alejo Road, it is possible to
000002
Alejo Road Summary Vacation
January 16,2008
Page 2
consider alternative street sections for Alejo Road as park of future development in that
area. For example, the capacity of a divided two lane roadway is 18,000 vehicles per
day, indicating that Alejo Road would operate at LOS B, well above the minimum
threshold of LOS D required by the General Plan.
In considering the requested right-of-way vacation of the subject two parcels on Alejo
Road, staff was concerned that sufficient right-of-way remain in case a different street
section were required, and a partial right-of-way acquisition along the north side of Alejo
Road was necessary. However, given the adoption of the Section 14 Plan, the
subsequent General Plan Update maintaining the Alejo Road street section (as shown
in Figure 5-12 of the Section 14 Plan), and the fact that forecast 2025 traffic volumes for
Alejo Road does not require a four lane roadway, it is evident that the two 50 feet wide
parcels dedicated to the City for Alejo Road right-of-way are unnecessary for
prospective or future use, and that staff can recommend that the right-of-way parcels be
vacated.
Chapter 4 "Summary Vacation", of part 3 "Public Streets, Highways, and Service
Easement Vacation Law", of Division 9 "Change of Grade and Vacation" of the
California Streets and Highways Code (Section 8330 et. seq.), outlines the process to
follow for summarily vacating public streets. In accordance with Section 8334 (a) of the
Code, the legislative body of a local agency may summarily vacate an excess right-of-
way of a street not required for street purposes. The City need only adopt a Resolution
citing specific facts that allows for the summary vacation of the excess street right-of-
way; a Public Hearing is not required.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution, which will
summarily vacate the excess right-of-way for Alejo Road dedicated to the City at 343 E.
Via Colusa and 535 E. Via Colusa, on properties currently owned by Mr. Berardi and
Mrs. Morgan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None. ,D
� ,.
David J. Barakian Thomas J. Wilson
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Assistant City'Manager
David H. Ready, Cit a er
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Figure 5-12, Section 14 Master Development Plan
2. General Plan Update Traffic Analysis excerpt
3. Vicinity Map
4. Resolution
000093
ATTACHMENT
PAGE 5-20
ALEJO ROAD LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND GUIDELINES
AND
FIGURE 5-12
ALEJO ROAD FROM EAST OF INDIAN CANYON TO CALLE EL SEGUNDO
STREETSCAPE/CIRCULATION CONCEPT
00000<:
Chapter Frye: Su-eescape wul Crrculalrori Siundurdti and Gurdclwe.ti
5.2.6 Alejo Road
Alejo Road, located at the northern edge of Scctton 14, iti designated in the General Plan as a
Major Thoroughfare with a 100' right-of-way. Today, however, this street "nick about one-third
of the traffic of the other edge arterials and is almost entirely lined with residential uses.
Accomplishing the General Plan standard would entail removal of existing horncs and of a
substantial portion of the current landscape character of thu street.
From Calle El SegUndo to Sunrise Way, the street pavement currently is widened to 60'-
However, between just east of Indian Canyon Drive and C'allc El Seguri6o, the street is much
narrower and is lined by bomcs on both sides. In order to ininirrtize the impacts on homes on both
sides of the street and to keep the landscaped character established on the Section 14 side of the
street east of Avenida Caballeros, the Specific Plan recommends a 62' to 80' right-of-way, as
shown in Figures 5-12 and 5-13, except 100' near Indian Canyon Drive. The landscape
character and guidelines recommended include the following:
• Provide widening on the Section 1Q side of the street;
Provide a meandering where poss , 6' sidewalk along the south side of Alejo Road
with informal planting of shade trees and occasional palms. Landscape the area with
drought tolerant plantings on both sides of the sidewalk;
!avoid constructing future sidewalks directly adjacent to the curb, where possible;
On the north side,provide enough area, a minimum of 1' to 2', for landscaping adjacent to
private property walls;
Provide city standards for site distances when widening;
• If additional widening is to occur beyond the Specific Plan recommendation, avoid
further widening into the pedestrian pathway and landscaped areas of Section 14.
A neighborhood meeting was held, the street right of way will be determined at time of
developincnt.
5.2.7 Calle Eneilia
In the City's GeneraJ Plan, Calle Encilia is designated as a Secondary Thoroughfare, with bike
lanes and a pedestrian character.
SUCTION ]4 SPUCIFIC PLAN PAGE 5-20
00000E
sil" way bikeway shade
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62, Pjghi-of-Way CiC.'Velopment
Swm Grum A,=mln
FIGURE .5-71
SECT ON 14 (0 MASI IR DEVELOPMENT PLAN All�jo Road frOm E251 Of
Indian Canyon to Caile El squndc)
"D 5trLetSCaPOCirCLJlaI]On C.QnrLpi
SECTION 14 SPECIFIC FLAN PAGE 5-21
000006
ATTACHMENT
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
ALEJO ROAD NARRATIVE
000907
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City of Palm Springy
Although gap closures and extensions add to the connectivity of the circulation system, they typically do
- not add a significant amount of capacity to the system. They serve more as operational and localized
improvements that increase mobility and accessibility throughout the City. The traffic analysis reveals
that the biggest challenge for the City's transportation system is the adequate provision of capacity for
traffic entering and exiting the City. Palm Canyon Drive, Gene Autry Trail, Vista Chino, Ramon Road and
East Palm Canyon Drive provide critical linkages to the remainder of the Coachella Valley and are shown
to be strained by future traffic demands. Improvements to these facilities in terms of additional lane
capacity or additional intersection capacity will ensure a circulation system that serves the City's
residents, workers and visitors as the City develops its General Plan.
San Rafael Drive is identified as a Secondary Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation
Element, extending from North Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Way; and serves as an important east-west
link for the area between those two Major Thoroughfares. Over time, as development has occurred in the
area, San Rafael Drive has been constructed to the full Secondary Thoroughfare cross-section standard.
Currently, the only segment of San Rafael Drive not fully constructed to the full Secondary Thoroughfare
cross-section standard is the segment between Virginia Road and Indian Canyon Drive (however it
should be noted that recent development within that segment has constructed portions of the full cross-
section standard). It is recommended that San Rarael Drive remain identified as a Secondary
Thoroughfare on the current General Plan Circulation Element, extending from North Palm Canyon Drive
to Sunrise Way, to maintain the City's existing grid-like circulation system of roadways. Although future
forecast traffic volumes for that area indicate excess capacity may exist on this 4 lane undivided roadway,
it is recommended that it remain classified as a 4 lane undivided roadway to make use of the currently
existing roadway improvements along the entire length of San Rafael Drive, and to ensure consistency of
the des' nation between North Palm Canyon Driylp and Sunrise Way,
Alejo Road is identified as a ajor Thoroughfare on the current Genera Plan Circulation Element,
% extending from North Palm Canyon Drive to Sunrise Way, and as a Secondary Thoroughfare extending
from Sunrise Way to the Palm Springs Airport. However, the segment of Alejo Road between Indian
Canyon Drive and Sunrise Way was reclassified to a "Special Thoroughfare' on the General Plan
Circulation Element through adoption of the Section 14 Master Development Plan Specific Plan
(November 2006). Figure 5-12 of the Section 14 Master Plan identifies a special cross-section for Alejo
Road between Indian Canyon Drive and CaIIe El Segundo, consisting of a 62 feet wide right-of-way with a
52 feet wide roadway section consisting of 4 lanes (undivided). This special cross-section locates the 4
lane undivided roadway without the need to acquire right-of-way along the north side of Alejo Road,
where it would impact existing residential properties. It should be noted that CaIIe El Segundo is slightly
offset from Via Miraleste, and therefore, the intent of this special cross-section is to identify a 4 lane
undivided roadway within this restricted right-of-way segment. Figure 5-13 of the Section 14 Master Plan
identifies a cross-section standard for Alejo Road between CaIIe El Segundo (Via Miraleste) and Sunrise
Way, consisting of an 80 feet wide right-of-way with a 60 feet wide roadway section consisting of 4 lanes
(undivided). It is recommended that the Section 14 Master Plan "Special Thoroughfare" designation be
maintains on the General Plan Circulation El e nt.
Another traffic issue that as been raised by the City is the potential for Indian Canyon Drive to be
redesigned to allow for on-street diagonal parking in the downtown area. This would alter the current feel
for the Indian Canyon Drive corridor to a more quaint downtown appeal. Implementation of diagonal
parking on both sides of Indian Canyon, however, would likely shift Indian Canyon Drive to a one-way
two-lane facility. Retaining the parallel parking on one side of Indian Canyon Drive would allow for three
northbound lanes. The forecast traffic volumes on Indian Canyon Drive through the downtown area are
greater than the capacity of a two-lane facility. Other options for Indian Canyon Drive previously identified
include shifting to two-way traffic. A shift to two-way traffic would potentially lead to capacity deficiencies
on Indian Canyon Drive for northbound traffic and operational issues such as left turns impeding through
traffic. In addition, two-way traffic on Indian Canyon Drive would not be consistent with Palm Canyon
Drive which serves the southbound traffic. The provision of three lanes northbound on Indian Canyon
Drive with diagonal parking on either side would maintain a consistent level of capacity for northbound
traffic that Palm Canyon Drive provides to southbound traffic.
General Plan Update Traffic Analysis 41
000093
ATTACHMENT
VICINITY MAP
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ATTACHMENT
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, SUMMARILY VACATING
AND ABANDONING ALL ITS RIGHT, TITLE AND
INTERESTS TO A PORTION OF ALEJO ROAD, IN
SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 4 EAST; FILE
R-07-51
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, is authorized by
Chapter 4, Part 3, Division 9 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California
(the "statute"), to vacate and close to public use streets dedicated for public use, or
parts thereof, within the limits of the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 8334 (a) of the statute, the legislative body of a local
agency may summarily vacate excess right-of-way of a street or highway not required
for street or highway purposes; and
WHEREAS, a dedication of right-of-way for Alejo Road over the southerly 50.00 feet of
Lot 11 in Block J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates', as per map on file
in Book 15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, was made to the
City of Palm Springs by Grant Deed recorded May 30, 1989, as Document No. 174360;
and
WHEREAS, a dedication of right-of-way for Alejo Road over the southerly 50.00 feet of
Lot 4 in Block J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates", as per map on file
in Book 15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, was made to the
City of Palm Springs by Grant Deed recorded December 6, 1999, as Document No.
530295; and
WHEREAS, the portions of Alejo Road right-of-way located on Lot 4 and Lot 11 in Block
J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates', as per map on file in Book 15,
Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, represent excess public right-
of-way not required for street or highway purposes.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council does hereby adopt this Resolution in accordance with
Chapter 4 "Summary Vacation", of Part 3 "Public Streets, Highways, and Service
Easements Vacation Law", of Division 9 "Change of Grade and Vacation" of the
California Streets and Highways Code (Section 8330 et. seq.).
Section 2. The City Council does hereby summarily vacate excess right-of-way
dedicated for Alejo Road, being generally described as the southerly 50.00 feet of Lot 4
in Block J of that map identified as the 'Palm Springs Estates', as per map on file in
' 4 �Y➢'UiL
Resolution No.
Page 2
Book 15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, and more
particularly described on Exhibit "A-1" and shown on Exhibit 'B-1", attached hereto and
made a part hereof.
Section 3. The City Council does hereby summarily vacate excess right-of-way
dedicated for Alejo Road, being generally described as the southerly 50.00 feet of Lot
11 in Block J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates", as per map on file in
Book 15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, and more
particularly described on Exhibit "A-2" and shown on Exhibit "B-2", attached hereto and
made a part hereof.
Section 4. This Resolution to summarily vacate excess right-of-way dedicated for
Alejo Road, being generally described as the southerly 50.00 feet of Lot 4 and Lot 11, in
Block J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates", as per map on file in Book
15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, is made in accordance
with Section 8334 (a) of the California Streets and Highways Code.
Section 5. Following the recordation of this Resolution, the excess right-of-way
dedicated for Alejo Road, being generally described as the southerly 50.00 feet of Lot 4
and Lot 11, in Block J of that map identified as the "Palm Springs Estates", as per map
on file in Book 15, Page 43 of maps, records of Riverside County, California, and more
particularly described on Exhibits "A-1" and "A-2", and shown on Exhibits "B-1" and "B-
2", attached hereto and made a part hereof, no longer constitutes a portion of the public
street known as Alejo Road.
Section 6. The City Clerk is hereby directed to cause a certified copy of this
Resolution, aftested by him under the seal of the City, to be recorded in the Office of the
County Recorder of Riverside County.
ADOPTED this 16th day of January, 2008,
David H. Ready, City Manager
ATTEST:
James Thompson, City Clerk
600013
Resolution No.
Page 3
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on January 16, 2008, by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
0
James Thompson, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California
QQQQ� +
EXHIBIT "A-1"
A portion of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 11, Township 4
South, Range 4 East, more particularly described as follows:
The south 50 feet of Lot 4, Block "J", of Palm Springs Estates, Map Book 15, Page 43,
official records of Riverside County Recorder, Riverside, California. Said parcel is also
described in Instrument No. 530295, recorded December 6, 1999, official records of
Riverside County Recorder.
Said parcel contains 5500 square feet (0.13 Acres).
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LOT 4, PALM SPRING ESTATES, MB 15, PG 43, R.C.R.
DESIGN BY: SCALE: FILE NO.:
VACATION EXHIBIT FOR FUP NTS R 07-051A
ALEJO ROAD CHECKED BY: DATE SHEET NO.:
1/07/08 1 OF 1
EXHIBIT "A-2"
A portion of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 11, Township 4
South, Range 4 East, more particularly described as follows-
The south 50 feet of Lot 11, Block "J", of Palm Springs Estates, Map Book 15, Page 43,
official records of Riverside County Recorder, Riverside, California. Said parcel is also
described in Instrument No. 174360, recorded May 30, 1989, official records of Riverside
County Recorder.
Said parcel contains 5500 square feet (0.13 Acres).
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EXHIBIT "B-211
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LOT 11, PALM SPRING ESTATES, MB 15, PG 43, R.C.R.
DESIGN BY: SCALE: FILE NO.:
VACATION EXHIBIT FOR FLIP NTS R 07-051B
ALEJO ROAD CHECKED BY: DATE SHEET NO.:
1/07/08 1 OF 1
600013