An abandonment releases the city's interest in all or part of a public easement, or of a street or alley right-of-way, that was dedicated in the past. The neighboring owner then gains more usable land. Owners may ask the city to abandon an easement on their own lot or a street or alley right-of-way next to it. An abandonment does not transfer title or change other property rights; it simply gives up the city's interest in that area.
All requests to abandon a right-of-way or easement are processed by Right-of-Way and Property Management staff. For easements, see easement abandonment.
Step 1. Review the Requirements
Before an alley abandonment application can be issued, you will need:
- A signed, notarized application. Every property owner must sign. Print contact details clearly (names, mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses) so the request moves without delay.
- Exhibit A. Attach a sketch or written description of the area you want abandoned, labeled "Exhibit A." It must be detailed enough for staff to review.
- Utility sign-offs (Exhibit B). Route the application to each utility company named on "Exhibit B" and collect signatures from their authorized representatives before turning it in. Faxed or scanned signatures are accepted.
- Neighbor waivers. Obtain a waiver letter from any other adjoining owner who would be entitled to half of the area being abandoned.
- Recorded deeds. Provide copies of the recorded deeds for all abutting property you own. Staff use them to confirm ownership and to get the right names onto the abandonment ordinance, which the City Council approves and which is then filed in the county's official public records.
- A purpose statement. Briefly explain why the abandonment is needed, whether it involves a street or an alley, and any past or present uses of the right-of-way you know about.
- A surveyed legal description. After staff approve the request, and before the public hearing, supply a metes and bounds description of the area, bearing the signature and seal of a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS). It becomes part of the ordinance sent to the City Council. The owner pays for the survey.
Public Hearing
When the City Council receives the report from the Assistant Director of Engineering, it sets a public hearing to take place within 30 days. Written notice is mailed to the owners of every property abutting the area to be vacated and to all other owners within 200 feet. A hearing is not required when an easement is being released to the abutting owner who holds the underlying fee simple title.
Step 2. Apply Online
Use the city's online permitting portal to request a "Right of Way – Abandonment." New users need a valid email address to register, and creating an account takes about five minutes.
What Happens Next?
Once city staff approve the abandonment, the owner must deliver the RPLS-sealed metes and bounds description described in Step 1 before the public hearing is held. The survey is at the owner's expense.
Application Fees
- Application fee: $450 for a right-of-way abandonment or $30 for an alley.
- Purchase price: when the item goes before the City Council, the applicant pays market value for the right-of-way. Alleys next to residential property are the exception and carry a purchase price of $15.
- The application and all payments are handled through the online portal.
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