MEETING DATE:
May 26, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-9596 - ORDERING THE SUMMARY VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF THE DRAINAGE EASEMENT LOCATED ALONG REDEL ROAD GRANTED ON JULY 30, 2015 BY DOCUMENT 2015-0403598, WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN SDP24-0001 FOR THE BLOCK F STUDENT HOUSING PROJECT
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT resolution (VAC26-0001) ordering the summary vacation and abandonment of the drainage easement located along Redel Road granted by Document 2015-0403598 on July 30, 2016, within the boundaries of Side Development Plan SDP24-0001 for the Block F student housing project.
Body
Board or Commission Action
On April 20, 2026, the Planning Commission considered the proposed summary vacation and abandonment of the drainage easement along Redel Road granted by granted on July 30, 2015 by Document 2015-0403598 (Drainage Easement) in accordance with Streets and Highways Code Section 8313 and Government Code Section 65402, found it to be in conformance with the adopted General Plan, and approved Resolution PC 26-5198 recommending that City Council approve the proposed summary vacation and abandonment of the Drainage Easement.
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Planning for the Future
Good Governance
Executive Summary
On September 4, 2025, the Development Advisory Committee approved the Student Housing Block F project. The project allows for the development of 310,500 square foot, 11-story mixed-use student housing building on a 4.5-acre site located at 292 E. Barham Drive within the University District Specific Plan area (Vicinity Map in Attachment A). The Drainage Easement along Redel Road was granted on July 30, 2015 as Document No. 2015-0403598 is a public service easement proposed for summary vacation and abandonment. City staff have determined that the Drainage Easement is no longer required for public purposes and will not be required in future.
Contingent upon City Council approving of and ordering the summary vacation and abandonment, the vacated service easement will remove an encumbrance on the underlying property and allow use of the area by the proposed development.
Discussion
Summary Vacation of Public Service Easement
Pursuant to the California Streets and Highways Code (CSHC) 8333(c), the legislative body of a local agency may summarily vacate a public service easement if the easement has been superseded by relocation or determined to be excess by the easement holder, and there are no public facilities within the easement. Staff have determined that the Drainage Easement is in excess, and there are no public facilities within the easement.
Planning Commission Consideration.
In accordance with California Streets and Highways Code (CSHC) Section 8313 and Government Code Section 65402, the local planning agency is required to consider the proposed vacation action and to report on the conformity with the adopted General Plan. Staff reviewed the limits of the proposed vacation of public service easement and determined that it is not needed for public use, and the vacation and abandonment of the public service easement is consistent with the General Plan.
On April 20, 2026, Planning Commission considered the proposed vacation and abandonment of the public service easement in accordance with CSHC Section 8313 and Government Code Section 65402 and found the proposed vacations to be in conformance with the adopted General Plan. Planning Commission approved Resolution PC 26-5198 (VAC26-0001) recommending City Council approve the summary vacation and abandonment of public service easement for the Drainage Easement granted on July 30, 2015 as Document No. 2015-0403598. Pursuant to CSHC Section 8335 and 8336(b), no public hearing is required.
Order to Summarily Vacate and Abandon
If City Council orders the vacation and abandonment of the public service easement, the vacated easement will remove this encumbrance on the property and allow use of the area by the proposed development.
Environmental Review
The proposed vacation and abandonment of the public service easement is within the scope of the 2022 Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) (SCH NO. 2008101083) for the University District Specific Plan, which is in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Sections 15162 and 15164.
Fiscal Impact
There are no immediate fiscal impacts associated with the vacation and abandonment of public service easement.
Attachments
1. Aerial Vicinity Map
2. Resolution 2026-AAAA (VAC26-0001)
Prepared by: Stephanie Kellar, Deputy City Engineer
Reviewed by: Kyrenne Chua, Principal Civil Engineer
Reviewed by: Isaac Etchamendy, Development Services Director
Reviewed by: Helen Holmes Peak, City Attorney
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager