STREET VACATIONS
Benefits
For both residential and commercial property owners, vacating an unused or unneeded street, alley or other public right-of-way can be a valuable option.
A high maintenance, rarely utilized street can be turned into a street mall which adds to the neighborhood’s beauty. Or a property owner can add the vacated street to his or her existing commercial/residential property, increasing the value and size of the property!
If your property is adjacent to an unused street, you may want to consider a street vacation. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to how you and your neighbors can successfully accomplish a street vacation project.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Vacating Streets, Alleys and Other Public Right-of-Ways
The Application
An application requesting the vacation of a street, alley or other public right-of-way should be filed with the City of Spokane’s Engineering Services on the Third Floor of the Municipal building, or you can click here to access an Street Vacation Application form. The application must be signed by the owners of at least 66 2/3% of the frontage bordering the right-of-way to be vacated. However, it’s recommended that you obtain 100% of the bordering owners’ signatures.
When the application is filed, a $400.00 non-refundable filing fee must accompany the application. (Checks made payable to City of Spokane). This application fee was increased to $400.00 as of August 4, 2008.
The application should explain:
*The public benefits of the project
*The reasons for the proposed vacation
*The limits of the project
The property owner is responsible for paying for the expense of closing the right-of-way. The cost may include removal and replacement of concrete, asphalt, and other items.
Proposal Review
When the application is filed, Engineering Services will review the vacation proposal. Copies of the application will be sent to all concerned City departments and private utilities.
Public Hearing
The Spokane City Council will set a date of a public hearing on the project and the proponent will be notified to post the site of the proposed vacation with two 4′ x 4′ signs as required by City regulations. Specific posting requirements will be provided to the proponent upon filing the application. Adjacent property owners will be notified of the proposed vacation by mail.
Prior to the hearing, Engineering Services will make a recommendation as to the project’s feasibility to the City Council. The recommendation will include the specific requirements of the vacation such as drainage, street closure and necessary easements. These requirements must be met by the proponent before the vacation ordinance receives City Council approval.
Payment For Land
Payment for vacated land falls into two categories: for right-of-way that has been dedicated less than 25 years the City of Spokane charges one-half of the assessed value; for right-of-way that has been dedicated more than 25 years the full assessed value will be charged. The dollar value will be based on the unimproved land value of the adjoining property, as determined by the Spokane County Assessor’s Office.
City Council Action
If the City Council approves the vacation application at the public hearing, Engineering Services will submit an ordinance to the Council which outlines the terms and conditions of the vacation.
The ordinance may retain easements or the right to grant easements for the construction, repair, and maintenance of public and private utilities and services.
