COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

 

DATE:

November 16, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 7, 2004

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Steve Alms, Manager, Real Property Services Division

SUBJECT:

Quitclaim of interest in slope easement encumbering Hoexter Property in El Granada

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Board President to execute a Quitclaim Deed granting any interest the County may have in a slope easement over property owned by Robert S. and Karen J. Hoexter in El Granada and identified as assessor’s parcel 047-173-130 and further authorizing the County Manager or designee to execute any documents necessary to complete the transfer.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: The transfer keeps the commitment of Responsive, Effective and Collaborative Government.

Goal(s): 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

The transfer contributes to this commitment and goal by removing an unnecessary governmental restriction from private property.

 

BACKGROUND:

The County was granted a ten-foot wide slope easement over a portion of the Hoexter property (covers approximately 500 square feet) in 1964 when the immediate area was being developed. The easement was intended to provide lateral support for a portion of San Pedro Road. The Hoexter property is now vacant and the owner would like to develop a single-family residence. The Planning Department has included vacation of the easement as a condition of development.

 

DISCUSSION:

The County accepted a small number of such easements during the early 1960s when the El Granada Highlands area was subdivided and developed. The Department of Public Works has reviewed the matter and determined that the Hoexter easement is no longer necessary. The County vacated a similar easement over an adjoining property in 1988. It appears that no road funds or any other County funds were expended in the acquisition of the easement. No public rights of access or use ever accrued to the easement area. Further, the Real Property Services Division has determined that the easement has a nominal value that is below the $25,000 threshold, which allows the County to convey its rights pursuant to Government Code Section 25526.5. This section does require posting of public notice for a period of five working days prior to effecting transfer.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact to the County. There is no record that public funds were expended for the original acquisition of the easement.