Edison easement and developer timetable cited as reason to accelerate Lot A vacation

Commissioners heard that the immediate scheduling need for vacating Lot A stems from the developer's timetable for the Triangle site and the presence of utility infrastructure in the easement. Jeff Hitch, the city's engineer, told the commission the applicant does not need Lot A under the current site plan and requested an earlier vacation than would occur at recordation of the new map.

"The applicant needs that lot A vacated earlier than the recordation of the new map," Hitch said, explaining that the previous entitlement and site plan from 2000 no longer align with the current development layout. Hitch said that because Southern California Edison has facilities in the easement, the vacation must follow the general-vacation process and the council will record a replacement easement to Edison consistent with the existing Lot A footprint.

Hitch also described that the original Lot A was tied to a loop/circulation road shown on the original 2000 map but that the city's current circulation element does not include that roadway through the Triangle property. He emphasized recorded CC&Rs provide blanket access rights across the parcels, which staff said prevents creating a landlocked parcel if the easement is vacated. The commission had no public speakers and directed staff to prepare the council item for the formal vacation and any required easement dedication.