Corcoran council adopts resolution to vacate portion of Woodland Hills drainage easement

The Corcoran City Council on Jan. 8 approved Resolution 2026-04 to vacate a portion of a drainage and utility easement around Lot 8, Block 3 in the Woodland Hills subdivision, a move staff said would allow Hanson Builders to construct a planned house bump‑out while preserving required drainage.

Planning staff presented the request on behalf of Hanson Builders, telling the council the easement dedicated when the lot was platted in 2024 exceeded the city’s typical D&U (drainage and utility) requirements and had reduced the buildable area. Staff recommended approval after engineering review concluded there is sufficient room to maintain drainage without the excess easement. In presenting the item, planning staff said the legal description on the correct exhibit preserves a five‑foot side‑yard D&U easement where required.

Council members asked for a correction to an inaccurate exhibit shown on the screen; planning staff and the city attorney clarified which figure contained the legal description so the record would reflect the correct boundaries. A council member asked whether nearby residents would be affected; planning staff said neighbors had been notified and that releasing the excess easement would have no effect on neighboring properties. When a council member raised concerns about dead or dying ash trees and invasive buckthorn noted during a site walk, planning staff said they would follow up on mitigation and report back.

After discussion, a council member moved to adopt Resolution 2026-04 approving the easement vacation for Lot 8, Block 3 of Woodland Hills. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council recorded ayes; no roll‑call tally was provided in the meeting record.

The resolution authorizes staff to record the amended legal description and exhibit reflecting the corrected five‑foot D&U side‑yard easement and directs planning and engineering to ensure drainage protections remain in place. Staff indicated they will follow up on the vegetation and site‑mitigation questions raised during the hearing.