Public works proposes blanket vacation of unopened Hood Canal right‑of‑ways

Public works staff briefed commissioners on a proposed large-scale blanket road vacation affecting many unopened right-of-ways and previously vacated improvements in the Hood Canal area. The action is intended to clear long-standing title clouds recorded against parcels when small plats or roads were never opened; staff described the dedication date for the Hood Canal plat (March 16, 1889) and said many rights-of-way were never opened within the five-year statutory window.

Staff recommended setting a public hearing (the briefing referenced Wednesday, Aug. 12) to receive comment. Commissioners asked whether the county was initiating the consolidated request or acting to avoid repeated piecemeal vacations; staff said the purpose was to clear the backlog and reduce recurring administrative burden. Commissioners noted the action should help property owners, clarify setbacks for development permits and simplify future permitting and title work.

Commissioners generally expressed support to advance the item to a public hearing and flagged that similar blanket vacates (e.g., Plat of Allen) are on staff's running list. The county engineer confirmed coordination with other departments and noted information will be included in the public notice and mapping to show affected parcels.