City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: April 13, 2026
Report #:2601-5856
TITLE
Adoption of a Resolution Vacating an Easement at 700 Hansen Way; CEQA Status – Exempt under Cal. Code Regs. Title 14, Section 15305
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution ordering the summary vacation of a public service easement for utilities located on the commercial property at 700 Hansen Way in Palo Alto, CA.
ANALYSIS
The public utility easement affecting the property at 700 Hansen Way was granted to the City of Palo Alto by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University and recorded on November 14, 2007, as Document No. 19652500 in the Official Records of Santa Clara County.
The Real Estate Division in the Administrative Services Department received the owner’s request that this easement be vacated. The City’s Utilities, Planning, Public Works Departments and City Attorney’s Office, have reviewed and approved this easement vacation. The easement has been abandoned and is excess; it has been replaced with a new public utility easement recorded on December 4, 2025, as Document No. 25913934 in the Official Records of Santa Clara County. Therefore, the easement may be vacated in accordance with the summary proceeding authorized in Section 8333 of the California Streets and Highways Code.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The Summary Easement Vacation Processing fee of $2,083, as set forth in the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule, has been paid by the owner.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Real Estate Division in the Administrative Services Department collaborated with the owner and their representatives, the City’s Utilities, Planning, Public Works Departments and City Attorney’s Office, for necessary reviews of language and exhibits.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on the summary vacation of the public service easement is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 15305 as a minor alteration in land use limitations.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Vacating a Public Service Easement at 700 Hansen Way APPROVED BY:
Lauren Lai, Administrative Services Director