Agenda Item: 11
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: SUMMARY VACATION OF PORTIONS OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-
OF-WAY KNOWN AS PLACERITA CANYON ROAD AND
ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT FOR TRAIL PURPOSES LOCATED
NEAR SIERRA HIGHWAY
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Amalia Marreh
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution for the summary vacation of portions of the public right-of-way known as Placerita Canyon Road, as described in Exhibit “A” Legal Description, and as shown on Exhibit “B” Exhibit Map of the attached resolution.
2. Reserve easements for public utility purposes as specified in the attached resolution, as described in Exhibit “C” Legal Description, and as shown on Exhibit “D” Exhibit Map of the attached resolution.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee to accept the dedication and grant of easement for public use and trail purposes as shown on the attached Location Map.
4. Direct the City Clerk to record the certified original resolution in the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office.
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
The portions of the public right-of-way to be vacated, as shown in the attached location map, were originally granted to the County of Los Angeles and the State of California in parts. The first part was recorded in Book 17446, Page 186, Official Records on April 19, 1940, which
conveyed an easement to the County of Los Angeles for public highway known as Placerita Canyon Road. On January 3, 1941, a document was recorded in Book 18596, Page 127, by Standard Oil Company of California giving and conveying the County of Los Angeles right-of- way for use as a public highway. On March 14, 1955, Instrument No. 3835 was recorded in Book 47182, Page 104, Official Records, by Standard Oil Company of California granting an easement to the County of Los Angeles to use as a public highway.
Upon incorporation, the City of Santa Clarita became the successor of the rights granted and/or conveyed by the documents described above. These portions of the public right-of-way are not needed for road purposes, and the property owner requested the vacation. The vacation will not have an impact to the existing paved street and right-of-way along Placerita Canyon Road near Sierra Highway.
This item was brought before the City Council for consideration during its regular meeting on November 26, 2024. The City Council directed staff to complete additional research related to the dedication of a trail easement.
The property owner has offered to dedicate a 12-foot wide easement for public use and trail purposes within the property as shown on the attached Location Map. The location of the easement will be adjusted based on future development site plans.
Per Section 8331 of the Streets and Highways Code, the legislative body of a local agency may summarily vacate a street or highway if both of the following conditions exist:
1. For a period of five consecutive years, the street or highway has been impassable for vehicular travel; and
2. No public money was expended for maintenance on the street or highway during such period.
Both of these conditions exist on this portion of the public right-of-way; therefore, City Council may summarily vacate this property.
A certain easement for public utility purposes will be reserved as specified in the attached resolution.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The resources required to implement the recommended action are contained within the City of Santa Clarita's adopted FY 2025-26 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Location Map