(1996, 07/22) - L-9 - Amended - Laserfiche WebLink

L-9 CONVERSION OF PUBLIC STREETS TO PRIVATE STREETS The conversion of public streets to private streets involves the vacation of public street rights-of-way after the City Council makes a finding that the street is unnecessary for present or prospective public use. The actual street vacation process described in the State of California Streets and Highway Code must be followed. Since the streets to be vacated will still be used as streets for private purposes, it will be necessary to insure that there is a responsible body to take over the operation, maintenance, and liabilities of the streets. In most instances this can be a rather lengthy and complicated process. The following steps are to be used as a guide to completing the conversion process: Ao Poll all property owners that would be affected by the conversion of public streets to private streets and submit results in a letter to the Public Works Department. The poll should be in the form of a petition that provides the residents with information concerning costs, obligations, and liabilities related to the conversion of a public street to a private street. An estimate of annual costs and the cost of processing the conversion should be provided. The community association and/or sponsors will be responsible for preparing all legal documents, engineering drawings, mailings to property owners and other items related to the vacation. In preparing the information concerning costs, obligations, and liab’flities related to the conversion of a public street to a private street, the following is to be designated as a private responsibility: Liability insurance which guarantees indemnification of and a defense for the City should any lawsuit arise from any loss related to the use of the street or other private improvement subsequent to the vacation. A performance bond or other security satisfactory to the Public Works Director is required to guarantee that the association will maintain the streets and other facilities granted to the association. Street maintenance will include keeping the street driving surface in a good state of repair (striping and signage, overlays, slurry seals, patching and reconstruction). Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are to be maintained so as to not present a safety hazard. Street sweeping, if the community elects to sweep their streets, will be required.