REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
JASON A. CAMIT, PLS, Chief Surveyor
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the vacation of two portions of right of way located at the eastern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Fulton Street, and the southern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Van Ness Avenue (Council District 3):
1. RESOLUTION - Adopt the attached Resolution of Intent Number 1162-D to vacate two portions of City-owned right of way located at the eastern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Fulton Street, and the southern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Van Ness Avenue
2. Set the required public hearing at 9:15 a.m. on May 7, 2026.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council conduct the required public hearing and at the close of the hearing, adopt the attached Resolution approving the vacation of two portions of right of way located at the eastern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Fulton Street, and the southern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Van Ness Avenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Housing Authority of the City of Fresno (“Housing Authority”) owns two portions of undeveloped public street right of way: a 0.19-acre (8,413 square feet) area at the eastern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Fulton Street, and a 0.45-acre (19,487 square feet) area at the southern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Van Ness Avenue. Together, these total 0.64-acre (27,900 square feet) and are referred to as the “Subject Property”.
The Housing Authority also owns the parcels adjacent to the Subject Property, which are designated for mixed-use development. As part of this development, the Housing Authority is proposing the vacation of the excess right-of-way at the two intersections noted above. The purpose of these vacations is to support higher- density mixed-income housing and to provide additional parking and commercial/retail space within the project area.
The proposed vacations will accommodate Zone Clearance Application No. P24-03984, and the project is consistent with the Fresno General Plan.
BACKGROUND
The Housing Authority owns a total of 0.64-acre (27,900 square feet) of undeveloped public street right of way consisting of two segments: one at the eastern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Fulton Street, and another at the southern intersection of Tuolumne Street and Van Ness Avenue. These portions no longer function as public streets and are not needed by the City for future use.
The Housing Authority also owns all adjacent parcels, which are designated for mixed-use development. To support the development of approximately 1.73 acres of affordable housing across three contiguous Housing Authority parcels, the agency is requesting the vacation of both portions of the right of way.
The proposed vacation will support higher-density mixed-income housing and provide space for additional parking and commercial/retail uses as part of the abutting the Subject Property.
This Resolution was originally approved by Council on November 20, 2025, which set a public hearing for December 18, 2025. The Resolution to Vacate was subsequently approved by Council on December 18, 2025. However, City Staff later determined that the Fresno Business Journal did not publish the required public hearing notice, as requested by the City. The City Attorney’s Office has concluded that the process must be restarted to comply with the California Streets and Highways Code.
The Public Works Department, other City departments and utility agencies have reviewed the proposed vacation and determined that the public street easement proposed for vacation is unnecessary for present or prospective public street purposes, as described in Exhibit A and shown in Exhibit “B”. This determination is subject to the reservation of a public easement as shown in Exhibit C, and conditions of approval listed in Exhibit D. All exhibits are included in the attached Resolution to Vacate.
The City will not dispose of this portion of land in accordance with the Surplus Land Act.
The City Attorney’s Office has approved the attached Resolution of Intent as to form.
If approved by the Council at the public hearing, the vacation will become effective upon recordation of the vacating resolution with the Fresno County Recorder, after the City Engineer determines all conditions listed in the attached resolution have been satisfied and accepted by the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
At the October 16, 2025 Fresno City Council meeting (Agenda ID Number 25-1359(1)), the Council adopted a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1, and 15302/Class 2 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference does not apply because the vacation of a right-of-way does not involve bidding or contracting.
FISCAL IMPACT
This vacation is located in Council District 3. There will be no City funds involved with this vacation. The Housing Authority has paid all processing fees to cover staff costs in accordance with the Master Fee Schedule.
Attachments:
Resolution of Intent No. 1162-D
Vicinity Map
Location Map