The vacation of an unused or unnecessary public street or alley can create areas for commercial development or neighborhood improvements and place property back on the tax rolls.  The decision to vacate the street or alley is made by the City Council, with a recommendation from the Hearing Examiner.

A set of procedures has been adopted by the City of Yakima for complying with the provisions of Washington State law (RCW 35.79).  You may wish to pick up a copy of these procedures from the Planning Division.

To vacate a public street, alley or right-of-way you must submit a petition signed at least two-thirds of the property owners abutting the vacation.  It is recommended that 100% of the property owners who own adjoining property sign the petition.  A format for the petition is included in the application packet.

The petition must also include a legal description of the area to be vacated and a statement and calculation verifying that two-thirds of the abutting property owners have signed.  An application fee must also be paid.

Street OR Alley Right-Of-Way Vacations Fee: (Ordinance No. 99-13)

$303  (+ 50% of appraised value)