The procedure for vacation of streets, alleys or other public ways, and vesting of title upon vacation, shall conform to state law as provided in Section 43-2-301, et seq., C.R.S., 1973, as amended. In addition, said vacation shall conform to the specific procedure as provided in this chapter.

(Ord. 866 § 1 (part), 1981)

Vacation of streets, alleys and other public ways shall conform to the following specific procedure:

(1)

Application for vacation of a street or alley right-of-way shall be filed on an application form provided by the city. The application must include:

(a)

A written description of the requested vacation and reasons for the request, including any retained easements or conditions or restrictions to be imposed by the city.

(b)

Application filing fee as set by city council resolution.

(c)

A written description or analysis of potential impacts on mobility, such as parking, traffic and safety issues.

(2)

See section 18.10.040 for notice requirements.

(3)

Reserved.

(4)

At any time prior to city council's consideration on second reading of a vacation, the director shall require that the applicant attend a neighborhood meeting, with notice provided by the city, to discuss issues or concerns about the request. The director shall have the discretion to waive this requirement when deemed unnecessary. Based on the concerns raised, additional analysis or information may be required of the applicant, which could include the need for a better understanding of issues such as mobility, parking, traffic impacts and safety.

(5)

See section 18.10.040 for public hearing process.

(6)

Vacation of street or alley right-of-way shall be left to the sound discretion of city council and the applicant shall have the burden of presenting sufficient information to justify the requested vacation. City council shall not exercise its discretion to vacate any street or alley right-of-way unless it meets the following criteria:

(a)

No property would be left without reasonable access by reason of the vacation;

(b)

The street or alley right-of-way is no longer necessary for public use or convenience;

(c)

The vacation will not restrict access to any parcel so that access is unsafe, unreasonable, or economically prohibitive;

(d)

Adequate easements have been reserved for use and/or maintenance by the city or other utility agencies;

(e)

The vacation is consistent with the goals of the Golden Comprehensive Plan and the city's land use regulations.

(7)

In exercising discretion to vacate a public street or alley, city council may also consider impacts on mobility, parking, traffic, and safety, as well as any benefits to the city that will result from removing the right-of-way from the municipal street system.

(Ord. No. 2252, § 10 (Exh. I), 1-28-2025; Ord. No. 2017, § 4, 10-8-2015; Ord. 1787 § 4, 2007; Ord. 866 § 1 (part), 1981)