The City of Riverside has approved a summary street vacation for a 1,438-square-foot portion of a dedicated road easement at 5276 Victoria Avenue to facilitate the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The easement, originally dedicated for public street development, was never utilized, and the area remains unimproved. The property owner sought to vacate this excess right-of-way to expand the developable portion of their lot. The approval ensures that the area will no longer be considered public land, allowing for private residential development while maintaining existing public utility easements. The proposal was determined to be exempt from CEQA review under the Common Sense Exemption, as it does not impact public access or environmental resources.
This decision supports the development of Accessory Dwelling Units, contributing to Riverside’s housing stock and increasing density in established neighborhoods. By reclaiming unused public land, the city promotes smart growth and more efficient land use.