City planning staff and the planning board asked Council Committee A on July 1 to consider an official street‑map amendment for 70 Fifth Place West that would remove a 10‑foot right‑of‑way dedication affecting three parcels currently undergoing single‑family development.

Staff said the official street map shows a desired right of way of 60 feet along this block of 70 Fifth Place West, while the actual right of way on the ground is 40 feet and the centerline is essentially at the western edge of the existing pavement. Staff and the planning board concluded the additional 10‑foot dedication would push new residences further down a steep slope, potentially increasing driveway grades and geotechnical risk. One property’s geotechnical report lists slide debris extending roughly 30 feet, staff said.

Jeanne, the planner, presented photos and historic ordinances to show a history of reduced right‑of‑way expectations on the street. Staff noted sidewalk and ADA improvements will continue to be required inside the existing right of way; the map amendment would not eliminate sidewalk obligations where they exist. Planning board members recommended the official street map be amended to remove the 10‑foot dedication for the three affected properties; staff said the code does not currently provide for monetary compensation for this action and that the item will be noted for council when it goes forward.

Staff proposed moving the item to a public hearing on July 22 with potential adoption on August 12. Committee members asked whether the council could pursue a more comprehensive official‑map update for the whole corridor; staff said doing a wider survey would provide better background but would require additional resources and that council could elect to pursue a broader amendment without a survey.

Next steps: staff plans to bring the official‑street‑map amendment to council for a July 22 public hearing and possible August 12 adoption; planning board previously forwarded a May 28 recommendation to amend the map for the initial parcel and staff expanded the package to include two additional lots.