Real Estate Services Division

Policies - Excess Property Disposition

Policies adopted in 1998 by the City Council provide that each City departments should follow  standard procedures to classify every property under its jurisdiction, and conduct regular reviews so that City-owned property is used effectively to further City goals.  When suitable and compatible, additional uses should be implemented for properties that are not fully utilized for municipal uses.  Unused property should be utilized for municipal purposes to the fullest extent possible, with interim uses identified and implemented if the property is needed for a future municipal use.  

If no current or future municipal use is identified for a property by the department of jurisdiction over that property, notice is provided to other City departments and public agencies to identify any issues and potential interest in acquisition.  An analysis of issues, including community concerns, is developed, and recommendations are presented to the interdepartmental Real Estate Oversight Committee.   Some more complex properties are referred to the City Council for policy guidance prior to development of final recommendations.  Legislation proposing a disposition strategy is presented to the City Council for approval. 

In 2006, the City Council amended the policies to expand opportunities for members of the public to inform and participate in the decision-making process, particularly in identifying opportunities for public use or use of property that would benefit the public, including, the preservation of open space and the provision of low-income housing.

Leg. History:  Resolution 29799 adopted by the City Council in 1998; amended by Resolution 30862 in 2006 

Text: Procedures For The Evaluation Of The Reuse And Disposal Of The City's Real Property 

Flow Chart: Review & Decision Process for Excess Property