TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Public Works Director
REPORT BY: Danielle Goshert, County Surveyor
SUBJECT: Resolution to abandon an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road from the St. Helena city limit to just south of Sulman Lane
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution to abandon an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, while retaining a right of way for a public trail; and approve and authorize Management Agreement No. 8700 with Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District to operate the retained public trail easement. (No Fiscal Impact)
STAFF REQUESTS A CONTINUANCE TO SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 AT 9:00 AM.
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BACKGROUND
The subject resolution affects an approximate 2.5-mile portion of Old Howell Mountain Road, being a 66-foot-wide right-of way easement that was accepted as a public road by the County on August 7, 1867. This portion has been closed since damage was incurred during the storms of 2017 and 2023. The abandonment spans the length from the St. Helena city limit at the south end to a location just south of the intersection with Sulman Lane as shown on the exhibit included in the attached resolution. A Resolution of Intent to Abandon was adopted by the Board on July 22, 2025, which set today’s public hearing.
The portion to be abandoned includes electric transmission poles and lines near the northern terminus, therefore in conformance with Streets and Highways Code Section 8340(c), a utility easement is reserved for these in-place public utility facilities. Access to adjoining parcels is not compromised by this abandonment as there are no existing access connections to Old Howell Mountain Road along this segment.
The Board previously indicated a desire to proceed with abandonment that includes the reservation of a trail easement to utilize the route as a bike/pedestrian facility if an appropriate partner could be found. Such reservation is allowed per Streets and Highways Code Section 8340(d), and the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District (NCRPOSD) is ready and willing to take responsibility for developing and maintaining the trail. Parks and Public Works will work together to establish parking regulations for a small parking area at the north end of the trail. No parking is intended at the south end. An agreement with NCRPOSD is presented concurrently with this item and incorporates a revision and extension of existing County agreements for management of various existing trails to include Oat Hill Mine Trail, the Napa River and Bay Trail, and Old Howell Mountain Trail, if so abandoned and approved. The agreement was approved by the Parks Board on August 11, 2025.
The requested action, if approved, will result in abandonment of this portion of the public right of way for motorized travel and will retain a utilities easement for in-place PG&E facilities. It will also retain a public trail easement for continued bike/pedestrian access over this route, to be managed by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District under the proposed management agreement to facilitate protection of open space and natural resources while providing public outdoor recreational opportunities.
Procedural Requirements:
1. Open Public Hearing
2. Staff Report
3. Public Comment
4. Close Public Hearing
5. Motion, second, discussion, and vote on the item
Recommended Actions:
Conduct a public hearing to consider abandonment of Old Howell Mountain Road, adopt a Resolution abandoning Old Howell Mountain Road which reserves easements for in-place public utility facilities and a trail; and Approve and Authorize Agreement No. A-8700 with Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District for trail maintenance.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
The “road” is comprehensively damaged from various landslides, making it impossible to use without the investment of an estimated $10M. However, the route is beautiful and has great utility as a bike and pedestrian trail. |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District has agreed to operate the route within their existing budget, though the County could be responsible for repairs if a major landslide were to occur in the future. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Residents would not have the benefit of using this amenity. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment and therefore CEQA is not applicable. [See Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, 14 CCR 15061(b)(3)]. The proposed action involves abandonment of 2.5 miles of OHMR that has no potential to result in a change to the environment and therefore is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable. Further, it has been determined that this type of project does not have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. [See Class 1 (“Existing Facilities”) which may be found in the guidelines for the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act at 14 CCR §15301; see also Napa County’s Local Procedures for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, Appendix B.]