The Ripon Planning Commission recently approved the abandonment of a public utility easement in a subdivision just south of Weston Elementary School.

It was a step necessary to allow a homeowner to build a swimming pool.

Staff received an inquiry on the utility lines within the rear yards within the Zumstein Estates.

“This came from resident who wished to construct a swimming pool within their back yard on Zumstein Court and discovered the 10-foot public utility easement that runs along the (backyard) fence line of their property,” said Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart at the April 20 online session.

He added: “Upon further (by staff), it was determined that this is an easement which runs along the fence lines of 14 residential lots that was established when the final map for the subdivision was created in 1989, and essentially not used.”

The abandoned public utility easement along Doak Boulevard and South Jack Tone Road belonged to PG&E and South San Joaquin Irrigation District.

Zuidervaart mentioned that PG&E did not have any issues with the abandonment, however, the utility giant will continue to maintain some of the underground facilities, including portions along Doak Boulevard.

“SSJID also did not have any issues with the abandonment – they do have one area where their easement crosses the PUE that contains an SSJID lateral, which (SSJID) wants to maintain,” he said.

The underground electric facilities have become a concern ever since the PG&E pipeline explosion in San Bruno of nearly a decade ago.

“PG&E started enforcing their easements and now cities are being more diligent on verifying that no easement exists, prior to permit insurance,” said Zuidervaart.

He had staff look at the final map only to discover there were a lot of easement including some that were probably never easement.

“All gas, electric, telephone and cable run across the front of the lots,” said Zuidervaart, who added that the determination by the Commissioners will be forwarded to the Ripon City Council for adoption.