Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement to Terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation
The Land Use and Environment Committee considered the request to terminate the Development Agreement at their meeting on December 18,2025 and recommended termination of the subject agreement.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement.
.Report
Issue:
Whether t to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement.
Staff Contact:
Jackson Ewing, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3776
Presenter:
Jackson Ewing, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
The City established specific zones and zoning code requirements for the development of “villages” within the City in 1995. Villages are intended to be mixed-use districts that include both commercial and residential development.
The Briggs Village Master Plan was adopted in 2003. The Master Plan establishes the specific layout, design, and aesthetic for the village, but the zoning code (OMC 18.05) establishes the development standards.
Since the adoption of the Master Plan, significant development has occurred including a majority of the residential units envisioned. While residential development has occurred, the commercial (grocer, retail and office) uses have not been built out as envisioned, leaving the village’s commercial core mostly vacant for 20+ years. In a desire to develop the commercial core, the applicant seeks to terminate the development agreement capping residential units at 810. This will also allow for the potential of accessory dwelling units associated with single family development.
In the 20+ years since the code’s adoption the economic landscape has changed significantly. The applicants’ proposed changes to the development standards aim to readjust accordingly. City Staff recommend supporting the applicant’s request to terminate the Development Agreement to allow additional housing units to support the required commercial development in Briggs Urban Village.
Instead of a cap on residential units, development standards can be used to determine how many units the Urban Village can support. Examples of development standards include but are not limited to; building and impervious surface coverages, height limits, setbacks, parking requirements, and landscaping.
Climate Analysis:
The proposed action would allow for increased housing opportunities in an area already served by city services. Increased urban residential density in an area that also requires additional commercial and office space would allow for a more efficient land use pattern.
The Village is currently served by city water and sewer, has existing private and public streets, bike lanes, and is served by public transportation and provides ample opportunities to bike, walk or take the bus to nearby services including those offered within existing villages. A dense mixed-use development reduces trips and greenhouse gas emissions. This is consistent with the City’s climate goals of promoting infill development.
Equity Analysis:
Termination of the Development Agreement is consistent with Comprehensive Plan goals to increase housing within City limits. Removing the cap on residential units allows for the potential expansion of the City’s housing supply.
Housing availability and affordability have been identified as significant equity issues by both Washington State and the City of Olympia, and emergency declarations have been issued in response to the housing crisis.
Allowing additional multifamily housing and Accessory Dwelling Units in the Briggs Urban Village would support increased density within the urban village core and help address housing needs. In addition, concentrating housing near services, jobs, and amenities can reduce household transportation costs, improving overall affordability for residents.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
Community concerns have focused on the lack of development in the mixed-use core and village green, as well as the maintenance of existing streets and public spaces. Removing the residential unit cap would create additional opportunity for development within the mixed-use core of the urban village and may help advance completion of the planned vision for the area.
Financial Impact:
Processing the application to terminate the agreement will be funded through the Department’s annual budget and the application fees submitted by the applicant.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement.
2. Do not approve a Resolution authorizing an Agreement to terminate the Briggs Urban Village Development Agreement.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Presentation