Title
Briefing on the Olympia 2045 - Neighborhood Centers and the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Olympia 2045 - Neighborhood Centers and the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Olympia 2045 - Neighborhood Centers and the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Staff Contact:
Susan McLaughlin, Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.280.3146
Tim Smith, Deputy Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.570.3915
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8335
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8254
Presenter(s):
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia is in the process of updating the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The update includes an evaluation of our existing Neighborhood Centers and the policies that are meant to foster their success. Neighborhood Centers are intended to be small areas of neighborhood oriented commercial businesses that offers convenience and fosters community cohesion.
There are currently 17 Neighborhood Centers designated on the Future Land Use Map (see Attachment 3). Some of the areas designated as Neighborhood Centers face challenges such as not being served with transit, a lack of sidewalks, being near more intensive commercial uses, or they are located in an area of low density residential which may not be able to support the businesses of a Neighborhood Center.
Neighborhood Centers
The Neighborhood Centers Strategy report, completed in May 2024, suggests Comprehensive Plan revisions to help neighborhood centers thrive. Staff proposes to update policies to:
i. Refine guidance on appropriate siting and support for neighborhood centers.
a. Consider two types and scales of Neighborhood Centers, one being smaller in scale and scope than the other.
b. Retain the policy language about adding or siting Neighborhood Centers through a neighborhood subarea planning process. Implementation would include developing criteria and a process to be addressed in future neighborhood planning efforts.
ii. Remove designated Neighborhood Centers from the Future Land Use Map that have limited potential to become successful neighborhood centers.
a. Remove the Neighborhood Centers proposed for removal in the report (Kellerman’s Corner, Yauger Way and Capital Mall Drive, and Cooper Point Road/Evergreen Park Drive).
b. Consider removal of Neighborhood Centers that are not served with transit routes or sidewalks. A map will be provided at the meeting for discussion.
Small scale neighborhood commercial uses
Commercial uses are generally prohibited within residential areas of the City, apart from Neighborhood Centers. The only commercial uses that are allowed in residential zone districts are childcare centers and plant nurseries. Both require conditional use permits. Hospice care is also allowed but is restricted to the very low residential density zone districts (R1/5 and RLI) or the higher density residential zone districts. Home occupations are allowed in residential zone districts with strict controls to minimize impacts. As a result, home occupations are not typically a type of business that would serve a neighborhood.
Allowing small scale neighborhood commercial uses in residential zone districts could allow for the organic growth of small-scale neighborhood-oriented businesses which could be a benefit for neighborhood residents. Controls to minimize impacts would be necessary.
Staff proposes to update policies to:
i. Provide policy guidance to allow small scale neighborhood commercial uses in residential zoning districts by conditional use permit.
ii. Develop clear conditional use standards and amend the Permitted and Conditional Uses Table in OMC 18.04, Residential Districts.
Climate Analysis:
The Land Use and Urban Design Chapter supports goals and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the primary ways this is done is by accommodating projected population growth within the existing urban growth area boundary. This will help our community become a more compact and urban city and will also prevent the city from sprawling into the adjacent rural and resource lands of Thurston County.
As the City continues to grow, the community will expand multimodal transportation options (sidewalks, bicycle lanes, public transit), provide for schools and parks in proximity to residents, work to locate schools and small scale commercial uses near residences, and work to balance issues like increasing urban tree canopy while also increasing opportunities for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.
Compact urban growth also allows for efficient provision of services, such as drinking water and sanitary sewer, as well as police and fire protection.
Neighborhood Centers provide goods and services near where people live which allows for less dependence on vehicles which, in turn, also helps to reduce climate impacts. The Land Use and Urban Design chapter mentions that most residents are to live within a quarter-mile of a Neighborhood Center. This is approximately the distance that most persons are willing to travel without a car and is part of the goal of having a walkable and accessible “15-minute city”.
Equity Analysis:
The Land Use and Urban Design Chapter contains goals and policies in support of planning for space for the businesses that provide goods and services in proximity to where people live and work. This will allow people to more easily meet their daily mobility needs without the use of a car. This will be a benefit for both existing and future residents, including lower income persons that may not be able to afford a vehicle. Business owners could benefit from having more potential customers living in proximity to their businesses, however, increases in traffic congestion could impact businesses.
Policies encouraging infill will help with the creation of a variety of additional housing overall. This will provide more choices and options for those looking for housing. A larger supply of housing could help to mitigate some of the cost of housing which would be a benefit for both those looking to purchase or rent.
Both existing and future residents could be impacted as infill occurs and neighborhoods become increasingly dense. Impacts could include traffic, noise, and potentially changes in the character of neighborhoods as they evolve over time.
As areas infill and become more desirable, rents and property values could increase. This could impact businesses and existing/future residents, especially those with low incomes.
Properties that have development potential could benefit landowners if they choose to invest in their properties to build new housing or commercial uses.
In the past there has been a lack of investment opportunities in marginalized communities due to historic inequities associated with redlining and other discriminatory practices. Marginalized communities often have had to commute extremely long distances to find employment. By enabling small scale businesses, it provides ownership opportunities for entrepreneurs to bring investment to their neighborhood but also employment for local residents.
Neighborhood Centers also provide opportunities for social interactions which helps to prevent social isolation and loneliness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
It is anticipated that there will be a wide variety of diverse opinions and comments throughout the update process. Staff will work to provide opportunities for people to provide comments during the process, as draft amendments are proposed, and at public meetings. The first draft of the proposed Land Use and Urban Design chapter revisions will be issued this month. We expect to receive more detailed comments in the coming weeks.
Financial Impact:
The Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update is being funded, in part, by a $175,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing and discuss options for addressing Neighborhood Centers and small scale commercial uses in residential areas.
2. Receive the briefing and discuss options for addressing Neighborhood Centers and small scale commercial uses in residential areas at a later date.
3. Do not receive the briefing.
Attachments:
Webpage for Land Use and Urban Design Chapter
Olympia Neighborhood Centers Strategy
Future Land Use Map