Title
Approval of an Ordinance Establishing a Downtown Urban Infill Area in Accordance with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee has received updates and provided direction during the process of developing this proposal following its inclusion in the Downtown Strategy adopted by the City Council.
At its November 6, 2017, meeting, the Olympia Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the ordinance.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the ordinance adopting an Urban Infill Area in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt an ordinance establishing the Olympia downtown as a SEPA Urban Infill Exemption Allowance Area.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Background
In 2015, the City Council adopted a scope for the Downtown Strategy (DTS) which included exploring increased State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) exemption levels for minor construction projects and/or urban infill development that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. During 2016, the DTS planning team explored these options in light of Downtown goals. The DTS adopted by the City Council recommends designating a Downtown Urban Infill SEPA Exemption Area. The memo from the DTS explaining this recommendation is attached.
The purpose of designating an urban infill SEPA exemption area is not to reduce environmental risk assessment or mitigation. State law established the urban infill exemption option to reduce duplicative process in areas where a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was previously conducted on potential impacts of a Comprehensive Plan that calls for urban infill development, such a...
Click here for full text