Title
Neighborhood Scale Commercial Code Amendments Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the Neighborhood Scale Commercial Code Amendments.
Staff Contact:
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Development, 360.753.8335
Presenter(s):
David Ginther, Senior Planner
Background and Analysis:
Neighborhood Scale Commercial has been envisioned to grow as part of the community for more than 20 years. The Sustainable Thurston plan (2013) had a goal that by 2035, 72% of region’s households should be within a half mile (10-15 min walk) to a urban center, corridor, or neighborhood center (20 minute neighborhoods). In 2014, 35% of households were within a half mile of a business. Staff did not find any new statistics, but it is unlikely that a significant change has occurred. This is due to the lack of new neighborhood scale commercial development.
The Neighborhood Centers Strategy Report was completed in 2024. The report found that the main obstacles facing neighborhood commercial development are financial feasibility (return on investment) and land availability. The study also found that there were barriers, such as zoning, that needed to be adjusted.
Comprehensive Plan:
In 2025, the City Council added a new policy to the Comprehensive Plan in support of allowing small scale commercial uses within residential neighborhoods.
PL24.6 Allow small-scale commercial uses within neighborhoods through conditional use permits until design standards are developed. Commercial uses in residential zones should be appropriately scaled and designed to serve nearby residents.
The narrative of the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter mentions small scale commercial several times. The following is an excerpt from the narrative of the chapter:
Small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods will provide goods and services to nearby residents and will be designed to limit impacts to surrounding properties.
Community Guidance:...
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