Title
Parks and Open Space Zoning Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss options for protecting Parks and Open Space lands from conversion to other uses. Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss options for protecting Parks and Open Space lands from conversion to other uses.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia purchased properties totaling approximately 150 acres in the proximity of LBA Park. The properties were purchased with the primary intention of providing more parks and open space, although a small portion of the land (ten acres) was set aside for future development and some right-of-way for a future street connection. One of the properties (approximately 75 acres) was zoned "Neighborhood Village" and was subject to an approved Master Plan. The other property and the existing LBA Park are located in the Residential 4-8 (R 4-8) zoning district.
In order to extinguish the approved Bentridge Village Master Plan, which is binding on any property owner including the City, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezone was required. The City proposed to rezone the majority of the site to R 4-8, like most of the adjacent properties. Several members of the public thought the rezone request was because the City intended to develop the land for residential purposes, when in fact the primary reason was so the City would not be bound to the development plans in the approved Bentridge Village Master Plan. The other property purchased did not need to go through the same process because it was not subject to an approved master plan.
During this process several people were surprised to learn the City of Olympia does not have a specific zoning district for parks and ...
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