Title
Recommendation on the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan.
Recommended Action
Move to recommend approval of the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan and forward a recommendation letter to the City Council.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend approval of the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Contact:
Cari Hornbein, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8048
Presenter(s):
Leah Davis, Associate Planner, Thurston County Community Planning
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia and Thurston County have been working together to adopt a joint comprehensive plan for the unincorporated portions of Olympia’s Urban Growth Area (UGA). This plan will establish a vision, set policies, and once adopted, make the land use process more predictable for community residents and more seamless for the city and county when annexations occur.
The public hearing on the Joint UGA Plan was held on November 20, 2022. Commissioners discussed but did not take action on the Plan. Discussion will continue at the upcoming meeting, and if ready to take action, there would be a motion and vote by each of the Planning Commissions. Olympia’s recommendation would go to the City Council who would then submit its position to the Board of County Commissioners.
Climate Analysis:
The Joint Plan contains goals and policies that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions including but not limited to the construction of energy efficient buildings; efficient transportation systems; increased use of transit and alternate transportation modes; reduction in solid waste that goes to landfills; and preservation of the urban tree canopy.
Equity Analysis:
The Joint Plan envisions a diverse and inclusive community. The City recognizes that equity is essential to all areas of the Joint Plan and is committed to eliminating inequity in the community.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Comments letters submitting prior to the public hearing are attached. Commentors expressed concerns related to UGA capacity, housing and population data, traffic impacts, stormwater and wastewater management, school capacity, residential densities, farmland preservation, and changes in zoning that would remove the requirement for a grocery store on the undeveloped portion of Glenmore Village.
Options:
1. Recommend the City Council support Thurston County adoption of the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan.
2. Recommend the City Council support Thurston County adoption of the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan with modifications proposed by the Planning Commission.
3. Recommend the City Council not support adoption of the Joint Urban Growth Area Comprehensive Plan.
Financial Impact:
Work on the Joint Plan is covered by the Community Planning and Development Department’s base budget.
Attachments:
Thurston County Joint Plans Website
Comments