HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 22 2023 Thurston County & Yelm Planning Commissions Joint Meeting- Agenda Packet
THURSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 100
Olympia, WA 98501
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/Planning%20Commission/Planning_Commission.htm
SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, May 22, 2023 **Hybrid Meeting in person and on Zoom**
The Thurston County Planning Commission is a citizen’s advisory committee to the Board of County Commissioners on land use
planning matters, such as Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments. Planning Commission actions are in the form of
recommendations to the County Commissioners, who are the final decision-makers. All Planning Commission meetings are open to the
public. Citizens are welcome to observe all Planning Commission briefings and work sessions. Public comment is allowed on those
topics for which a public hearing has not been held.
AGENDA
The items listed do not signify a set order in which they will be held. The order in which they will be held is at the discretion
of the Chair. Only public hearings will be held at the time specified. The meeting/hearing may not take the time allotted and
the Commission will adjourn when all business has been completed.
ZOOM link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89619572442
Passcode: 175385
-OR-
Dial: +1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Webinar ID: 89619572442
Passcode: 175385
Estimated
1.Call to Order6:30 p.m.
Sound and Video Check
Introduction of Planning
Commissioners Approval of
Agenda
2.Approval of Meeting Minutes 6:35 p.m.
May 17, 2023
MOTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES AND ACCEPT THE AUDIO AS THE OFFICIAL
MEETING RECORD.
3.Public Communications*** 6:40 p.m.
(Not associated with topics for which a public hearing has been held)
***Those participating via Zoom: please choose the “raise your hand” option if you wish to address the
Planning Commission. You will be promoted to a panelist when it is your turn to speak and be seen. To be
seen please turn on your camera. If you are dialing in, press *9 to “raise your hand.” Make sure you also
choose *6 to unmute yourself. The 3-minute timer will show on one of the video screens to help keep track of
time.
New Business:
4.Work Session #1: Yelm Joint Plan6:45 p.m.
(Staff Amelia Schwartz)
Staff will present on the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan update.
5.Request Public Hearing for July 10, 2023
Continued Business:
6.none
Other Business:
7.Staff Updates7:40 p.m.
(Staff: Jeremy Davis)
8.Calendar with Agenda Items (Tentative) and Attendance7:55 p.m.
June 5, 2023: Work Session #2 Special Meeting City of Yelm Joint Plan
June7, 2023: Work Session #1 Forest Conversion Ordinance
9.Good of the Order7:55 p.m.
10.Adjourn8:00 p.m.
Enclosures provided to members only
Jeremy Davis, Interim Planning Manager
Accommodations
Thurston County is committed to the non-discriminatory treatment of all persons and the delivery of services and
resources. If you require accommodations at the County’s Planning Commission meeting, please call the
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at least 3 days before the meeting at 360-786-5440. Persons with
speech or hearing disabilities may call via Washington Relay: 711 or 800-833-6388.
Post Meeting
The meeting is recorded. Audio of the meeting will be later available online on the Planning Commission
webpage located on the Planning Commission web page, which can be found at ThurstonPlanning.org.
The video will be posted to the Thurston County YouTube Page under Boards, Commissions, and Councils in
the playlists located at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThurstonCountyWashington/playlists
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Carolina Mejia-Barahona
District One
Gary Edwards
District Two
Tye Menser
District Three
COMMUNITY PLANNING &
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Joshua Cummings, Director
Creating Solutions for Our Future
MEMORANDUM
TO: Thurston County Planning Commission
City of Yelm Planning Commission
FROM: Amelia Schwartz, Thurston County Associate Planner
Gary Cooper, City of Yelm Planning Manager
DATE: May 22, 2023
SUBJECT: Work Session #1: Docket Item CPA-1, Yelm Joint Plan
S UMMARY & D ECISION P OINTS
This is work session 1 on this topic. At this work session, staff will present an overview of the
proposed amendments as part of this project.
Staff requests the following from the Planning Commission:
Provide direction on what additional information is needed prior to scheduling a public
hearing.
Optional Motion: Move to set a public hearing on the City of Yelm and Thurston County
Joint Plan, Docket Item CPA-1, for July 10, 2023 at 7 PM or soon thereafter.
B ACKGROUND
The Yelm Joint Plan is part of Comprehensive Plan Docket Item CPA-1 and is priority 4 of 9 on the
Comprehensive Plan Docket. The Joint Plan is a component of both the Thurston County and the
City of Yelm Comprehensive Plans. Joint plans allow the city and county, along with the public, to
create a mutual vision for the future of the urban growth area and provide a guide for
development.
The Yelm Joint Plan had its last major update in 2006. The proposed Joint Plan is a full repeal and
replacement and is based off the 2017 Yelm Comprehensive Plan as the foundation. Using the
consistency and includes
3000 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, Washington 98501 (360)786-5490/FAX (360) 754-2939
TTY/TDD call 711 or 1-800-833-6388 Website: www.co.thurston.wa.us/planning
Thurston County Planning Commission, May 22, 2023
2022-2023 Docket Item \[CPA-1\] \[Yelm Joint Plan\]
updated themes of the City. The proposed updates to the Yelm Joint Plan element of the Thurston
County Comprehensive Plan make the plan consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan and
other planning documents.
S UMMARY O F C HANGES
This draft will repeal the existing Yelm Joint Plan and fully replace it. The previous Yelm Joint Plan
adopted the Yelm Comprehensive Plan as-is, and asterisked UGA-relevant policies. The proposed
Yelm Joint Plan is based off the most recent Yelm Comprehensive Plan. This update revises the
plan to read as a document serving the Urban Growth Area only. Changes to the plan include:
Addition and revision of goals and policies updates for consistency with other Thurston
County plans, like the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and water plans.
Updated maps.
Updated current conditions, including population growth projections and estimates of
dwelling units and housing data.
Removal of city-centric policies. The Joint Plan is only applicable to the Yelm Urban Growth
Area.
R ELEVANT S TATE L AW & P OLICIES
W 36.70A.110). As
portions of the Urban Growth Area are annexed by the City, those lands will transition from rural
to urban-level development.
The Joint Plan is written in the context of the State Growth Management Act, which mandates
issues that must be dealt with in a comprehensive plan and County-wide planning policies, which
identify how certain aspects of growth management planning are to be met in Thurston County.
P UBLIC F EEDBACK
Community Planning published an online Open House on May 15, 2023, and will be receiving
public feedback during the public comment periods.
N EXT S TEPS
Staff anticipates the following schedule for review of the draft Joint Plan:
June 5: 2nd Joint Planning Commission work session, if needed
July 10: Public Hearing, Work Session, and option for recommendation to the Board
A TTACHMENTS
Attachment A Draft City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan
Attachment B Map Attachment for Draft City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan
2
CITY OF YELM AND THURSTON COUNTY
JOINT PLAN
{DATE}, 2023
2023 THURSTON COUNTY AND CITY OF YELM JOINT PLAN
An element of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan and
the City of Yelm Comprehensive Plan
Acknowledgements
City of Yelm City CouncilThurston County Board of Commissioners
Joe DePinto, MayorGary Edwards
James BlairCaroline Mejia
Ashley BrooksTye Menser
Joshua Crossman
Brian Hess Thurston County Planning Commission
Terry KaminskiEric Casino, Chair
Joseph RichardsonDerek Day
Holly SmithBarry Halverson
Joel Hansen
City of Yelm Planning Commission Doug Karman
Carlos Perez, ChairScott Nelson
Stefani DunnKevin Pestinger
Jerry FugichJim Simmons
John GraverHelen Wheatley
Robert Howard
John Thomson Thurston County Staff
Anne WahrmundRamiro Chavez, County Manager
Joshua Cummings, CPED Director
City of Yelm Staff Maya Teeple, Senior Planner
Gary Cooper, Planning and Building ManagerAmelia Schwartz, Associate Planner
Maryam Moeinian, Associate Planner
Adopted by the Thurston County Board of Commissioners
Month, Date, 2023
Resolution No. XXXX
Prepared in accordance with the Washington Growth Management Act – RCW 36.70A
J OINT P LAN
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4
Growth Management Act Planning Parameters............................................................................ 7
Guiding Principles......................................................................................................................... 9
Land Use.....................................................................................................................................12
Housing .......................................................................................................................................24
Capital Facilities..........................................................................................................................27
Utilities........................................................................................................................................28
Transportation............................................................................................................................31
Economic Development..............................................................................................................35
Parks and Recreation..................................................................................................................36
Environmental Protection and Critical Areas..............................................................................38
Essential Public Facilities.............................................................................................................41
L IST OF T ABLES
Table 1 - Population Projections................................................................................................. 18
Table 2 Estimated Residential Supply vs. Demand.....................................................................18
Table 3 - Yelm Urban Growth Area Land Use Designation Area in Acres…………………………………..20
Table 4 - Housing Inventory by Type – 2022 Estimate ............................................................2525
Table 5 - Housing Unit Projection............................................................................................2626
L IST OF M APS
Map 1 - Yelm Urban Growth Area................................................................................................. 6
Map 2 - Future Land Use Designations........................................................................................16
Map 3 - Future Land Use After Annexation by the City of Yelm ……………………………………………….17
Map 4 - 2017 CommercialDevelopment Potential..................................................................... 21
Map 5 - 2017 Residential Development Potential....................................................................... 22
Map 6 - Joint Base Lewis-McChord Noise Zones……………………………………………………………………… 23
I NTRODUCTION
The City of Yelmand Thurston County Urban Growth AreaJointPlan (“Joint Plan”) establishes
the vision for the Yelm Urban Growth Area for future development of the community over the
next 20 to 25 years. The Joint Plan is a broad statement of goals and policies that direct the
coordinated physical development of growth within the Yelm Urban Growth Areainto the
future. The UrbanGrowth Area is known as the “areas within which urban growth shall be
encouraged and outside of which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature” (RCW
36.70A.110). As portions of the Urban Growth Area are annexed bythe City, those lands will
transition from rural to urban-level development.
The 2023 Joint Plan update is based off of the 2017 Yelm Comprehensive Plan (adopted
February 14, 2017 under Ordinance 1018) and includes updated background, goals, and
policies to guide development for the Yelm Urban Growth Area. This Joint Plan only includes
policies applicable to the Urban Growth Area. Refer to the City of Yelm’s Comprehensive Plan
for policies specific to the City.
The Joint Plan iswritten in the context of the State Growth Management Act, which mandates
issues that must be dealt with in a comprehensive plan and County-wide planning policies,
which identify how certain aspects of growth management planning are to be met in Thurston
County.
The purpose of the Joint Plan is to identify how development is to occur over the next 20 to 25
years for the Thurston County-Yelm Urban Growth Area (UGA),which will eventually be served
by City of Yelm public facilities and utilitiesand may be annexed into the City of Yelm as the city
grows.
The JointPlan is intended to apply to the entire UGAof Yelm. Jurisdictionally, the Joint Plan will
be implemented in theunincorporated UGA by Thurston County.
The Joint Plan is organized by subject matter, with each main topic having an objective, general
goals, and policies. The maps, goals, and policies provide the basis for the adoption of
regulations, programs, and services which implement the Plan.
The Plan is to be revisited not less often than each ten years to review population progress, the
effectiveness of the existing plan, and the need for change.The Joint Plan may be reviewed
more often to ensure consistency with both jurisdictions’ Comprehensive Plans and any
associated ordinances.
Joint Plan 2023 Process
The amendment process began in 2022, as part of the 2022-2023 Thurston County
Comprehensive Plan Docket Item, CPA-1. The draft Joint Plan was reviewed jointly by the
Introduction - Page 4
Thurston County and City of Yelm Planning Commissions, the Yelm City Council and the
Thurston County Board of County Commissioners. The Joint Plan received final approval on
XX,XX, 2023 by the Thurston County Board of Commissioners.
Public Participation
This Joint Plan has been developed to serve as the guideline for future development in the Yelm
UGA and to meet the changing needs of the community. The Joint Plan was created through a
cooperative process between Yelm and Thurston County Staff, commissioners and
councilmembers, as well as interested parties and the public through public meetings, hearings,
and public forums that allowed for public comment.
Joint Plan Area
The Yelm UGA surrounds most of the city limits, encompassing approximately 2,387 acres, and
is located near the easternmost border between Thurston and Pierce County. Joint Base Lewis
McChord (JBLM) lies to the north and west of Yelm, while the Nisqually Tribe's reservation
lands are to the north. The entirety of Yelm exists in the Nisqually Tribe's traditional ancestral
lands. The Nisqually River runs to the north and east of Yelm, and the city and UGA are
intersected by two major highways, 510 and 507.
Introduction-Page 5
M AP 1-YELM URBAN GROWTH AREA
Source: Thurston County Community Development
Introduction-Page 6
G ROWTH M ANAGEMENT A CT P LANNING P ARAMETERS
Growth Management Act
The City of Yelm and Thurston County participatein comprehensive planning under the
provisions of the Growth Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW. The purpose of the Act is to
promote responsive, responsible local planning to accomplish thirteen identified statewide
goals.
The following State Growth Management Act goals are adopted to guide the development and
adoption of comprehensive plans and development regulations of those counties and cities that
are required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040. The following goals are not listed in
order of priority and shall be used exclusively for the purpose of guiding the development of
comprehensive plans and development regulations:
(1) Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities
and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
(2) Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low-density development.
(3) Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based
on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans.
(4) Housing. Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments of
the population of this state, promotea variety of residential densities and housing
types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.
(5) Economic development. Encourage economic development throughout the state that is
consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economicopportunity for all
citizens of this state, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, promote
the retention and expansion of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses,
recognize regional differences impacting economic development opportunities, and
encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the
capacities of the state's natural resources, public services, and public facilities.
(6) Property rights. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be protected
from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
(7) Permits. Applications for both state and local government permits should be processed
in a timely and fairmanner to ensure predictability.
(8) Natural resource industries. Maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries,
including productive timber, agricultural, and fisheries industries. Encourage the
conservation of productive forest lands and productive agricultural lands, and
discourage incompatible uses.
(9) Open space and recreation. Retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities,
conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water,
and develop parks and recreation facilities.
Growth Management Act Planning Parameters-Page 7
(10) Environment. Protect the environment and enhance the state's high quality of life,
including air and water quality, and the availability of water.
(11) Citizen participation and coordination. Encourage the involvement of citizens in the
planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to
reconcile conflicts.
(12) Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary
to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the
development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service
levels below locally established minimum standards.
(13) Historic preservation. Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and
structures thathave historical or archaeological significance.
County-Wide Planning Policies (CWPP)
Thurston County, in partnership withthe cities and towns in Thurston County, adopted County-
Wide Planning Policies (CWPP) to aid and focus the Growth Management planning activities in
Thurston County. The CWPP are adopted as the policy base for the Joint Plan. The CWPP in
effect at the time of the adoption of this document are those adopted as of November 10, 2015
under Resolution 15209.
Growth Management Act Planning Parameters-Page 8
G UIDING P RINCIPLES
Goal 1 Plan and act toward zero waste in the region.
Policy 1.1Support efforts to maintain a rate structure that will incentivize waste
prevention, as well as implement policy and support waste reduction programs.
Goal 2 Ensure that residents have the resources to meet their daily needs.
Policy 2.1Support a coordinated and streamlined approach to social service planningand
funding in Thurston County.
Goal 3 Ensure that the region’s water supply sustains people in perpetuity while protecting
the environment.
Policy 3.1Support regional efforts to find resources to create a water systems plan that
explores ways to manage water resources in the Thurston Region more holistically.
Goal 4 Move toward a carbon-neutral community.
Policy 4.1Support regional efforts to find resources to create a balanced Thurston Region
climate action plan.
Goal 5 Provide opportunities for everyone in the Thurston Region to learn about and practice
sustainability.
Policy 5.1Support regional efforts to find resources to ensure continued focus on
sustainability actions, education, and coordination.
Goal 6 Make strategic decisions and investments to advance sustainability regionally.
Policy 6.1Support regional efforts to develop a generic sustainability checklist for
modification and use by local jurisdictions.
Goal 7 Support public and private local food systems to increase community resilience,
health, and economic prosperity.
Policy 7.1Support regional efforts to find resources to create a local food systems plan.
Goal 8 Become a model for sustainability and livability. Identify resources, organizational
structure, and educational opportunities to achieveregional sustainability goals.
Policy 8.1Support regional efforts to identify and secure funding to implement actions to
achieve Sustainable Thurston goals and vision.
Policy 8.2Participate in regional efforts to monitor progress in achieving Sustainable
Thurston goals and targets.
Policy 8.3Support regional efforts to create a regional grant center to provide assistance in
identifying and applying for grants.
Policy 8.4Coordinate and collaborate with outreach and planning efforts that cross
jurisdictional boundaries.
Guiding Principles-Page 9
Policy 8.5Support regional efforts to find resources for demonstration projects which
support innovative community ideas and projects that support Sustainable Thurston priority
goals.
Goal 9 Create safe and vibrant South County city and town centers that foster
entrepreneurship, active transportation, civic pride, and a sense of place.
Policy 9.1Encourage commercial and cultural activities in the YelmUrban Growth Area.
Policy 9.2Continue to support coordinated economic and community building activities
among South County communities.
Policy 9.3Identify opportunities to support existing and prospective entrepreneurs in the
YelmUrban Growth Area.
Policy 9.4Support workforce development training in southern Thurston County to
promote new industries.
Policy 9.5Support efforts to developan infrastructure for tourism in South Thurston
County.
Policy 9.6Build on the quality of place within each of the historic community centers.
Policy 9.7Minimize the impact of highways on each of the historic South County
community centers.
Policy 9.8Continue coordinationbetween Thurston Countyand the City of Yelmto ensure
that futuredevelopment thatgenerates pass-through traffic within incorporated
communities pays its fair share for necessary road improvements.
Policy 9.9 Promote telework in South County towns and cities to keep workers and their
dollars local and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Goal 10 Improve regulatory clarity and predictability to encourage urban infill and
redevelopment.
Policy 10.1Planfor the Urban Growth Areaat the local level and involve the community in
the planning process.
Policy 10.2Ensure that housing as envisioned in different areas is feasible to finance and
build.
Goal 11 Ensure future development that minimizes risk to public health, safety, and welfare
of YelmUrban Growth Arearesidents from military training operations,and maintain
compatibility with current and foreseeable missions at Joint Base Lewis -McChord (JBLM).
Policy 11.1Continue to support the unique and vital mission capabilities of JBLM and the
significant contribution of the installation, military personnel, families, and civilian workers
to the economic base of the communityand region.
Policy 11.2Partner with JBLM and the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership to
anticipate and meet community growth and service demands related to the military.
Guiding Principles-Page 10
Goal 12 Foster meaningful, ongoing communication among Yelm and its Urban Growth Area,
JBLM, the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership and other regional partners to
increase awareness of Department of Defense and other federal and state missions and
activities and to coordinate on ongoing compatibility planning and management activities.
Policy 12.1Continue participation in the implementation of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS).
Policy 12.2Work with JBLM to establish ongoing communication mechanisms for issues of
mutual concern, including mission or operational changes that could affect the surrounding
community or specific development and infrastructure projects that could affect
compatibility with training operations.
Policy 12.3Partner with JBLM to make information on the potential impacts of training
operations available to residents.
Policy 12.4Review community development and infrastructure proposals for interaction
that could produce compatibility challenges with training operations, including: noise
sensitive uses in areas of known exposure to aviation and range noise; physical
infrastructure that could interfere with low-level flight operations; and sources of electrical
emissions that could interfere with military communications or navigation systems.
Policy 12.5Provide notice to JBLM for review and comment on land use actions such as
comprehensive planamendments, rezones, development regulation changes, and land use
permitsthat occur within the Yelm Urban Growth Area.
Goal 13 Coordinate Planning Activities
Policy 13.1Continue cooperation between Thurston County and the City of Yelm when
updating policies and plans that may affect the residents of the Yelm Urban Growth Area.
Policy 13.2Notify the Nisqually Tribe during plan reviews and updates and encourage the
tribe to participate in local planning activitiesthat occur within the Yelm Urban Growth Area.
Policy 13.3Communicate with JBLMabout planning and permitting actions within the City
of Yelm’s Urban Growth Area.
-Page 11
L AND U SE
This chapter of the Joint Plan describes the vision for land use within thejoint planning area of
Yelm. The objective of the land use chapter is to establishtheYelmUGAas an area which
provides for a variety of housing types and stylesfor residents in an efficient and sustainable
fashion while preserving Yelm’s history.Residents of the UGA benefit from local shopping,
services, parks, and community centers in the City of Yelm and beyond.
Goal 1 Create a comprehensive planwith goals and policies which fosters balanced
sustainable approaches to managing growth within Yelm and its Urban Growth Area (UGA).
Policy 1.1Adopt comprehensive plangoals and policies that address the statewide Growth
Management Act (GMA) goals within Yelm and its Urban Growth Area (UGA).
Policy 1.2Adopt comprehensive plangoals and policies that implement the County Wide
Planning Policies (CWPP) within Yelm and its UGA.
Policy 1.3Adopt comprehensive plangoals and policies that accommodatesprojected
growth (legally required under the Washington State Growth Management Act) as well as
economic forces which will shape the future of the community.
Policy 1.4Adopt urban growth boundaries for Yelmwhich encourage urban development
at urban densities with urban services.
Policy 1.5Recognize the property rights of landowners in Yelm and its UGA.
Policy 1.6Respect property owners legal rights when implementing this plan. Regulations
should provide for compensation for the property owner of waivers from requirements if the
implementation of the regulation would otherwise constitute a legally defined “taking”.
Policy 1.7Provide public notices, encourage public participation, and allow public input at
all phases of the joint planreview process.
Goal 2 Create a sustainable community.
Policy 2.1Adopt goals, policies, and development regulations designed tofoster
sustainable development through tools such asSmart Growth and Low Impact Development.
Policy 2.2Adopt policies and development regulations to implement smart growth
principles that:
Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration (public participation);
Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities;
Provide a variety of transportation choices;
Mix land uses in appropriate scale for the neighborhood. This may include
apartments over retail and commercial space, or residential and commercial areas in
close proximity;
Preserve open space, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas;
Create a range of housing opportunities and choices;
Land Use-Page 12
Foster distinctive, attractivecommunities with a strong sense of place;
Create walkable neighborhoods;
Take advantage of compact building design; and
Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective.
Goal 3 Allowa variety of land usesthat complement land use and zoning within the City of
Yelm.
Policy 3.1Adopt land use designations, a land use map, and development regulations that
accommodatea variety of uses.
Policy 3.2The current 1 unit per 5 acre land use category acts as a placeholder until areas
are annexed by the City of Yelm. Following annexation, land uses and densities that provide
for urban densities will be applied.
Policy 3.3 During a future update, the County should consider adopting future land use
designations in the Yelm Urban Growth Area that match the City of Yelm’s planned urban
densities following annexation, and at that time consider applying the Yelm Development
Code zoning designations and development regulations for the corresponding future land
use categories
Policy 3.4Consider the availabilityof public facilities and utilities in the future when
planning for varioustypes of land uses.
Goal 4Provide guidancefor a cohesive cityand urban growth area.
Policy 4.1Adopt development regulations and subdivision standards that require new
multi-lot subdivisions to provide a network of connected streets which are integrated into
Yelm’s existing street system.
Policy 4.2Adopt development regulations that require new development projects to
address public transit, and where necessary to accommodate new and potential transit
stops.
Policy 4.3Development regulations allow for permits to be processed in a timely and
efficient manner.
Goal 5Encourage diverse residential growth.
Policy 5.1Allowaccessory dwelling units within residential areas. These are intended to
allow for more affordable and diverse housing choices in the unincorporated area.
Goal 6Encourage commercialand industrial growth that serves the needs of the Cityand its
UGA.
Policy 6.1Restrict commercial developments to those lands already zoned for commercial
land uses, except for home-based businesses and industries which will be allowed
throughout the rural area provided they do not adversely affect the surrounding residential
uses.
Policy 6.2Adopt development and design regulations that encourage compatibility and
connectivity between commercial and residential land uses.
Land Use-Page 13
Policy 6.3Industrial areasshould be locatedon major transportation routes, near existing
utilities, and where they can be appropriately buffered from adjacent land uses.
Goal 7Participate in joint planningwith the City of Yelmfor the urban growth area.
Policy 7.1Support a joint planning process between the City of Yelm and Thurston County
for lands which lie within the Yelm UGAand may incorporate into Yelm’s City limits.
Policy 7.2Identify the goals and policies from the Yelm Comprehensive Plan which will
apply to the unincorporated land within the Yelm UGA.
Policy 7.3Review Yelm’s UGAboundary during the periodic Joint Plan review.
Policy 7.4Ensure that any change to Yelm’s UGAboundary is consistent with the County
Wide Planning Policies.
Policy 7.5For any proposed change tothe land use categories adopted in a Joint Plan
concur with the City of Yelm and review through a joint process.
Goal 8Foster regional coordination.
Policy 8.1Educate the public and local businesses regarding the planning process which
can include comprehensive planamendments, development regulation updates, and the
adoption of functional plans for parks, water, sewer, transportation, and capital facilities.
Policy 8.2Coordinate and provide notification of proposed amendments to the
comprehensive planor development regulations to adjacent jurisdictions and governmental
entities (e.g. Thurston County, Intercity Transit, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the Nisqually
Tribe) providing them an opportunity to comment prior to final action.
Policy 8.3Support the transfer of development rights (TDR) program to conserve
important natural and/or cultural resources (e.g. long-term agricultural lands, historic
properties, or significant wildlife habitat) within the rural portion of Thurston County.
Goal 9Foster historic preservation.
Policy 9.1Adopt development regulations thatprovide incentives to protect, preserve, and
restore historic properties.
Goal 10Create safe and vibrant neighborhoods with places that build community and
encourage active transportation.
Policy 10.1Plan at the neighborhood level to increase housing density and diversity while
preservingneighborhood character and quality of life.
Policy 10.2Plan for land use patterns that provide most neighborhood residents an array of
basic services nearby.
Policy 10.3Encourage appropriately scaled home-based business and live/work
opportunities in neighborhoods.
Policy 10.4Support Intercity Transit efforts to expand transit routes and increase service
frequency where the density, land uses, street design, and location of neighborhoods
between main activity center destinations will result in good service usage.
Land Use-Page 14
Policy 10.5Identify and build street and path connections within existing neighborhoods and
design well-connected streets within any new neighborhoods.
Policy 10.6Increase opportunities for agricultural activities in the urban growth area, and for
urban agriculture within the City of Yelm.
Goal 11Maximize opportunity to redevelop land in priority areas by investing in
infrastructure and environmental remediation.
Policy 11.1Mitigate the additional cost of development in centers and corridors by making
public infrastructure investment that adds value, safety and public enjoyment for the entire
community and that result in appropriate public return on investment when adjacent
properties are developed. Allow for latecomers and other methods of repayment for
government outlay for infrastructure.
Policy 11.2Identify additional funding sources to make building infrastructure as part of a
priority infill housing project more financially viable.
Policy 11.3Do soil and groundwater assessments and evaluate appropriate remediation
options where contaminated soils and groundwater exist. Identify funds for assessment and
remediation. Apply for grants and loans to complete clean-up.
Goal 12Support the local production, processing, and sale of local food products.
Policy 12.1Provide forpublic and private food processing centers in development
regulationsprovide for a variety of uses that can support local food products.
Policy 12.2Allow for the location of farmers markets, food cooperatives, and community
gardens in development regulations.
Policy 12.3Support regional efforts to create a local agricultural economy.
Goal 13Enhance land use compatibility between JBLM and property in the surrounding area
toprotect public health and safety.
Policy 13.1Consider the Military Influence Area as identified in the Joint Land Use Plan
prepared by Joint Base Lewis-McChordand the surrounding communities when reviewing
and updating plans and policies. Specifically consider compatible land uses based on noise
from the Installation Operational Noise Management Plan.
Policy 13.2Consider the use of open spaces adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChordas part of
overall compatibility strategies.
Land Use-Page 15
M AP – FUTURELAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Source: Thurston County Community Development Department
Note: This map reflects existing County Land Use Designations at the time of adoption. The
current 1 unit per 5 acre land use and zoning designation acts as a placeholder until annexation.
Once land is annexed and it is incorporated into the City of Yelm, the City’s zoning will then
apply. The assumption is that once these areas are annexed, urban densities will be applied as
shown in Map 3.
Land Use - Page 16
M AP 3–FUTURE ZONINGAFTER ANNEXATION BY THE CITY OF YELM
Source: Thurston County Community Development Department
Note: Following annexation, it is expected that lands be zoned for urban densities. This map
shows the future land use designations that are expected to apply following annexation by the
City of Yelm.This map may be modified based on City leadership’s decisions.
Land Use-Page 17
Population
According to the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) Buildable Lands Report (2021),
Yelm is expected to continue to grow through 2045. When using the 2020 to 2045 estimates,
The City of Yelm is expected to grow at a 5.7% annual growth rate, while the UGA population is
expected to grow at a lower 0.41% annual growth rate. TRPC uses different models when
calculating their estimates and projections, such as varying household size and vacancy rates,
which can allow for some variation in the totals. Much of the increase in population projected
by 2045 is based on the assumption that annexation of existing parts of the UGA into city limits
will come with more urban services, such as sewer, and thereforea change to more urban
densities and land use types.
T ABLE 1-P OPULATION P ROJECTIONS
2010 2020 Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast
CensusCensus20252030203520402045
City of Yelm6,84810,61713,54017,39020,91023,91025,890
Joint Plan UGA 1,3551,5141,3801,3801,3901,4201,670
Combined Total8,20512,13114,92018,77022,33025,33027,560
Source: Population Estimates and Forecast, July 2022, Thurston Regional Planning Council
T ABLE 2-R ESIDENTIAL S UPPLY VS.D EMAND
2020 2040 Future Future Excess Percent
Dwelling Dwelling Demand Supply CapacityExcess
UnitsUnits2020-20402020-PlusCapacity
Yelmand 3,82010,6406,8208,6301,81021%
Joint Plan
UGA
Source: Buildable Lands Report, 2021, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Note:
1.“Future Supply” includes capacity reserved for the market factor plus any additional unused
capacity.
2.“Excess Capacity” is the difference between future demand and future supply. It includes
capacity not available due to market conditions.
3. “Percent Excess Capacity” is excess capacity as a percent of future supply. A value between 10
and 25 percent across the urban areas is considered reasonable for a healthy housing market.
Residential Supply
Residential Supply is measured as the amount of vacant, partially used, and redevelopable
(underutilized) land that under current land use and regulations is available to be developed
into dwelling units such as single-family homes, duplexes and multi-family apartments,
condominiums, assisted living facilities and other living arrangements. This assessment, with
the addition of the estimated excess capacity, lets the city and county compare their existing
land use availability to what is expected to be needed in the future. For Yelm and the UGA, it is
Land Use-Page 18
expected that there will be more supply than demand for all dwelling unit types; the Urban
Growth Area will be developed primarily as low-density residential, and areas within the City
and that are annexed into the city will be developed at urban densities. This cannot predict the
cost of the potential units, as there are too many variable factors to estimate and only
compares the total number of dwelling units to the expected need.
Residential capacity is the amount that could be built, based on the existing land use type, and
does account for environmentally sensitive areas, as well as possible schools, parks, and
churches. For more information about how this information was collected and calibrated,
please refer to the 2021 TRPC Buildable Lands Report.
Description of the Joint Plan Area
Theland use and associated zoning within the Yelm UGA is primarily low-density residential but
also includes some small pockets of industrial and commercial. The vision over the planning
period for the Yelm UGA is that the urban growth area will be developed as primarily low-
density residential, mostly 1 unit per 5 acres, which also allows for in-home businesses and
agricultural uses. Goods and services will primarily be provided within the City limits and
includes retail, grocery, parks, community centers, mechanics and more. Residents of the City
of Yelm and its UGA may also use goods, services, and parks elsewhere in the County.
There is a small area of Arterial Commercial in the southeast corner of the UGA, located
bordering the City of Yelm along BaldHills Road. This property is envisioned to provide for a
variety of small retail uses. There are also two pockets of light industrial east of the city limits
near to the Yelm railroad.
Land Use Designations
The land use designations of the YelmUrban Growth Areaare described below.For a full list a
land use designations that exist in unincorporated Thurston County, visit the Thurston County
Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2, “Land Use”.
Rural Residential, One Unit per Five Acres (RR 1/5): The majority of the urban growth
area of Yelm is designated for low density residential under rural residential one unit per
five acres.The intent of this area is to maintain existing resource industries and protect
public health in areas with severe soil limitations or limited water supply, floodplains,
and aquifer recharge in the Nisqually valley. The primary uses aresingle-family and two-
family residential and agriculture and forest practices. This area also accommodates
home-based businesses and a variety of other uses through special use permits.
Rural Residential Resource, One Unit per Five Acres (RRR 1/5):Only consisting of a
small amountof the Urban Growth Area is land use under the Rural Residential
Resource designation. This designation is used to encourage the maintenance of an
area's rural character, by allowing low density residential, agricultural, forestry, and
other rural land uses that are sensitive to areas that may need environmental
protection.
Land Use-Page 19
Arterial Commercial(AC):Located along Bald Hills Road, bordering the southeast City of
Yelm, thisarea provides for high visibility and good access to the main arterials.Arterial
Commercial provides for a variety of commercial uses that are oriented towards
vehicular traffic, such as but not limited to beauty shops, grocery, art stores, greenhouse
and plant nurseries, repair shops, and more.
Light Industrial (LI):Two pockets of light industrial are located east of the city limits
nearto the Yelmrailroad. The purpose of this district is to provide for areas where
industrial activities and uses involving processing, fabrication, and storage may be
located. This district also allows for a variety of commercial uses that serve the industrial
district.
T ABLE 3-Y ELM U RBAN G ROWTH A REA L AND U SE D ESIGNATION A REA IN A CRES
Land Use RR 1/5RRR 1/5ACLI
Designation
Total Acreage226644102
Source: Thurston County Community Development Department
Note:
Totals are rounded to the nearest whole number, and are estimated using existing GIS data and may not
accurately represent exact acreage totals.
The City of Yelm includes a variety of land uses to support the population within the city and its
surrounding UGA. Along state route 510 and state route 507 is a commercial corridor and
central business district. High density residential is located closest to 510, while housing
densities decrease to moderate and then low density as you move outward from 510. There is
an industrial designation in the eastern portion of the city, surrounding the railroad. To see a
map of the City of Yelm’s land use designations, visit the City of Yelm’s Comprehensive Plan.
Land Use-Page 20
M AP 4-2017C OMMERCIAL D EVELOPMENT P OTENTIAL
Source: Buildable Lands Report for Thurston County, 2017, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Note: In the Buildable Lands Report, Commercial Land Supply evaluates the sufficiency of
commercial/industriallands within areas under the Growth Management Act. To portray“development
potential,” the map above shows properties’ estimated potential for commercialor industrial use,. The parcels’
zoning,existing building size, lotsize, and current building valueare considered in the evaluation. This
information assists in general planning toprovide possible areas of growth for communities to plan for. Actual
development capacity must be determined on a site-by-site basis, as this is only intended for general use.As
much of the Yelm UGA is rural and residential, the potential for commercial development is lower than it would
be within a more urban area.
Land Use-Page 21
MAP5–2017R ESIDENTIAL D EVELOPMENT P OTENTIAL
Source: Buildable Lands Report for Thurston County, 2017, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Note: In the Buildable Lands Report, Residential Land Supplyevaluates the sufficiency of lands within areas
under the Growth Management Act.With “development potential,” the map above shows properties with their
estimated potentialfornewresidential use. The parcels’ zoning, size, current use, and environmental
constraints all are considered in the evaluation. This information assists in general planning to provide possible
areas of growth for communities to plan for. Actual development capacity must be determined on a site-by-site
basis, as this is only intended for general use. Vacant and partially-used lots are shown above to indicate areas
of potential new or expanded development for residential uses.“Vacant Subdividable Lands”are landsnot
platted for a subdivisionand do notcurrently contain residential, commercial, or industrial structures. The
majority of the Yelm UGA in this 2017 study isconsidered “Partially Used Subdividable Lands,”which arelands
that contain an existing structure, but have the potential to be divided into more residential lots.
Land Use-Page 22
MAP6–J OINT B ASE L EWIS-M C C HORD N OISE Z ONES
Source: Thurston County Community Development Department
Note: As Joint Base Lewis-McChord borders much of Yelm, noises that are emitted from the base impact the
nearby communities. JBLM releases data for "PK 15" and "CDNL" noise levels and their affected areas. "PK 15"
is the peak noise level normally expected with asingle weapon fired once. "CDNL" represents the weighted
average noise level for day-night to describe large caliber munitions and detonation noise emitted from the
training grounds. The map above shows the expected extent of these noise events, which include most of the
Yelm UGA. Noise levels can disproportionately impact various land uses such as residential, which maybe more
negatively impacted by loud noises, or industrial, which may tolerate louder sounds.
Land Use-Page 23
H OUSING
The objective of the housing chapter is to provide for diverse housing choices, protect the
health and livability or neighborhoods, and provide for safe and affordable housing to those
within the Urban Growth Area of Yelm.
Goal 1Ensure enough housing is available to meet the needs of the existing and projected
population of Yelm and its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 1.1Within the City of Yelm, allow a variety of housing types within the residential
and mixed use designations to promote a range of housing alternatives within the
community. This may include but not be limited to: government assisted housing, housing
for low-income families, manufactured housing, multi-family housing, and group or foster
homes.
Policy 1.2The current 1 unit per 5 acre land use category acts as a placeholder until areas
are annexed by the City of Yelm or until the time at which the County applies a future land
use and zoning designation consistent with the City’s land use and zoning. Following
annexation, land uses and densities that provide for urban densities will be applied.
Policy 1.3Allow accessory dwelling units in all residential land use categories subject to
development standards and design criteria.
Policy 1.4Encourage opportunities for a rangeof housing costs to enable housing for all
segments of the population.
Policy 1.5Encourage the provision of adequate affordable building sites through
appropriate zoning, infrastructure, and other development regulations.
Policy 1.6Review development regulations to ensure that a range of housing types is
available throughout Yelm.
Policy 1.7Monitor the need for special needs housing and increase opportunities for such
housing.
Goal 2Meet the county wide planning policy to ensure a fair share of affordable housing.
Policy 2.1Encourage a variety of housing types in the residential designations to assure
choice, opportunity, and availability of a fair share of affordable housing throughout Yelm,
its UGA, and adjacent areas of Thurston County.
Policy 2.2Participate with other jurisdictions and Thurston County in a regional process to
monitor Fair Share Affordable Housing targets within the County.
Goal 3Conserve and improve the existing housing stock and neighborhoods.
Policy 3.1Maintain up-to-date development regulationsfor building, housing, mechanical,
and other design standards.
Policy 3.2Support rehabilitation efforts for substandard housing.
Housing-Page 24
Policy 3.3Encourage local community groups, churches, and businesses to provide
voluntary assistance tomaintain existing structures for the elderly, low income, and those
with special needs.
Goal 4Promote energy efficient housing to reduce the overall costs of home ownership.
Policy 4.1Support programs that make existing structures more energy efficient.
Policy 4.2Periodically review the energy efficiency development regulations to ensure that
they are up-to-date.
Goal 5 Provide sufficient housing for low-and moderate-income households within each
jurisdiction.
Policy 5.1Provide sufficient housing for low-and moderate-income households.
Policy 5.2Provide tenants and landlords information about housing rights and
responsibilities.
Policy 5.3Provide assistance in obtaining funding and/or technical assistance for the
expansion or establishment of low-cost affordable housing for low-to-moderate and fixed-
income individuals and families.
Goal 6 Provide sufficient service-enriched housing for homeless and high-risk populations.
Policy 6.1Allow shelters, grouphomes, transitional housing, and permanent housing with
social services in development regulations in locations where these facilities have access to
transit, parks, and other amenities.
Goal 7Encourage the construction, weatherization and operation of homes to boost energy
efficiency.
Policy 7.1Support regional efforts to engage landlords and property managers in energy
efficiency efforts.
Policy 7.2Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in homes and businesses so
that energy consumption in buildings is reduced.
ABLE 4-H OUSING I NVENTORY BY T YPE –2022E STIMATE
T
Single-familyMultifamilyManufactured Total
Home
City of Yelm 2,6108401303,570
Joint Plan UGA 3500160510
Combined Total 2,9608402904,080
Source: Housing Estimates by Type, 2022, Thurston Regional Planning Council
Housing-Page 25
ABLE 5-H OUSING U NIT P ROJECTION
T
202020252030203520402045
City of 3,4555,3107,0908,69010,07010,960
Yelm
Joint Plan 516540550560570660
UGA
Combined 3,9715,8507,6409,25010,64011,620
Total
Source: Housing Estimates and Forecast by Jurisdiction, 2022, Thurston Regional Planning Council
-Page 26
C APITAL F ACILITIES
Both Thurston County and the City of Yelm adopt Capital Facilities Plans as part of their
Comprehensive Plans. These plans schedule the timing, location, projected cost, and revenue
sources for the capital improvements identified for implementation in other Comprehensive
Plan chapters. These include parks, transportation, utilities and general capital projects. The 6-
year financing plan for capital projects in Thurston County is amended annually. Thurston
County adopts a Capital Facilities Plan for capital improvements in the County, including for the
Yelm Urban Growth Area.
Capital Facilities-Page 27
U TILITIES
The objective of the utilitieschapter is to provide city operated utility services in an efficient
and cost effective manner and to coordinate with private utilities, both to ensure that urban
growth demands can be met with maintaining appropriate levels of service.
Goal 1Ensure that utilities and public facilities are sizedappropriately to accommodate the
growth that is anticipated to occur within Yelmand its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 1.1 Rely upon the utility purveyor to determine the sequence of lines and facilities to
adequately serve the community.
Goal 2Ensure that utilities and public facilities are environmentally sensitive, safe, provide
reliable service, are available at a reasonable economic cost to the consumer and are
compatible with the surrounding land uses.
Policy 2.1Promote the co-location of new public and private utility distribution facilities in
shared trenches.
Policy 2.2Provide timely notice to utilities of City sponsored construction and road
maintenance projects to encourage coordination of public and private utility trenching
activities.
Policy 2.3Promote the joint use of transportation rights of way and utility corridors.
Policy 2.4Encouragenew above ground facilities to be appropriately landscaped and/or
architecturally compatible with adjacent land uses.
Policy 2.5Encourageenvironmental stewardship throughenergy conservation retrofits and
the useof alternative energy sources.
Goal 3Process permits for public facilities and utilities in a timely and predictable manner.
Policy 3.1Encourage the cooperation with other jurisdictions in the planning and
implementation of multi-jurisdictional public facility and utility additions and improvements.
Policy 3.2Make decisions regarding utility facilities in a manner that is consistent with and
complementary to regional demand and resources.
Policy 3.3Review applications for public facility and utility permits simultaneously when
feasible.
Policy 3.4Jointly undertake a periodic review of comprehensive planutility chapters.
Goal 4 Provide efficient and effective drinking water infrastructure.
Policy 4.1Continue to advance hydrogeological assessments to better quantify the region’s
available water resources.
Policy 4.2Coordinate water system planning with other agencies to provide drinking water
in the area.
Goal 5 Manage wastewater in a cost-effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 5.1Build governmental capacity to address septic system conversions.
Utilities-Page 28
Policy 5.2In areas whereonsite septic systems are impacting groundwater pollution or
pose significant health risks, the County should work to encourage conversion to sanitary
sewers.
Policy 5.3Ensure septic systems are properly monitored and managed and that failing
systems are identified and promptly repaired.
Policy 5.4Where adequate public sewer services are available within two hundred feet of a
property, the Health Officer may require hook-up to the public sewer system when new
development is proposed, or when the existing on-site septic system fails, needs
replacement, or requires major repairs, or when necessary for groundwater resource
protection
Goal 6 Manage stormwater in a cost-effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 6.1Coordinate with the City of Yelmto meet stormwater goals by watershed.
Policy 6.2Encourage innovative and creative solutions for addressing stormwater runoff.
Policy 6.3Ensure that retrofits toexisting developments with stormwater infrastructure
meetcurrent standardsor provide a meaningful benefit.
Policy 6.4Require the use of low impact development standards for the treatment and
disposal of stormwaterwhen necessary.
Goal 7Increase energy generation from renewable resources to reduce the region’s carbon
footprint.
Policy 7.1Ensure development codes and permitting practices allow for renewable energy
projects.
Policy 7.2Take action to conserve resources, increase the use of renewable resources, and
decrease dependence on non-renewable resources by reducing energy consumption and
reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Goal 8Enhance the region’s electricity distribution, monitoring andstorage infrastructure to
support adoption of cleaner technologies and practices.
Policy 8.1Support energy suppliers’ equipment upgrades, new programs, and service
offerings related to adding information technology to the system or grid.
Policy 8.2Support voluntary programs for adding vehicle chargers to homes, businesses,
and public parking infrastructure.
Policy 8.3Allow for electric vehicle charging stations in locations where they are needed.
Goal 9Increase energy efficiency and conservation to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
Policy 9.1Support regional efforts to adopt uniform energy-efficiency building standards.
Goal 10Plan and take action to reduce, reuse and recycle as much waste as possible and
meet the needs of current and future populations.
Policy 10.1Support regional efforts to maintain and expand recycling efforts through
participation on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Utilities-Page 29
Goal 11Continue to plan for, educate, assist and offer access to safely and efficiently manage
disposal and reduce hazardous waste.
Policy 11.1Support regional efforts to maintain and expand the collection and safe disposal
of hazardous waste through participation on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Utilities-Page 30
T RANSPORTATION
The objective of the transportation chapter is to plan for multi-modal improvements to the
transportation system that provides for safe and efficient travel through and to neighborhoods
and to accommodate future urban growth in a cost effective manner while ensuring that
growth pays for growth.
Goal 1Create a transportation system that is compatible with neighboring cities, Thurston
County, Washington State, and other transportation providers.
Policy 1.1Encourage the public to participate in transportation related decisions.
Policy 1.2Coordinate the planning, construction, and operations of transportation facilities
and programs.
Policy 1.3Cooperate with the City of Yelm and neighboring jurisdictions,Pierce County,
Joint Base Lewis-McCord, and the Washington State Department of Transportation to
address regional transportation issues.
Policy 1.4Support and participate in the Thurston Regional Planning Council 2045 Regional
Transportation Plan.
Policy 1.5Coordinate the planning and operation of Yelm’s transportation system to
provide efficient and varied means of transportation.
Policy 1.6Support the creation ofa community transfer site and support the expansion of
transit service within Yelm, its UGA,and to surrounding communities and employment
centers.
Policy 1.7Support the development of a regional park-and-ride lot system.
Policy 1.8Preserve the existing railroad rights-of-way within Yelm’s Urban Growth Area
and connections to the national rail network.
Policy 1.9Coordinate with service providers on the location of major utility and
transportation corridors and the construction of roadway improvements.
Policy 1.10For planning purposes,adoptthe Washington State Department of
Transportation Urban LOS D standardor better within the urban growth boundary.Refer to
the County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5, “Transportation”, for more information.
Goal 2Create a well maintained transportation system that provides safe and cost effective
movement of goods, services, and people.
Policy 2.1Disburse traffic throughout the community rather than concentrating it through
the urban core, by providing an interconnected network of streets and trails that offer a
variety of travel choices and different ways to get around the community.
Policy 2.2Classify Yelm’s streets according to federal, state, regional, and local guidelines.
Policy 2.3Ensure adequate and safe access to property through a system of public and
private roads.
Transportation-Page 31
Policy 2.4Apply design standards, guidelines, and endorsedcriteriathat result in attractive
and functional transportation facilities.
Policy 2.5Utilize transportation system management strategies to efficiently operate
transportation facilities. These could include:
Signal interconnection systems, signal coordination and synchronization, and other
signal systems to ease traffic flow;
Roundabouts. If a signalintersectionisconsidered, an analysis must be performed to
confirm that it outperformsa roundabout for safety and mobility operations;
Turn lanes and pockets to allow turning vehicles to move out of through traffic lanes;
Access control for arterials and major collectors to minimize disruptions in traffic
flow; and
Non-motorized infrastructure
Policy 2.6Encourage travel by means other than the automobile and provide for the safety
of pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Yelmand its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 2.7Ensure mobility for all residents, including the elderly and persons with
disabilities by providing an accessible and affordable transportation system within Yelmand
its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 2.8Maintain the transportation system at a level that is comparable with the design
standards applied to new facilities.
Policy 2.9Limit and provide access to the street network in a manner consistent with the
function and purpose of each roadway.
Policy 2.10Permit construction of private roads to assist with access to private properties.
Policy 2.11Manage the demand for transportation systems through strategies mandated by
state law.
Goal 3Develop a transportation system with minimal environmental impact and energy
consumption that provides for a high quality of life to be enjoyed by the citizens.
Policy 3.1Design transportation facilities that minimize adverse environmental impacts
resulting from their construction and operation.
Policy 3.2Design a transportation network that is compatible with the economic and
development goals of Yelmand its UGA.
Policy 3.3Ensure that transportation system improvements are compatible with adjacent
land uses and minimize potential conflicts.
Policy 3.4Allow major land use changes only when those proposals accompany specific
documentation or proposed plans showing how the transportation system can adequately
support the needs of existing and proposed development.
Policy 3.5Retain existing public rights-of-way.
Transportation-Page 32
Goal 4Responsibly fund needed transportation system improvements with public and private
sector participation.
Policy 4.1Implement transportation planning and development in the Urban Growth Area
as a joint exercise of responsibility between Yelm, the County and the State.
Policy 4.2Use a standardized, well documented, and objective process to establish clear
priorities for transportation expenditures within Yelmand its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 4.3Ensure that any transportation improvements or strategies that are required to
mitigate impacts are constructed or financed concurrent with a development project.
Policy 4.4Share the responsibility of mitigating transportation development impacts
between the public and private sector.
Policy 4.5Cooperate with private investors to provide for the recovery of facility
improvement costs which are attributable to other development projects.
Goal 5 Encourage safe and active school transportation to improve community health,
economic, and environmentaloutcomes.
Policy 5.1Continue to support and act on the Healthy Kids –Safe Streets Action Plan and
other programs that are working to build a generation of healthy and safe walkers, bicycle,
and bus riders.
Policy 5.2In new neighborhoods, site and design schools that maximize opportunity for
neighborhoods and the community, and encourage travel to schools on foot, by bike or by
bus.
Policy 5.3Participate in public/private partnerships to maximize and leverage revenue for
schools and other facilities, including surrounding safe walk/bike routes.
Goal 6 Improve infrastructure around schools that results in safe pedestrian, bicycle, and bus
access.
Policy 6.1Support Yelm Community Schools efforts on funding support for safety
education and infrastructure improvements around schools.
Policy 6.2Supportsidewalk and safety improvements around schools —especially those
with walk and bike safety education and encouragement programs.
Goal 7 Reduce transportation congestion and environmental impacts.
Policy 7.1Encouragethe use of alternative forms of transportation.
Policy 7.2Provide for park-and-pool facilities that increase vanpool and carpool options in
development regulations.
Policy 7.3Connect urban and rural bicycle and pedestrian pathways with parks and open
spaces to encourage more active transportation and use of natural areas.
Goal 8 Consider freight mobility needs in local and regional planning.
Policy 8.1Ensure that transportation plans and funding strategies explicitly consider the
need to move goods and services within and between local communities, and between the
Thurston Region and other markets.
Transportation-Page 33
Goal 9 Integrate transportation considerations into land use decisions, and vice versa.
Policy 9.1Provide for increased densities in urban neighborhoods and activity centers near
transportation corridors in development regulations.
Policy 9.2Development regulations should allow for more compact forms of development
to ensure that future land-use patterns will be efficient to serve with transit, freight or other
transportation infrastructure.
Transportation-Page 34
E CONOMIC D EVELOPMENT
The objective of the economic development chapter is to encourage the location of jobs, goods,
and services for the residents of Yelmand Yelm’sservice area as an urban center serving
southeast Thurston and south Pierce counties.
Goal 1Create a healthy economic base for the community by supporting clean industry,
tourism, higher education, vocational education, and retail services.
Policy 1.1Support the development of retail and commercial services to meet the needs of
the community.
Policy 1.2Encourage new commercial services to locate in existing commercially zoned
areas.
Policy 1.3Support efforts ofthe Thurston Economic Development Council to identify
potential businesses to locate in Yelm’s industrial areas.
Policy 1.4Support efforts ofthe Thurston Economic Development Council to promote
cottage industries within the community.
Goal 2 Coordinate economic development efforts to attract and retain businesses and jobs.
Policy 2.1Support efforts by the Thurston Economic Development Council and Yelm
Chamber of Commerce to develop an intergovernmental collaboration and coordination
panel focused on sustainability and aligned with economic development organizations.
Policy 2.2Coordinate with other permitting jurisdictions to advocate for permitting vision,
clarity, and predictability.
Policy 2.3Support regional efforts to create a community-wide vision and action plan for
coordinated and efficient governance that enlists multiple organizations in the
implementation of defined community priorities and goals.
Goal 3Create an innovation culture to encourage entrepreneurship.
Policy 3.1Support efforts to evaluate the potential for creating a South County telework
center, perhaps co-located with a small business incubator, library, or other appropriate use.
Goal 4Provide robust infrastructure to support economic development.
Policy 4.1Support/preserve long-term investment in multimodal transportation.
Policy 4.2Advocate for sustainable funding mechanisms.
Goal 5Create a robust economy through sustainable practices.
Policy 5.1Support the Economic Development Councils efforts to implement the
Sustainable Economy action plan.
Economic Development-Page 35
P ARKS AND R ECREATION
The objective of the parks and recreation chapter is to ensure that adequate active and passive
recreational and community facilities are provided to serve all residents
Goal 1Create a network of park and open space lands that serve the residents of Yelmand its
UGAregardless of their age.
Policy 1.1Network existingparks, and trailswith other parksand community recreation
facilitiesin the Yelm UGA and nearby.
Policy 1.2Ensure that new linkages areaccessible, expandable, and effectively connect
sidewalks with on and off street bicycle facilities.
Policy 1.3Enhance the existing park and recreation network by:
Meeting the demands of a more diverse population, increasingly aware of the
importance of exercise and activity for the mental and physical wellbeing of young
and old;
Continuing to support youth and adult sport activity needs, building new facilities in
cooperation with the City of Yelm, schools andother public and private partners; and
Accommodating community needs for gathering spaces and for events and
accommodate -as much as possible -regional and state user needs for special events
in park and recreation facilities.
Policy 1.4Continue efforts toward developing, maintaining and improving current park
areas, facilities and programs.
Goal 2Plan and develop a trail network that serves all parts of the community.
Policy 2.1Continue to implement the Thurston Regional Trails Plan which identifies a trail
system that connects neighborhoods, cities, and neighboring counties.
Policy 2.2Collaborate with adjacent jurisdictions, tribes, and transportation providers on
the planning, financing, and development of regional trail facilities.
Policy 2.3Connect the trail network to major destinations and activity centers including
parks, schools, business districts, other public facilities or sites, and park and ride lots.
Goal 3Encourage public and private efforts to provide parks, recreation facilities, and
recreation programs to the community.
Policy 3.1Enhance Yelm’s existing park and recreation network by making efficient use of
existing facilities.
Policy 3.2Support partnerships with private organizations to raise funds to developpark
and recreation areas.
Policy 3.3Support a partnership with the Yelm School District to provide, coordinate, and
maintain park and recreation facilities.
Policy 3.4Support new recreational programs on public properties located near residential
populations or adjacent to schools.
Parks and Recreation-Page 36
Goal 4Conserve open space corridors to provide definition between natural areas and urban
land uses.
Policy 4.1Identifyand prioritizenatural areas,planned trail routes, andopen space
corridorsfor protection.
Policy 4.2Coordinate and cooperate with other public and private landowners to set aside
land and resources necessary to provide high quality open space before the most suitable
sites are developed.
Policy 4.3Protect unique environmental features from development and allow public
access provided that it will not degrade the site.
Parks and Recreation-Page 37
E NVIRONMENTAL P ROTECTION AND C RITICAL A REAS
The objective of the environmental protection and critical areas chapter to protect and
enhance the natural environment while accommodating urban growth.
Goal 1Protect Yelm’s natural environment by regulating development within critical areas.
Policy 1.1Work with adjacent jurisdictions, state, federal, and regional agencies to protect
and conserve Yelm’s critical areas.
Policy 1.2Protect and restore environmental quality through land use plans, surface water
management plans and programs, comprehensive park plans, and development regulations.
Policy 1.3Adopt development regulations and land use categories that concentrate higher
densities and intensities in suitable areas.
Policy 1.4Protect groundwater and encourage wise management of this valuable resource.
Policy 1.5Adopt development regulations for wellhead protection areas based upon the
best available science and hydrologic modeling.
Policy 1.6Implement the policies and programs of the sewer and water comprehensive
plans.
Policy 1.7Take action in cooperation with the Washington Department of Ecology to
improve areas with degraded ground or surface water.
Policy 1.8Protect Yelm’s aquatic resources, and where possible restore or enhance their
natural functions.
Policy 1.9Adopt stormwater development regulations that prevent turbidity and siltation
from construction sites and restrict stormwater runoff to predevelopment levels through the
use of low impact development (LID) management techniques.
Policy 1.10Adopt development regulations for wetlands, streams, and their associated
buffers that are based upon best available science.
Policy 1.11Manage wetlands, rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes as hydrologically
interconnected natural systems and not as isolated units.
Policy 1.12Provide mechanisms within development regulations to allow buffer averaging,
enhancement, and other mitigation measures that do not degrade or further impact
sensitive areas.
Goal 2Prevent the loss of life and property in frequently flooded areas.
Policy 2.1Continue use ofthe Federal Flood Insurance Program and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps for any developments located
within a frequently flooded area.
Policy 2.2Adopt development regulations for frequently flooded areas that prohibits
development within a floodway and discourages the filling of floodplains unless necessary to
meet a public purpose.
Environmental Protection and Critical Areas-Page 38
Policy 2.3Allocate frequently flooded areas to low intensity land uses for whichthey are
best suited.
Goal 3Prevent the loss of life and property in areas subject to erosion, landslides, or other
geologic hazards.
Policy 3.1Adopt development regulations areas subject to erosion, landslides, or other
geologic hazards based upon bestavailable science.
Policy 3.2Continue to gather and review seismic data to assess the community’s risk to
earthquake hazards.
Policy 3.3Preserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
Policy 3.4Preserve native vegetation in riparian areas andenhance this habitat wherever
possible.
Policy 3.5Manage publicly owned aquatic and riparian habitats in a way that enhances its
ability to sustain fish and wildlife.
Policy 3.6Encourage residents and businesses to use native plants in residential and
commercial landscaping.
Goal 4Protect air quality.
Policy 4.1Support state and federal air quality standards which regulate activities that emit
pollutants into the air.
Policy 4.2Encourage commute trip reduction efforts and the use of transportation demand
management techniques to reduce energy consumption and air pollution.
Goal 5Control excessive noise that diminishes the use, value, and enjoyment of property
within Yelm.
Policy 5.1Rely upon the state noise standards to ensure that excessive noise does not
impair permitted land use activities.
Goal 6 Reduce air pollution that endangers human health.
Policy 6.1Continue to support regional efforts to monitor air quality and take actions to
reduce air pollution.
Goal 7 Protect, preserve and restore streams, wetlands, and shorelines to protect water
quality.
Policy 7.1Enforce existing environmental-protection regulations.
Policy 7.2Allow the use of low-impact development (LID) practices where feasible in
development regulations.
Policy 7.3Continue to support local efforts to identify and restore degraded streams and
shorelines of Puget Sound.
Environmental Protection and Critical Areas-Page 39
Goal 8 Preserve environmentally sensitive lands, farmlands, forest lands, prairies, and rural
lands through the development of compact urban areas.
Goal 9 Protect and improve water quality, including groundwater, rivers, streams, lakes, and
the Puget Sound.
Policy 9.1Support Thurston County’s efforts to preserve stream basins that still have the
opportunity to function properly.
Policy 9.2Participate with Thurston County in any watershed-based land-use planning
activities in Yelm or the Yelm urban growth area.
Goal 10 Maintain air quality standards.
Policy 10.1Support regional efforts to continue to focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled
and improving the efficient movement of people and goods on the transportation network.
Goal 11 Invasive Species
Policy 11.1Discourage the use of any invasive species in any landscaping within the City
limits and the Urban Growth Area.
Environmental Protection and Critical Areas-Page 40
E SSENTIAL P UBLIC F ACILITIES
The objective of the essential public facilities chapter is to identify and allow facilities necessary
to accommodate urban growth.
Goal 1Provide for the siting of essential public facilities.
Policy 1.1Cooperatively establish a fair share process for locating essential public facilities
identified by Yelm, Thurston County, and state which are needed for the community and the
region.
Policy 1.2Locate City of Yelm essential public facilities based upon criteriaas adopted by
the general Thurston County Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 1.3 Accommodate schools within the Yelm Urban Growth Area consistent with
adopted development regulations.
Policy 1.4Locatecounty-wide and state-wide essential public facilities based uponthe
following criteria:
The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed use will not have any probably
significant adverse impact on critical areas; except for lineal facilities, such as
highways, where no feasible alternative exists; and
Major public facilities which generate substantial traffic shall be sited near major
transportation corridors.
Goal 2 Provide emergency services in a dependable and efficient manner to meet the
dynamic needs of a diverse society.
Policy 2.1Cooperate with regional efforts to provide emergency services.
Policy 2.2Maintain an emergencymanagementplan.
Goal 3 Create a resilient region by improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
efforts, as well as by expanding public safety education.
Policy 3.1Support regional efforts to fund an update to the region’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency-approved Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan every five years.
Policy 3.2Identify cost-effective mitigation actions to reduce harmfrom disaster events.
Policy 3.3Consider emergency facilities in community planning and permitting.
Policy 3.4Participate in regional emergency exercises and recovery planning processes.
Goal 4 Promote good health for UGAresidents.
Policy 4.1Support awareness of the Washington Health Plan Finder (Health Care Exchange)
Policy 4.2Support efforts by health care providers to improve health care availability and
services for all within the Yelm area.
Policy 4.3Identify the health and human services in the Yelm area fordisproportionately
impacted groups.
Essential Public Facilities-Page 41
Goal 5 Improve community coordination to create schools that use land, tax dollars, and
other resources efficiently.
Policy 5.1Participate in meetings with Yelm Community Schools to share information and
discuss issues related to long-and short-term planning for schools, parks,
bike/pedestrian/bus network or other facilities.
Policy 5.2Support efforts by Yelm Community Schools to explore innovative strategies,
such as public-to-public land swap opportunities, to create suitably-sized parcels for new
schools close to existing neighborhoods or where there is convenient access to good transit
service.
Policy 5.3Allow schools to locate within walking distance of large student populations or
near available transit routes through development regulations.
Essential Public Facilities-Page 42
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