HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 10 2023 Thurston County & Yelm Planning Commission Joint Meeting - Agenda Packet
THURSTON COUNTY PLANNINGCOMMISSION
3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Suite 100
Olympia, WA 98501
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/Planning%20Commission/Planning_Commission.htm
SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, July 10, 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 hasnot 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/86265861146
Passcode: 781312
-OR-
Dial: +1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Webinar ID: 86265861146
Passcode: 781312
1.Call to Order6:45 p.m.
Sound and Video Check
Introduction of Planning
Commissioners' Approval of Agenda
MOTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES AND ACCEPT THE AUDIO AS THE OFFICIAL
MEETING RECORD.
2.Public Communications***6:50 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:
None
Continued Business:
3.Public Hearing: CPA-1, the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan7:00 p.m.
(Staff: Amelia Schwartz)
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Comprehensive
Plan Docket Item CPA-1, the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan
4. Work Session #2: CPA-1, the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan 7:10 p.m.
(Staff: Amelia Schwartz)
The Planning Commission will hold a work session following the public
hearing and may make a recommendation to the BoCC.
Other Business:
5. Good of the Order 7:50 p.m.
6. Adjourn 8:00 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
2022-2023 Comprehensive Plan Docket Item CPA-1:
City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan Update
Public Hearing Staff Report
Date:July 10, 2023
Prepared by: Amelia Schwartz, Associate Planner
Proponent/Applicant: Thurston County and the City of Yelm
Action Requested: Recommendation on the City of Yelm and
Thurston County Joint Plan update by a full
repeal and replace.
Location:YelmUrban Growth Area
Comprehensive Plan Changes: Map Changes Text Changes Both
Development Code Amendments
Affected Jurisdictions (YelmUGA)
1 BACKGROUND
2 The Yelm Joint Plan is part of Comprehensive Plan Docket Item CPA-1 and is priority 4 of 9 on
3 the Comprehensive Plan Docket. The Joint Plan is a component of both the Thurston County and
4 the City of Yelm Comprehensive Plans. Joint plans allow the city and county, along with the
5 public, to create a mutual vision for the future of the urban growth area and provide a guide for
6 development.
7
8 The Yelm Joint Plan had its last major update in 2006. The proposed Joint Plan is a full repeal and
9 replacement and is based off the 2017 Yelm Comprehensive Plan. Using the City of Yelm’s most
10 recent Comprehensive Plan as the foundation of the Joint Plan maintains consistency and includes
11 the most current planning goals of the City. The proposed updates to the Yelm Joint Plan element
12 of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan make the plan consistent with the County
13 Comprehensive Plan and other planning documents.
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15 Changes to the plan include:
16 - Addition and revision of goals and policies updates for consistency with other Thurston
17 County plans, like the Comprehensive Plan, transportation plans and water plans.
18 - Updated maps.
19 - Updated current conditions, including population growth projections and estimates of
20 dwelling units and housing based off of the Thurston Regional Planning Council’s data.
21 - Removal of city-centric policies. The Joint Plan is only applicable to the Yelm Urban
22 Growth Area.
23
24 CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER REGULATIONS, PLANS, AND POLICES
25 The proposed amendments are consistent with the Washington State Growth Management Act,
26 Thurston County County-wide Planning Policies and Thurston County Comprehensive Plan. This
1
1 update will better align the joint plan with current planning documents and regulations that have
2 been updated since the last major update of the joint plan in 2006.
3
4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/OUTREACH:
5 - An online open house was published in May 2023, and has received 194 views as of
6 the creation of this report.
7 - Legal notice and webmail were issued on June 16, 2023.
8 - A press release was issued on June 30, 2023.
9 - A special meeting notice was provided on July 3, 2023.
10 - Information about the public hearing was posted online to the project and Planning
11 Commission pages on the Thurston County website.
12
13 PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW:
14 - A joint Planning Commission meeting with Yelm and Thurston County was held on
15 May 17, 2023.
16 - A joint Planning Commission public hearing with Yelm and Thurston County was held
17 on July 10, 2023.
18
19 OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:
20 Before producing a recommendation on the Yelm-Thurston County Joint Plan, the planning
21 commission may consider additional changes based on public comment.
22
23 Option A: Move to recommend adoption of the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan
24 2023 “repeal and replace” update.
25 Considerations:
26 Keeps joint plan on track for a final action by the end of the year.
27 Updates joint plan for consistency with other city and county planning documents.
28 Updates current conditions in joint plan.
29
30 Option B: Move to recommend no to adoption of the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint
31 Plan 2023 “repeal and replace” update.
32 Considerations:
33 Does not update the joint plan for consistency with other city and county planning
34 documents.
35
36 SEPA:
37 An environmental determination for the proposed update is required pursuant to WAC 197-11-
38 704, and will be completed prior to a public hearing on the amendments before the Board of County
39 Commissioners.
40
41 PUBLIC COMMENT:
42 As of the date of submittal of this staff report, 2 public comments have been received. Public
43 comment has been collected and compiled and is summarized in Attachment E: Public Comment
44 Matrix. Any written comments received up until 12 PM the day of the hearing will be forwarded
45 to the Planning Commission and included on the project website.
46
47 ATTACHMENTS
48 Attachment A: July 10, 2023 Staff Memo – PC Follow Up Questions
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1 Attachment B: Draft City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan
2 Attachment C: Map of Current City of Yelm Zoning and County Land Use Designations
3 Attachment D: Draft Environmental Checklist
4 Attachment E: Public Comment Matrix
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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:July 10, 2023
SUBJECT: Work Session #2: Docket Item CPA-1, Yelm Joint Plan
S UMMARY & D ECISION P OINTS
This is work session #2 on this topic. The Planning Commission has held a public hearing on July
10, 2023. 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:
¤Recommendation on the City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint Plan.
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
City of YelmÔs most recent Comprehensive Plan as the basis maintains consistency and includes
updated themes of the City. The proposed updates to the Yelm Joint Plan element of the Thurston
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
County Comprehensive Plan make the plan consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan and
other planning documents.
UPDATES TO COMMISSIONER FEEDBACK
U PDATED M APS
The Online Open House had aerial imagery added as a basemap to the interactive map to improve
location recognition by users. Map 1 of the Draft Joint Plan has been updated with bolder
symbology for the Yelm UGA, as well as an inset map and marking border for the area. A map
showing the existing County and City zoning and land use designations has been added as a
reference attachment to this memo.
D EMOGRAPHIC D ATA FOR THE UGA
The draft Housing Action Plan for Yelm (2023) does contain an extensive demographics section,
from page 40-48, but it does not differentiate by UGA/City Limits/County. Existing TRPC and
Census data does not differentiate income and race demographics by the Yelm UGA for a data
comparison. Geographical limits to the existing data do not make this a current possibility for this
plan.
P UBLIC F EEDBACK
Community Planning published an online Open House on May 15, 2023. On June 16, 2023 a legal
notice was published in the Olympian and the public comment period was opened. On June 30,
2023 the press release was issued, and notice of a special meeting was posted on July 3, 2023. As
of June 29, 2023, 2 comments have been received.
N EXT S TEPS
Staff anticipates the following schedule for review of the draft Joint Plan:
July 10, 2023 – Joint City of Yelm and Thurston County Planning Commission Public
Hearing and Possible Recommendation:
July-August 2023 - Yelm City Council; SEPA Determination Issued
August-October 2023: BoCC Review
November-December 2023: BoCC Final Action (occurs with once a year action to amend
Thurston County Comprehensive Plan)
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CITY OF YELMAND THURSTON COUNTY
JOINT PLAN
{DATE}, 2023
6
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
RichardLomsdaleKevin 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
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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 – 2022Estimate.............................................................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
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I NTRODUCTION
The City of Yelmand Thurston County Urban Growth AreaJointPlan (“Joint Plan”) establishes
the vision forthe Yelm Urban Growth Area forfuturedevelopment 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 thatmust 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.
TheJointPlan 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 tenyears 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
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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
landsare 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.
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M AP 1-YELM URBAN GROWTH AREA
Source: Thurston County Community Development
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G ROWTH M ANAGEMENT A CT P LANNING P ARAMETERS
Growth Management Act
The City of Yelm and Thurston County participate in 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 canbe 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, promote a 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 economic opportunity 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 propertyrights 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 fair manner 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.
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(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 foroccupancy 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.
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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.
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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 9.5 Support efforts to developan infrastructure for tourism in South Thurston
County.
Policy 9.6 Build on the quality of place within each of the historic community centers.
Policy 9.7 Minimize the impact of highways on each of the historic South County
community centers.
Policy 9.8 Continue 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.
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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 13.1 Continue 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 JBLM about planning and permitting actions within the City
of Yelm’s Urban Growth Area.
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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 styles for 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 1.7 Provide public notices, encourage public participation, and allow public input at
all phases of the joint planreview process.
Goal 2 Create a sustainable community.
Policy 2.1 Adopt goals, policies, and development regulations designed tofoster
sustainable development through tools such asSmart Growth and Low Impact Development.
Policy 2.2 Adopt 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;
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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 3.4 Consider 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 4.3 Development regulations allow for permits to be processed in a timely and
efficient manner.
Goal 5Encourage diverse residential growth.
Policy 5.1 Allowaccessory 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 6.2 Adopt development and design regulations that encourage compatibility and
connectivity between commercial and residential land uses.
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Policy 6.3 Industrial 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 7.5 For 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 8.1 Educate 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 8.2 Coordinate 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 8.3 Support 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 10 Create 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.
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Policy 10.5 Identify and build street and path connections within existing neighborhoods and
design well-connected streets within any new neighborhoods.
Policy 10.6 Increase opportunities for agricultural activities in the urban growth area, and for
urban agriculture within the City of Yelm.
Goal 11 Maximize 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 12 Support 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 12.3 Support regional efforts to create a local agricultural economy.
Goal 13 Enhance 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.
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M AP 2-FUTURE LAND 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.
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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.
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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 therefore a 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
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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 bedeveloped 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 Bald Hills 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): Themajority 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 avariety 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 intendedfor 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.
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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.
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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 topromote 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 1.3 Allow accessory dwelling units in all residential land use categories subject to
development standards and design criteria.
Policy 1.4 Encourage opportunities for a range of housing costs to enable housing for all
segments of the population.
Policy 1.5 Encourage the provision of adequate affordable building sites through
appropriate zoning, infrastructure, and other development regulations.
Policy 1.6 Review 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 2 Meet 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 3.2 Support rehabilitation efforts for substandard housing.
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Policy 3.3 Encourage 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 5.3 Provide 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, group homes, 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 7 Encourage the construction, weatherization and operation of homes to boost energy
efficiency.
Policy 7.1 Support regional efforts to engage landlords and property managers in energy
efficiency efforts.
Policy 7.2 Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in homes and businesses so
that energy consumption in buildings is reduced.
T ABLE 4-H OUSING I NVENTORY BY T YPE –2022E STIMATE
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
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T ABLE 5-H OUSING U NIT P ROJECTION
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
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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.
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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 2.4 Encouragenew above ground facilities to be appropriately landscaped and/or
architecturally compatible with adjacent land uses.
Policy 2.5 Encourageenvironmental 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 3.1 Encourage the cooperation with other jurisdictions in the planning and
implementation of multi-jurisdictional public facility and utility additions and improvements.
Policy 3.2 Make decisions regarding utility facilities in a manner that is consistent with and
complementary to regional demand and resources.
Policy 3.3 Review applications for public facility and utility permits simultaneously when
feasible.
Policy 3.4 Jointly 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 4.2 Coordinate 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 5.1 Build governmental capacity to address septic system conversions.
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Policy 5.2 In areas whereonsite septic systems are impacting groundwater pollution or
pose significant health risks, the County should work to encourage conversion to sanitary
sewers.
Policy 5.3 Ensure 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 6.1 Coordinate with the City of Yelmto meet stormwater goals by watershed.
Policy 6.2 Encourage innovative and creative solutions for addressing stormwater runoff.
Policy 6.3 Ensure that retrofits toexisting developments with stormwater infrastructure
meetcurrent standardsor provide a meaningful benefit.
Policy 6.4 Require the use of low impact development standards for the treatment and
disposal of stormwaterwhen necessary.
Goal 7 Increase 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 8 Enhance 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 9 Increase energy efficiency and conservation to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
Policy 9.1 Support regional efforts to adopt uniform energy-efficiency building standards.
Goal 10 Plan 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.
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Goal 11 Continue to plan for, educate, assist and offer access to safely and efficiently manage
disposal and reduce hazardous waste.
Policy 11.1 Support regional efforts to maintain and expand the collection and safe disposal
of hazardous waste through participation on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
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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 1.5 Coordinate 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 1.9 Coordinate with service providers on the location of major utility and
transportation corridors and the construction of roadway improvements.
Policy 1.10 For 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 2.2 Classify Yelm’s streets according to federal, state, regional, and local guidelines.
Policy 2.3 Ensure adequate and safe access to property through a system of public and
private roads.
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Policy 2.4 Apply design standards, guidelines, and endorsedcriteriathat result in attractive
and functional transportation facilities.
Policy 2.5 Utilize 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 2.6 Encourage travel by means other than the automobile and provide for the safety
of pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Yelmand its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 2.7 Ensure 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 2.8 Maintain the transportation system at a level that is comparable with the design
standards applied to new facilities.
Policy 2.9 Limit and provide access to the street network in a manner consistent with the
function and purpose of each roadway.
Policy 2.10 Permit construction of private roads to assist with access to private properties.
Policy 2.11 Manage 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 3.4 Allow 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 3.5 Retain existing public rights-of-way.
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Goal 4 Responsibly 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 4.3 Ensure that any transportation improvements or strategies that are required to
mitigate impacts are constructed or financed concurrent with a development project.
Policy 4.4 Share the responsibility of mitigating transportation development impacts
between the public and private sector.
Policy 4.5 Cooperate 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 5.1 Continue 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 5.2 In 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 5.3 Participate 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 6.2 Supportsidewalk 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.
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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.
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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 1.2 Encourage new commercial services to locate in existing commercially zoned
areas.
Policy 1.3 Support efforts ofthe Thurston Economic Development Council to identify
potential businesses to locate in Yelm’s industrial areas.
Policy 1.4 Support 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 2.2 Coordinate with other permitting jurisdictions to advocate for permitting vision,
clarity, and predictability.
Policy 2.3 Support 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 3 Create an innovation culture to encourage entrepreneurship.
Policy 3.1 Support 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 4 Provide robust infrastructure to support economic development.
Policy 4.1Support/preserve long-term investment in multimodal transportation.
Policy 4.2 Advocate for sustainable funding mechanisms.
Goal 5 Create a robust economy through sustainable practices.
Policy 5.1Support the Economic Development Councils efforts to implement the
Sustainable Economy action plan.
40
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 1.2 Ensure that new linkages areaccessible, expandable, and effectively connect
sidewalks with on and off street bicycle facilities.
Policy 1.3 Enhance 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 1.4 Continue efforts toward developing, maintaining and improving current park
areas, facilities and programs.
Goal 2 Plan 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 2.2 Collaborate with adjacent jurisdictions, tribes, and transportation providers on
the planning, financing, and development of regional trail facilities.
Policy 2.3 Connect 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 3 Encourage 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.
41
Goal 4 Conserve 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.
42
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 1.4 Protect groundwater and encourage wise management of this valuable resource.
Policy 1.5 Adopt development regulations for wellhead protection areas based upon the
best available science and hydrologic modeling.
Policy 1.6 Implement the policies and programs of the sewer and water comprehensive
plans.
Policy 1.7 Take action in cooperation with the Washington Department of Ecology to
improve areas with degraded ground or surface water.
Policy 1.8 Protect Yelm’s aquatic resources, and where possible restore or enhance their
natural functions.
Policy 1.9 Adopt 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 1.10 Adopt development regulations for wetlands, streams, and their associated
buffers that are based upon best available science.
Policy 1.11 Manage wetlands, rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes as hydrologically
interconnected natural systems and not as isolated units.
Policy 1.12 Provide 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.
43
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 6.1 Continue 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.
44
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.
45
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 1.2 Locate 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 2.2 Maintain 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 3.3 Consider 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.
46
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 5.3 Allow schools to locate within walking distance of large student populations or
near available transit routes through development regulations.
47
48
Community Planning & Economic Development
3000 Pacific Avenue S.E. Olympia, WA 98501
(360)786-5490 / (360)754-2939 (Fax)
TDD Line (360) 754-2933
Email: permit@co.thurston.wa.us
www.thurstoncountybdc.com
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult with
an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use Ðnot applicableÑ or "does not
apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown. You may also
attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate answers to these
questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision- making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to evaluate
the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse impacts. The
checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to make an
adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is responsible
for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable parts
of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements Îthat do not contribute
meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960)March 2023 Page 1 of 14
49
THURSTON COUNTY
Community Planning & Economic Development
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
* * * * OFFICIAL USE ONLY * * * *
A. Background \[HELP\]
Folder Sequence # Click or tap here to enter text.
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
Project # Click or tap here to enter text.
City of Yelm and Thurston County Joint
Related Cases: Click or tap here to enter text.
Plan Upate
Date Received:Click or tap to enter a date.
2. Name of applicant:
By: Click or tap here to enter text.
* * * * OFFICIAL USE ONLY * * * *
Amelia Schwartz, Associate Planner
Thurston County CPED
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360.968.9923
4. Date checklist prepared:
7/1/2023
5. Agency requesting checklist:
Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development (Proponent and Lead Agency)
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
A Planning Commission hearing was held on July 10, 2023, and is planned for review and adoption by
the Board of County Commissioners by October 2023.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this
proposal? If yes, explain.
None at this time.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly
related to this proposal.
N/A, non-project action
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly
affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
None.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Approval by the Board of County Commissioners, adoption through resolution and ordinance, after a
recommendation from the Planning Commissions. The Washington Department of Commerce
coordinates agency review through a required 60-day Notice of Intent to Adopt review period.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 2 of 14
50
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the
project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain
aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies
may modify this form to include additional specific information on project description.)
The Yelm Joint Plan is part of the City of Yelm and Thurston County Comprehensive Plans. The
proposed 2023 Joint Plan is based off the 2017 Yelm Comprehensive Plan and is a full repeal and
replace. This update revises the plan to read as a document serving the Urban Growth Area only and
updates maps, data, and policies to match current conditions. There are no projects proposed as part
of this plan.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your
proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and range, if known. If a
proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal
description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you should submit
any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with
any permit applications related to this checklist.
Yelm Urban Growth Area.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 3 of 14
51
THURSTON COUNTY
Community Planning & Economic Development
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
B. Environmental Elements \[help\]
1. Earth \[help\]
a. General description of the site: (check one):
Flat
Rolling
Hilly
Steep Slopes
Mountainous
Other: Click or tap here to enter text.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Varies across the planning area.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you
know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term
commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
N/A
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
N/A
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling,
excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
N/A
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
N/A
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for
example, asphalt or buildings)?
N/A
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
N/A
2. Air \[help\]
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction, operation, and
maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 4 of 14
52
if known.
N/A
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally
describe.
Click or tap here to enter text.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
N/A
3. Water \[help\]
a. Surface Water: \[help\]
1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and
seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If
appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
N/A
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes,
please describe and attach available plans.
N/A
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface
water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill
material.
N/A
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose,
and approximate quantities if known.
N/A
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
N/A
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the
type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
N/A
b. Ground Water: \[help\]
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so, give a general
description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will
water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate
quantities if known.
N/A
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 5 of 14
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2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources,
if any (Examples: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the following chemicals. . .; agricultural;
etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses
to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to
serve.
N/A
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any
(include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If
so, describe.
N/A
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
N/A
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe.
N/A
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage pattern impacts,
if any:
N/A
4. Plants \[help\]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
shrubs
grass
pasture
crop or grain
Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
other types of vegetation:Varies across UGA planning area.
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
N/A
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the
site, if any:
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 6 of 14
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N/A
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
5. Animals \[help\]
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or
near the site.
Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: Click or tap here to enter text.
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: Click or tap here to enter text.
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: N/A
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
N/A
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
N/A
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
N/A
6. Energy and Natural Resources \[help\]
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed
project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc.
N/A
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally
describe.
N/A
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other
proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
N/A
7. Environmental Health\[help\]
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and
explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe.
N/A
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 7 of 14
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1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
N/A
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design.
This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project
area and in the vicinity.
N/A
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the
project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project.
N/A
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
N/A
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
N/A
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment,
operation, other)?
N/A
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or
a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi- cate what hours noise
would come from the site.
N/A
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
N/A
8. Land and Shoreline Use \[help\]
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on
nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
N/A
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much
agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result
of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or
forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use?
N/A
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 8 of 14
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operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting?
If so, how:
N/A
c. Describe any structures on the site.
N/A
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
N/A
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
N/A
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
N/A
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
N/A
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
N/A
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
N/A
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
N/A
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
N/A
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans,
if any:
N/A
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial
significance, if any:
N/A
9. Housing \[help\]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income
housing.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 9 of 14
57
N/A
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-
income housing.
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A
10. Aesthetics \[help\]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal
exterior building material(s) proposed?
N/A
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
N/A
11. Light and Glare \[help\]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
N/A
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
N/A
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
N/A
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
N/A
12. Recreation \[help\]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
N/A
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
N/A
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 10 of 14
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N/A
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation \[help\]
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in
or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers? If so, specifically describe.
N/A
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may
include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural
importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify
such resources.
N/A
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near
the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic
preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
N/A
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to
resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
N/A
14. Transportation \[help\]
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe proposed
access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
N/A
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally describe. If not,
what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
N/A
c. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state
transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or
private).
N/A
d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If
so, generally describe.
N/A
e. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known,
indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as
commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these
estimates?
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 11 of 14
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N/A
f. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products
on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
N/A
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
N/A
15. Public Services \[help\]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police
protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
N/A
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
N/A
16. Utilities \[help\]
a. Check utilities currently available at the site:
electricity natural gas water refuse service telephone sanitary sewer septic system
Other: Varies across planning area (UGA)
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general
construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might be needed.
N/A
C. Signature \[HELP\]
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the lead agency
is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature: Click or tap here to enter text.
Name of signee:Amelia Schwartz
Position and Agency/Organization: Associate Planner, Thurston County CPED
Date Submitted: Click or tap to enter a date.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 12 of 14
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D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions \[HELP\]
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the
elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to
result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal
were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro- duction, storage,
or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
Policies in this proposal are not expected to increase these items.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
Several policies and goals in the Environmental Protection and Critical Areas chapters of the plan are
intended to reduce pollution and improve environmental quality. Existing measures are within the
County Code and would apply at the time of development.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
Following development in the Yelm UGA could impact plants, animals, fish, or marine life, but will be
subject to separate environmental and permitting review.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
Policies and goals within the Environmental Protection and Critical Areas chapters of the draft plan
are intended to improve and conserve habitat, which will likely protect or conserve plants, animals,
fish, and marine life associated with the sites. Any future development proposals could be subject to
SEPA, Critical Areas regulations, shoreline management program, Habitat Conservation Plan, and
more.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
This proposal is not expected to deplete energy or natural resources. Any future development will be
subject to related regulations.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
Policies in the Housing, Utilities, and Transportation chapters include guidance to conserve energy
and natural resources.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated
(or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers,
threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime
farmlands?
Future development has the potential to impact environmentally sensitive or government-protected
areas. Future development will undergo environmental review and permitting regulations.The draft
plan is not expected to negatively impact such areas.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 13 of 14
61
Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
Certain policies and goals in the draft plan within the Parks and Recreation and Environmental
Protection and Critical Areas elements are intended to reduce negative impacts by future
development. All future development is subject to associated regulations, including SEPA, Critical
Areas regulations, shoreline management program, Habitat Conservation Plan, and more.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or
encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
The draft plan is not altering land or shoreline use designations.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
Certain policies and goals in the draft plan within the Land Use and Environmental Protection and
Critical Areas elements are intended to reduce negative impacts by future development. All future
development is subject to associated regulations including critical areas and shoreline regulations.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities?
The proposed draft includes policies to maintain rural residential density standards at 1 unit per 5
acres for the majority of the planning area. Due to the low density, slow growth is expected, and the
plan does not anticipate significantly increased demands on transportation, public services, or utilities
in the planning area.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
Policies within the Transportation and Utilities elements of the draft joint plan are intended to maintain
service levels and adjust as needed. Future development related to changing service needs will
undergo environmental and permitting review.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements
for the protection of the environment.
No conflicts have been identified. The proposed draft was created with existing
regulations and processes.
SEPA Environmental Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) March 2023 Page 14 of 14
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Thurston County
CP-19 - Up Castle Land Use & Rezone Amendment Public Comments 201-300 (Written)
Public Comment Matrix
Unique IDDateCommenter NameHighlighted Topics
16/18/2023Howard GlastetterAlder Lake flood mitigation
26/29/2023JaidaProtected nature area
Page 1 of 1
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Amelia Schwartz
From:Howard Glastetter <howard.glastetter@comcast.net>
Sent:Sunday, June 18, 2023 8:16 AM
To:Amelia Schwartz
Subject:Yelm / Thurston Joint Plan
Ms.Schwartz,
BelowisanissuethatIbelieveshouldbeaconcernofYelmandThurstonCounty.LǝĻlivedinthisvalleyfor53years.
AlderDam&NisquallyValleyFloodAvoidance
Thurston/ƚǒƓƷǤƭNisquallyValleyhadnoPineappleExpressorAtmosphericRiver Ť oodsfromHawaiithisfall/
winter.MotherNaturesentthisƭĻğƭƚƓƭstormstoCalifornia.However,weķƚƓƷneedtohopethatourmiserygets
passedtootherstatesinordertoavoidit.
Mostofthe Ť oodinginNisquallyValleyfromseverestormsistheresultofhowtheTacomaPowerUlity(TPU)runs
AlderLakeDam.Theyhaveno Ť oodmigaonresponsibiliesintheirFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommission(FERC)
license.t
ƭgoalisenergyproducon.Theyaempttokeepthereservoirasfullaspossible,eveninfall/
winter.OenlileaconistakenevenwhentheNaonalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministraon(NOAA)graphics*
predictastormonthehorizon.
NOAAproducesthreegraphsthatpredictAlderLake Ť ooddangers10daysinadvance,withincreasingaccuracyunl
thestormhits.SimpleevasiveaconsbyTPU,(e.g.,runningtheLaGrandegeneratorsbelowAlderDamatfullcapacity
(2,300cubicfeetasecond)forafewdayspriortoapredictedstorm),wouldeasilyavoidorstronglymigatepotenal
beloweredinƭƷƚƩƒƭadvanceandallwaterwouldbepassedthroughtheLa
Nisqually Ť oods.Thereservoirwould
GrandegeneratorsbelowAlderDamatnoincomeloss.
Payingcloseaenontothesegraphicprediconswouldallowsimpleproteconofthevalleybelowthedam.Thisis
becominganevenbiggerissueas
theproposaltorebuildI5acrossthelowervalleynears.Thissimpleevasiveacon
canbedoneatno ŋ nancialdisadvantagetoTPU.
*hps://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/staon/Ť owplot/Ť owplot.cgi?ALRW1
Sincerely,
HowardGlastetter
Howard.glastetter@comcast.net
Cell(360)5561574
Everythingshouldbeassimpleasitcanbe,butnosimpler.
AlbertEinstein
1
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Amelia Schwartz
From:Jaida <donotreply@wordpress.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 29, 2023 1:50 PM
To:Amelia Schwartz
Subject:Incoming Comment on the Yelm Joint Plan
ƚǒŭƚƷğƓĻǞƩĻƭƦƚƓƭĻͧ
bğƒĻʹ
Jaida
9ƒğźƌʹ
jaidapeytonn@gmail.com
/ƚƒƒĻƓƷƭʹ
Createaprotectedareaforpeopletoenjoyednatureandendangeredwildlife.Ex:Zengarden,areserve,orprotected
park
Time:June29,2023at8:50pm
IPAddress:50.78.43.1
SourceURL:https://thurstoncomments.org/commentontheyelmjoinplan/
Sentbyanunverifiedvisitortoyoursite.
1
65