HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 21 2025 Agenda Packet
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Y ELM P LANNING C OMMISSION A GENDA
ST
T UESDAY, O CTOBER 21, 2025 4:00 PM
THIS MEETING CAN BE ATTENDED IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM.
nd
In person: Yelm City Hall, 106 2 Street SE, Yelm, WA 98597
Via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 868-8117-5139 Passcode: 505424
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
Chair, Richard Lomsdale Vice Chair, Robert Howard Anne Wahrmund
John Graver Dana Allen Robert Bailey
Christopher Le
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Minutes from meeting held on September 16, 2025 are attached.
5. CITY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
a. None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. The public comment portion of the agenda is an opportunity for the public to address
the Commission regarding matters that are not on the agenda. Comments are limited
to three minutes and five speakers. Comment on matters listed on the agenda are
welcomed.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. None
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Rules and Procedure Subcommittee Update
b. Upcoming Code Changes
c. Discussion of Comp Plan Update Schedule
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. None
AGENDA | Page 1 of 2
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10.SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
11.ADJOURNMENT
MEETING INFORMATION
All regular meetings are recorded and may be viewed at www.yelmwa.gov.
office at 360-458-8816at least five(5) working days prior to meeting. Information on the Americans
with Disabilities Act and the Title VI Statement is available at
https://www.yelmwa.gov/connect/departments/human_resources/index.php.
DISCLAIMER
AGENDA ITEMS MAY BE TAKEN OUT OF ORDER.
THIS AGENDA MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UP TO 24 HOURS PRIOR TO
MEETING.PLEASE SEE WWW.YELMWA.GOVFOR CURRENT AGENDA.
Next Planning Commission Meeting
th
Tuesday, November 18, 2025at4:00 PM
AGENDA|Page 1 of 2
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YELM PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 –4:00 PM
YELM CITY HALL
Richard Lomsdale called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
Members present: Richard Lomsdale, Bob Howard, John Graver, Dana Allen, Anne Wahrmund
and Robert Bailey.
Members Absent: Christopher Le
Staff: Gary Cooper,Chris Vaccaro, andHazel Hooker.
Approval of Minutes: MOTION BY BOB HOWARD TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM AUGUST
19, 2025AS AMENDED. SECONDED BY ROBERT BAILEY. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The agenda is reviewed, and no conflicts of interest are noted.
City Staff Communications:
A proposal for an annual joint meeting with the city council is in progress to align the
commission’s work plan with the council’s directives.
Plans are underway for a tour of Yelm, showcasing various infrastructural projects, highlighting
the wastewater treatment upgrade and subdivisions.
The final chapter of the environmental protection and critical areas plan was discussed, with an
anticipated workshop scheduled for November to gather public comments. Public outreach
strategies were emphasized, especially using social media for engagement.
Public Comment: No audience members chose to address the commission at this time.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
Transportation Element Updates: Ryan with SCJ Alliance provided an update on comments
received regarding the transportation element. Key discussion points included:
Traffic safety measures near schools due to projected growth in that area.
Proposed bike trails to connect various parts of the city, with an emphasis on
integrating public feedback and improving access to critical areas.
Plans to finalize a draft of the transportation plan were noted, incorporating technical
comments and ongoing analysis.
Public Hearing: No public hearing was held.
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YELM PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 –4:00 PM
YELM CITY HALL
Subcommittee Reports:
Parks Committee: Anne updated that the parks subcommittee is updating the detail plan for
parks, updates on the trail project were shared.
Tree Board: There will be e meeting held this month to work on updating the street tree list
Other topics brought up included signage and development concerns—such as promoting
monument signs and preserving tree canopies, streamlining planning commission procedures,
and enhancing public engagement at the upcoming open house through topic assignments and
digital tools like QR codes.
Adjournment:MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING MADE BY ROBERT BAILEYAND SECONDED
BY BOB HOWARD. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 4:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Hazel Hooker, Public Services Administrative Assistant
Purpose of the Subcommittee
Advisory Committee Work Plans and Required Open Government Training
advisory boards and commissions roles
42.30 Open Public Meetings Act
Latest Comprehensive PlanVision Plan
expectationsDevelop a single document as a
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Anything constructed or built, regardless of whether it is enclosed or
meant for human occupancy.
Examples include; Bridges, Dams, Towers, Tunnels, Fences,
Monuments, Pipelines
§ 18.22.050 Adult care facilities.
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18.22.060 Electric Vehicle Charging Station
§ 18.57.010 Intent.
All land clearing not exempt under YMC § 18.57.120
18.57.110 shall conform to the approved plan and the
following standards and provisions unless alternate
procedures that are equal to or superior in achieving the
purposes of this chapter are authorized in writing by the site
plan review committee:
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CITY OF YELM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1
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City of Yelm Comprehensive Plan
2025
Photo Credit: Chapter 1 cover image: Experience Olympia & Beyond
i
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Table of Contents
1| GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT PLANNING PARAMETERS ...................................................................... 2
2| COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GUIDING PRINCIPLES ...................................................................................... 5
3| LAND USE..........................................................................................................................................11
4| HOUSING .......................................................................................................................................... 21
5| CAPITAL FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................... 33
6| UTILITIES ........................................................................................................................................... 47
7| TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................................ 53
8| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................... 77
9| PARKS AND RECREATION .................................................................................................................. 81
10| ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES .......................................................................................................... 87
11| ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CRITICAL AREAS ..................................................................... 91
12| CLIMATE PLANNING........................................................................................................................ 97
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Introduction
The Yelm Comprehensive Plan(Plan)establishes the
vision of the City of Yelm forthe ongoing and future
development of the community over the next 20 to
25 years.The Plan is a broad statement of goals and
policies that direct the orderly and coordinated
physical development of a city into the future.
The 2025 update includes new goals and policies
based on comments and ideas from the public, local
stakeholders, and City Boards and Commissions,
along with applicable goals from the Sustainable
Thurston Development Plan for the Thurston Region
and the JBLM Joint Land Use Study.
The Plan is written in the context of the State Growth
Management Act, which mandates issues thatmust
addressedin 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
City,and for the County area within the Urban Growth Area (UGA),which will eventually be served by City of
Yelm public facilities and utilities.
The Plan is intended to apply within the Yelm City Limits.The plan which applies to the Yelm Urban Growth
Area is the Yelm/Thurston County Joint Plan, which was jointly adopted by the Yelm City Council and the
Thurston County Board of Commissioners in 2023.
The 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 than everyeightyears to review population progress, the effectiveness of
the existing plan, and the need for change.
The Plan is designed to incorporate and coordinate many of the Yelm planning documents into a coordinated
whole. For purposes of a complete picture, the "Yelm Comprehensive Plan" includes the following documents:
Yelm Transportation Plan
Yelm Water System Plan
Yelm General Sewer Plan
Yelm Parks Plan
Yelm Housing Action Plan
-1 -
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1| GROWTH MANAGEMENTACT
PLANNING PARAMETERS
City of Yelm2Comprehensive Plan
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Growth Management Act
Planning Parameters
promote economic opportunity for all citizens
Growth Management Act
of this state, especially for unemployed and for
The City of Yelm participatesin comprehensive
disadvantaged persons, promote the retention
planning under the provisions of the Growth
and expansion of existing businesses and
Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW. The
recruitment of new businesses, recognize
purpose of the Act is to promote responsive,
regional differences impacting economic
responsible local planning to accomplish thirteen
development opportunities, and encourage
identified statewide goals.
growth in areas experiencing insufficient
economic growth, all within the capacities of
The following State Growth Management Act goals
the state's natural resources, public services,
are adopted to guide the development and
and public facilities.
adoption of comprehensive plans and development
regulations of those counties and cities that are
6. Property rights. Private property shall not be
required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040.
taken for public use without just compensation
The following goals are not listed in order of
having been made. The property rights of
priority and shall be used exclusively for the
landowners shall be protected from arbitrary
purpose of guiding the development of
and discriminatory actions.
comprehensive plans and development
7. Permits. Applications for both state and local
regulations:
government permits should be processed in a
1. Urban growth. Encourage development in
timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.
urban areas where adequate public facilities
8. Natural resource industries. Maintain and
and services exist or can be provided in an
enhance natural resource-based industries,
efficient manner.
including productive timber, agricultural, and
2.Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate
fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation
conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling,
of productive forest lands and productive
low-density development.
agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible
uses.
3.Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal
transportation systems that are based on
9. Open space and recreation. Retain open space,
regional priorities and coordinated with county
enhance recreational opportunities, conserve
and city comprehensive plans.
fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to
natural resource lands and water, and develop
4.Housing. Encourage the availability of
parks and recreation facilities.
affordable housing to all economic segments of
the population of this state, promote a variety
10.Environment. Protect the environment and
of residential densities and housing types, and
enhance the state's high quality of life,
encourage preservation of existing housing
including air and water quality, and the
stock.
availability of water.
5.Economic development.Encourage economic
11.Citizen participation and coordination.
development throughout the state that is
Encourage the involvement of citizens in the
consistent with adopted comprehensive plans,
3
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planning process and ensure coordination
between communities and jurisdictions to
reconcile conflicts.
12.Public facilities and services.Ensure that those
public facilities and services necessary to
support development shall be adequate to
serve the development at the time the
development is available for occupancy and use
without decreasing current service levels below
locally established minimum standards.
13. Historic preservation. Identify and encourage
the preservation of lands, sites, and structures
that have historical or archaeological
significance.
County-Wide Planning Policies (CWPP)
Thurston County, with the advice of the Cities and
Towns in Thurston County, adopted County-Wide
Planning Policies (CWPP) to aid and focus the
Growth Management planning activities in
Thurston County. These County-Wide Planning
Policies were specifically approved by the City of
Yelm.
City of Yelm 4 Comprehensive Plan
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2| GUIDING PRINCIPLES
City of Yelm5Comprehensive Plan
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Comprehensive Plan Guiding Principles
Policy 4.2:Drawing on information obtained from
Goal 1: Plan and act toward zero waste in
the City’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment and
the region.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, implement policies that
Policy 1.1:Support efforts to maintain a rate
result in the reduction of carbon emissions.
structure that will incentivize waste prevention, as
Policy 4.3:Promote alternative modes of
well as implement policy and support waste
transportation to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
reduction programs.
Goal 5: Provide opportunities in the
Goal 2: Ensure that residents have the
Thurston Region to learn about and
resources to meet their daily needs.
practice sustainability.
Policy 2.1:Support a coordinated and
Policy 5.1:Support regional efforts to find
streamlined approach to social service planning
resources to ensure continued focus on
and funding in Thurston County.
sustainability actions, education, and coordination.
Goal 3: Ensure that the region’s water
Goal 6: Make strategic decisions and
supply sustains people in perpetuity while
investments to advance sustainability
protecting the environment.
regionally.
Policy 3.1:Support regional efforts to find
Policy 6.1:Support regional efforts to develop a
resources to create, maintain, and updatea water
generic sustainability checklist for modification and
systems plan that explores ways to manage water
use by local jurisdictions.
resources in the Thurston Region more holistically.
Policy 6.2:Incorporate a locally adopted
Goal 4: Move toward a carbon-neutral
sustainability checklist into the decision-making
community.
process for funding allocations, comprehensive
Policy 4.1:Support regional efforts to find
planamendments, and capital facilities
resources to create a balanced Thurston Region
investments.
climate action plan.
City of Yelm6Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 7:Support public and private local
food systems to increase community
resilience,health, and economic
prosperity.
Policy 7.1:Support 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 8.1:Support regional efforts to identify and
secure funding to implement actions to achieve
Sustainable Thurston goals and vision.
Policy 8.2:Participate in regional efforts to
monitor progress in achieving Sustainable Thurston
goals and targets.
Policy 8.3:Support regional efforts to create a
regional grant center to provide assistance in
Policy 9.4:Support workforce development
identifying and applying for grants.
training in southern Thurston County to promote
new industries.
Policy 8.4:Coordinate and collaborate with
outreach and planning efforts that cross
Policy 9.5:Improve marketing of potential
jurisdictional boundaries.
development and business opportunities available
in South County.
Policy 8.5:Support regional efforts to find
resources for demonstration projects which
Policy 9.6:Support efforts to develop an
support innovative community ideas and projects
infrastructure for tourism in South Thurston
that support Sustainable Thurston priority goals.
County.
Goal 9: Create safe and vibrant South
Policy 9.7:Invest public money to attract private
County city and town centers that foster
investment in the development of the South
entrepreneurship, active transportation,
County centers.
civic pride, and a sense of place.
Policy 9.8:Coordinate with Thurston County to
Policy 9.1:Encourage commercial and cultural
ensure that future development thatgenerates
activities in Yelm.
pass-through traffic within incorporated
communities pays its fair share for necessary road
Policy 9.2:Continue to support coordinated
improvements.
economic and community building activities among
South County communities.
Policy 9.9:Promote telework in South County
towns and cities to keep workers and their dollars
Policy 9.3:Identify opportunities to support
local and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
existing and prospective entrepreneurs in Yelm.
City of Yelm7Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 10: Improve regulatory clarity and and state missions and activities and to
predictability to encourage urban infill and coordinate on ongoing compatibility
redevelopment. planning and management activities.
Policy 10.1: Plan at the neighborhood level and Policy 12.1: Continue Yelm’s participation in the
involve the neighborhoods in the planning process. implementation of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS)
by appointing primary points of contact to
Guiding Principles
Policy 10.2:Ensure that housing as envisioned in
facilitate the communication and coordination
different areas is feasible to finance and build.
strategies recommended in the JLUS Report.
Policy 10.3: Offer financial and project
Policy 12.2: Work with JBLM to establish ongoing
development incentives for reducing
communication mechanisms for issues of mutual
environmentalimpacts.
concern, including mission or operational changes
Policy 10.4: Develop codes, policies and incentives that could affect the surrounding community or
to accommodate affordable housing in all specific development and infrastructure projects
residential areas. that could affect compatibility with training
operations.
Goal 11: Promote future development that
Policy 12.3: Partner with JBLM to make
protects public health, safety, and welfare
information on the potential impacts of training
by minimizing risk to life, property, and the
operations available to residents.
well-being of Yelm residents from military
training operations and maintaining
Policy 12.4: Review community development and
compatibility with current and foreseeable
infrastructure proposals for interaction that could
missions at Joint Base Lewis - McChord
produce compatibility challenges with training
operations, including: noise sensitive uses in areas
(JBLM).
of known exposure to aviation and range noise;
Policy 11.1: Continue to support the unique and
physical infrastructure that could interfere with
vital mission capabilities of JBLM and the significant
low-level flight operations; and sources of electrical
contribution of the installation, military personnel,
emissions that could interfere with military
families, and civilian workers to the economic base
communications or navigation systems.
of the community and region.
Policy 12.5:Provide notice to JBLM for review and
Policy 11.2: Partner with JBLM and the South
comment on Yelm’s discretionary land use actions
Sound Military and Communities Partnership to
such as comprehensive plan amendments, rezones,
anticipate and meet community growth and service
development regulation changes, and land use
demands related to military mission change and to
permits.
ensure that Yelm residents participate fully in
economic opportunities and outreach activities
Goal 13: Coordinate Planning Activities
associated with the installation.
With Regional Partners
Goal 12: Foster meaningful, ongoing
Policy 13.1: Cooperate with Thurston County in
planning activities through notification when
communication among Yelm residents,
updating policies and plans and by reviewing and
JBLM, the South Sound Military and
commenting on Thurston County policies and plans
Communities Partnership and other
which may affect the residents of Yelm.
regional partners to increase awareness of
Department of Defense and other federal
City of Yelm 8 Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 13.2: Notify the Nisqually Tribe during plan Policy 13.4: Participate in regional planning
reviews and updates and encourage the tribe to activities to address natural disasters, including,
participate in local planning activities.but not limited to, earthquakes, flooding, and
wildfires.
Policy 13.3:Communicate with JBLM about long-
range planning actions within the City.
Guiding Principles
City of Yelm 9 Comprehensive Plan
Guiding Principles
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Comprehensive Plan
10
JBLM Compatibility
1:
-
Figure 2 City of Yelm
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3| LAND USE
City of Yelm11Comprehensive Plan
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Land Use
The City of Yelm is rapidly growing.In the span of
The objective of the Land Use chapter is to
merely 25 years, Yelm has grown from
establish Yelm as an urban center which provides
approximately 3,200 people in the year 2000, to a for a wide variety of goods and services for Yelm’s
current population of just over 11,000 today. Over service area, jobs for its residents and the wider
the next 20 years, Yelm is expecting to more than community, and a variety of housing types and
double, with a projected population of nearly stylesfor all of its residents in an efficient and
26,000 by 2045.sustainable fashion while preserving Yelm’s history.
One of the reasons for this growth is that people Figure 3-1Population projections
find Yelm a nice place to live and raise their
families.The small town feel of Yelm, combined
with its convenient access to many regional
treasures, such as Mount Rainier, make it an
attractive choice for many.
While the convenient location of Yelm won’t
change, maintaining its small-town character is the
City’s challenge as it continues to grow rapidly.The
transition from a small to a medium-sized
community inevitably causes some growing pains.
Some in the community have become concerned
that their quality of life will diminish. Some may
Source: Population Estimates and Forecast, Thurston Regional
remember old pastures that are now being
Planning Council, 2025
developed as an apartment complex or a
convenience store.Figure 3-2Residential supply vs. demand
While growth will undoubtedly come with certain
kinds of impacts, such as increased traffic,and a
greater population density, forward-thinking land
use policies can help shape growth to
simultaneously lessen those impacts and maintain
the community’s vision of the kind of place it wants
to be.
There are also benefits to the community
stemming from growth.For example, commercial
development offers the City’s citizens more options
for shopping in town, while at the same time
contributing to the City’s tax base.And, with an
The Land Capacity Analysis conducted by Thurston
increased tax base, there are more resources to
Regional Planning Council indicates that Yelm has
provide parks and recreation for the community as
the appropriateland capacity to accommodate the
a whole.
projected need.
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City of Yelm12Comprehensive Plan
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compromising the availability of resources for
Goal 1: Create a comprehensive plan with
future needs.”
goals and policies which fosters balanced
sustainable approaches to managing
Policy 2.2 Adopt goals, policies, and
growth within Yelm.
development regulations designed tofoster
Land Use
sustainable development through tools such as:
Policy 1.1 Adopt comprehensive plan goals and
policies that address the statewide Growth
Smart Growth;
Management Act (GMA) goals within Yelm.
Low Impact Development; and
Built Green/LEED standards.
Policy 1.2 Adopt comprehensive plangoals and
policies that implement the County Wide Planning
Policy 2.3 Adopt policies and development
Policies (CWPP) within Yelm.
regulations to implement smart growth principles
that:
Policy 1.3 Adopt comprehensive plan goals and
policies that accommodate projected growth
Encourage community and stakeholder
(legally required under the Washington State
collaboration (public participation);
Growth Management Act) as well as economic
Strengthen and direct development towards
forces which will shape the future of the
existing communities;
community.
Policy 1.4 Adopt urban growth boundaries for Provide a variety of transportation choices;
Yelm which encourage urban development at
Mix land uses in appropriate scale for the
urban densities with urban services.
neighborhood. This may include apartments
Policy 1.5 Recognize the property rights of
over retail and commercial space, or
landowners in Yelm and its UGA.
residential and commercial areas in close
proximity;
Policy 1.6 Respect property owners’ legal rights
when implementing this plan. Regulations should
Preserve open space, natural beauty, and
provide for compensation for the property owner
critical environmental areas;
of waivers from requirements if the
Create a range of housing opportunities and
implementation of the regulation would otherwise
choices;
constitute a legally defined “taking.”
Foster distinctive, attractive communities
Policy 1.7 Process comprehensive plan
with a strong sense of place;
amendments no more than once per calendar year,
except in cases of emergency.
Create walkable neighborhoods;
Policy 1.8 Provide public notices, encourage
Take advantage of compact building design;
public participation, and allow public input at all
and
phases of the comprehensive plan review process.
Make development decisions predictable,
Goal 2: Create a sustainable community.
fair, and cost-effective.
Policy 2.1 Utilize the following definition of
Policy 2.4 Adopt development regulations that
sustainable development within this
implement low impact development (LID)
comprehensive plan as a foundation for decision
stormwater provisions.
making: “Provide for current needs while not
City of Yelm13Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 2.5 Adopt development regulation Policy 3.7 Adopt land use designations which
incentives that encourage sustainable development reflect limited development potential. It may
include:
such as Green/LEED or Home Energy Rating System
ratings in the construction of new or significantly
Publicly-owned lands;
Land Use
remodeled structures.
Lands permanently set aside as open space;
Goal 3: Establish a variety of land uses and
or
densities that supports a compact form
Lands with sensitive areas.
and urban densities.
Policy 3.8 Consider the required level of public
Policy 3.1 Adopt land use designations, a land
facilities and utilities when planning for various
use map, and development regulations that
urban densities and types of land use.
accommodate a variety of land use categories and
densities.
Policy 3.9 Adopt provisions in the Yelm
Municipal Code that will facilitate the development
Policy 3.2 Adopt twocategories of residential
of pocket parks in new developments.
single family land use to meet community needs:
Policy 3.10 Allow parks in all zoning districts.
Single Family – Minimum and maximum of 4
units per acre; and
Policy 3.11 Evaluate zoning changes in residential
districts to allow small scale commercial
Single Family – No less than 4, and up to 6
development as a special use when it will enhance
units per acre.
the character and livability of individual
Policy 3.3 Adopt two categories of residential
neighborhoods by:
multifamily land use to meet community needs:
Promoting walkability to conveniences
Multifamily - ModerateDensity —No less
Developing a sense of place within the
than 4, and up to 6 units per acre; and
neighborhood
Multifamily - High Density — 16 units per
Reducing the need to drive and park at more
acre.
remote commercial locations
Policy 3.4 Adopt a mixed use development
category which allows both residential and
Goal 4: Provide guidance for a cohesive
commercial uses suitable for planned
city.
developments on larger parcels and which provides
Policy 4.1 Adopt development regulations and
for a variety of land uses, more efficient use of
subdivision standards that require new multi-lot
open space, and more cost-effective public
subdivisions to provide a network of connected
infrastructure.
streets which are integrated into Yelm’s existing
Policy 3.5 Adopt a variety of commercial land use
street system.
categories to meet community needs.
Policy 4.2 Adopt development regulations that
Policy 3.6 Adopt industrial land uses to meet
require new development projects to address
community needs.
public transit, and where necessary to
accommodate new and potential transit stops.
City of Yelm14Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 4.3 Adopt development regulations that increased housing being made permanently
allow parking to be shared by two or more affordable.
businesses, and joint-use parking between non-
Goal 6: Encourage commercial and
competing uses (e.g. the same parking might be
industrial growth that serves the needs of
Land Use
used for office workers during the week and by
the City.
shoppers during the weekend).
Policy 6.1 Define the boundaries between the
Policy 4.4 Adopt development regulations that
Central Business District and other commercially
accommodate “live-work” structures (where
zoned areas along Yelm Avenue. This is roughly
citizens can live and work within the same
between Solberg Street NW/SW, Stevens Avenue
structure).
NE/NW, 4th Street NE/SE and Mosman Avenue
Policy 4.5 Adopt sign regulations designed to
SW/SE.
support business establishments while protecting
Policy 6.2 Adopt development and design
community character.The sign code may:
regulations for the Central Business District (CBD)
Provide community wayfinding signage;
which:
Encourage pedestrian-oriented signs with a
a. Allows pedestrian-oriented businesses, such
consistent character; and
as open-air restaurants;
Allow for eccentric signs in some locations.
b.Locates buildingsor amenities related to the
use of the building, such as a dining area
Policy 4.6 Adopt development regulations that
directly adjacent to the street, and prohibits
allow permits to be processed in a timely and
off-street parking in front of the structure;
efficient manner.
c. Retains pedestrian-oriented character with
Goal 5: Encourage diverse residential
wide sidewalks, street landscaping, and
growth.
pedestrian amenities along Yelm Avenue; and
Policy 5.1 Encourage new residential
d.Retains on-street parking throughout the
subdivisions to incorporate alleys into their street
CBD.
network by providing increased density incentives.
Policy 6.3 Adopt development regulations
Policy 5.2 Adopt development standards that
limiting the location and design of fast-food
allow duplexes, townhouses, and accessory
restaurants.
dwelling units within residential areas. These are
Policy 6.4 Adopt development and design
intended to increase the variety of housing in the
regulations that encourage compatibility and
community and aid in achieving an overall urban
connectivity between commercial and residential
density.
land uses.
Policy 5.3 Adopt development regulations that
Policy 6.5 Locate industrial areas on major
encourage mixed use subdivisions.
transportation routes, near existing utilities, and
Policy 5.4 Adopt policies and development
where they can be appropriately buffered from
regulations that incentivize affordable housing,
adjacent land uses.
including, but not limited to, reduced system
Policy 6.6 Locate warehouse, assembly, and
development charges, reduced impact fees,
distribution land uses on the perimeter of the
upzones in exchange for a percentage of the
City of Yelm15Comprehensive Plan
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industrial area, with manufacturing/industrial of functional plans for parks, water, sewer,
located toward the center of the industrial land use transportation, and capital facilities.
designation.
Policy 8.2 Coordinate and provide notification
of proposed amendments to the comprehensive
Goal 7: Participate in joint planningwith
Land Use
planor development regulations to adjacent
Thurston County for Yelm’s urban growth
jurisdictions and governmental entities (e.g.
area.
Thurston County, Intercity Transit, Joint Base
Policy 7.1 Support a joint planning process
Lewis-McChord, and the Nisqually Tribe) providing
between the City of Yelm and Thurston County for
them an opportunity to comment prior to final
lands which lie within the Yelm UGAand may
action.
incorporate into Yelm’s City limits.
Policy 8.3: Support the transfer of development
Policy 7.2 Review Yelm’s UGA boundary no less
rights (TDR) program to conserve important natural
frequently than once every 2 year.
and/or cultural resources (e.g. long-term
agricultural lands, historic properties, or significant
Policy 7.3 Ensure that any change to Yelm’s UGA
wildlife habitat) within the rural portion of
boundary is consistent with the County Wide
Thurston County.
Planning Policies.
Goal 9: Foster historic preservation.
Policy 7.4 Establish pre-annexation zoning for
lands within the Yelm UGA boundary.
Policy 9.1: Adopt development regulations that
provide incentives to protect, preserve, and restore
Policy 7.5 Evaluate properties which could be
historic properties.
annexed by Yelm based upon the availability of
utilities.
Goal 10: Create safe and vibrant
Policy 7.6 Defer annexing unincorporated lands
neighborhoods with places that build
shown on the Future Land Use Map until the
community and encourage active
property can be served by the City water and sewer
transportation.
systems.
Policy 10.1 Plan at the neighborhood level to
Policy 7.7 Defer changing the land use categories
increase housing density and diversity while
adopted in a Joint Plan for a period of three (3)
preserving neighborhood character and quality of
years without the written concurrence from the
life.
other jurisdiction.
Policy 10.2 Plan for land use patterns that provide
Policy 7.8 Analyze and provide comment to
most neighborhood residents an array of basic
Thurston County on any proposed development
services within a half mile or 20 minute walk from
within the unincorporated lands shown on the
home.
Future Land Use Map.
Policy 10.3 Encourage appropriately-scaled home-
Goal 8: Foster regional coordination. based business and live/work opportunities in
neighborhoods.
Policy 8.1 Educate the public and local
businesses regarding the planning process which
Policy 10.4 Support Intercity Transit efforts to
can include comprehensive plan amendments,
expand transit routes and increase service
development regulation updates, and the adoption
frequency where the density, land uses, street
design, and location of neighborhoods between
City of Yelm16Comprehensive Plan
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main activity center destinations will result in good and remediation. Apply for grants and loans to
service usage.complete clean-up.
Policy 10.5 Identify opportunities for small urban Policy 11.4 Encourage mechanisms to allow
centers with a mix of land uses and densities in private development that constructs public road
Land Use
Greenfield and Brownfield buildable lands.improvements (such as curb, gutter, sidewalks, or
travel lanes) the opportunity for latecomers or
Policy 10.6 Identify and build street and path
other methods of repayment.
connections within existing neighborhoods and
design well-connected streets within new
Goal 12: Support the local production,
neighborhoods.
processing, and sale of local food products.
Policy 10.7 Increase opportunities for urban
Policy 12.1 Provide for public and private food
agriculture.
processing centers in development regulations.
Policy 10.8 Encourage and, when possible,
Policy 12.2 Allow for the location of farmers
provide non-motorized options for travel, to
markets, food cooperatives, and community
reduce vehicle traffic and associated carbon
gardens in development regulations.
emissions, while promoting healthy exercise.
Policy 12.3 Allow the use of commercial kitchens
Policy 10.9 Evaluate the potential for small-scale
in churches, fraternal organizations, and schools
commercial development as a special use when it
for processing local food products and to support
will enhance the character and livability of
food trucks.
individual neighborhoods (See also Policy 3.11).
Policy 12.4 Identify public spaces for community
Goal 11: Maximize opportunity to
gardens and other food production.
redevelop land in priority areas by
Policy 12.5 Support regional efforts to create a
investing in infrastructure and
local agricultural economy.
environmental remediation.
Goal 13: Enhance land use compatibility
Policy 11.1 Mitigate the additional cost of
between JBLM and property in the
development in centers and corridors by making
surrounding area to protect public health
public infrastructure investment that adds value,
and safety.
safety and public enjoyment for the entire
community and that result in appropriate public
Policy 13.1 Consider the Military Influence Area as
return on investment when adjacent properties are
identified in the Joint Land Use Plan prepared by
developed. Allow for latecomers and other
Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the surrounding
methods of repayment for government outlay for
communities when reviewing and updating plans
infrastructure.
and policies. Specifically consider compatible land
uses based on noise from the Installation
Policy 11.2 Identify additional funding sources to
Operational Noise Management Plan.
make building infrastructure as part of a priority
infill housing project more financially viable.
Policy 13.2 Consider the use of open spaces
adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of
Policy 11.3 Conduct soil and groundwater
overall compatibility strategies.
assessments and evaluate appropriate remediation
options where contaminated soils and
groundwater exist. Identify funds for assessment
City of Yelm17Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 14.3 Consider adopting all or portions of
Goal 14: Support proactive efforts to
the Wildland Urban Interface Code for those areas
reduce the risk from natural disasters.
of Yelm which meet the criteria to be deemed a
Policy 14.1 Continue to participate in the Thurston
Wildland Urban Interface.
County Hazard Mitigation Planning Workgroupto
Land Use
Policy 14.4 Make Yelm a “fire adapted
develop regional strategies to address risks from
community” by promoting programs such as
earthquakes, floods, dam failure, severe weather,
Firewise USA.
landslides, and wildfires.
Policy 14.2 Continue to participate in efforts to
plan for wildfire risks, including the Thurston
Conservation District’s Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
City of Yelm18Comprehensive Plan
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Comprehensive Plan
19
t
City of Yelm
and Use Designations
L
3:
-
Figure 3 Source: City of Yelm Community Development Departmen
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Comprehensive Plan
20
nt
City of Yelm
Future Land Use Designations
4:
-
Source: City of Yelm Community Development Departme
Figure 3
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4| HOUSING
City of Yelm21Comprehensive Plan
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Housing
The Housing Element is the guidingdocument the Housing costs in Yelm continue to rise and are not
City of Yelm will use to plan future housing needs. attainable for a steadily growing population.
This plan evaluates the existing housing Strategies need to be created to address the
availability, predicts the housing needs through temporary and permanent housing gaps in the
2045, and establishes goals and policies to city. Key findings from the Yelm Housing Needs
accommodate the upcoming housing demand. Assessment are as follows:
1.Growing population: The city’s population is
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature added
several new requirements to the Growth expected to more than double within city
Management Act, adopted in House Bill 1220, limits by 2045, and 5,486 additional units are
that requires jurisdictions to “plan for and projected to be needed to accommodate the
accommodate housing that is affordable to all anticipated growth.
economic segments of the population.”
2.Existing Housing Stock:The housing stock is
comprised primarily of single-family detached
Current Challenges
homes. 77.5 percent of homes in Yelm are
Yelm is a military-based community of just over
single family detached. Apartment buildings
11,000 people with unique housing needs and
with 20+ units are the next most prevalent, at
challenges, which stem from its military
6.2%. The existing housing stock does not
personnel economy and demographics. Yelm
include enoughrental units for renters with
faces an exponential growth projection, which
an annual income of less than $75,000.
indicates a need for higher density and additional
housing units including an increase in available
rental units to balance the supply and demand of
housing stock as the city grows.
City of Yelm22Comprehensive Plan
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3.Cost Burdened Households:Approximately
families (families with one or more children
33percent of households in Yelm are under the age of 6). With more than double
severely cost-burdened. Those residents fall the County percentage of children under 6,
in the lower end of the income spectrum, young families typically face a burden of
and they are typically renters, rather than having a one-income household or high
homeowners. Cost-burdened residents can childcare costs in addition to housing
face difficult choices between prioritizing expenses.
whether money is spent on housing and
7.LongCommute Times:The workforce in
other household needs, or on food, clothing,
Yelm faces long commute times and
transportation, and medical care, in addition
geographic challenges related to
to housing instability.
employment opportunities. A very small
4.Affordability vs. Availability:Analysis of the number of residents (10.1%) live and work
housing prices, values, and supply indicate inside the city; the remainder of the
that Yelm’s residents face an issue of workforce commutes into or out of the city
housing availability, more than affordability. for workdaily. The school district is the
Based on Median Household Income data, largest employer within city limits, and most
there has been increased purchasing power of the faculty and staff live outside of the
in Yelm compared to the Thurston County district due to housing issues.
region, which is likely influenced by the
Figure 4-1: Median Rental HouseholdIncome in Yelm
number of military servicemember
households.
5.Homeowner Income vs. Renter Income:
According to the City of Yelm Housing
Needs Assessment, conducted in 2021, the
median household income for homeowners
in Yelm was $92,516 compared to just
$48,634 for renters. The rising cost of rent,
with low vacancy rates, has created a larger
demand than supply for renters making the
average renter’s household income.
6.Household Size: Yelm’s household sizes are
much larger when compared to the
Thurston County region. In Yelm, 56% of
households are comprised of three or more
people, compared to 38% statewide.
Conversely, only 17% of households in Yelm
Source: City of Yelm, data from 2015-2019.
are one-person households. Given the data
on non-family households and occupants per
room discussed previously, the City’s
infrastructure needs if the share of school-
aged residents continues to increase. Yelm
has a larger percentage of very young
City of Yelm23Comprehensive Plan
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The Housing Element is required to provide
Total Households and Median
adequate provisions for existing and projected
Income
housing needs for all economic segments of the
Thurston Regional Planning Council estimates
community, including documenting barriers and
there were 3,469 households in Yelm in 2023
actions needed to achieve housing availability
with a median household income of $88,279.
(Goal 6).
Table 4-1: Housing TypesCalled out in HB 1220 and Thurston County Income Thresholds
Housing TypePercent of Thurston Area Median Income*Equivalent 2023 Household Income*
Extremely Low IncomeLess than 30%Less than $30,750
Very Low Income30 to 50%$30,750 to $51,250
Low Income50 to 80%$51,250 to $82,000
Moderate Income80 to 120%$82,000 to $102,500
Permanent supportive housingSubsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need
comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices designed
to use lower barriers to entry than would be typical for other subsidized or unsubsidized
rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors.
Emergency housingTemporary indoor accommodations for individuals or families who are homeless or at
imminent risk of becoming homeless that is intended to address the basic health, food,
clothing, and personal hygiene needs of individuals or families. Emergency housing mayor
may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement.
Emergency shelterFacilities that provide a temporary shelter for individuals or families who are currently
homeless Emergency shelter may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an
occupancy agreement. Emergency shelter facilities may include day and warming centers
that do not provide overnight accommodations.
Note: Housing types are defined in RCW 36.70A.030.* Income thresholds are based on HUD estimates for a family of four.
Figure 4-2: Annual Household Income in Yelm
City of Yelm24Comprehensive Plan
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Current Housing Inventory and
Figure 4-3:Housing Units, projected for 2045.
Projected Need
As required by new legislation, an inventory and
analysis of existing and projected housing needs
was completed by TRPC in March 2025. TRPC
estimates 3,980 current housing units exist in
2025 and another 6,990 units will be needed by
2045.
Yelm currently faces a shortage of housing units
that are affordable to residents with an income
of 80% or less of the area median income,
according to the City of Yelm Housing Needs
Assessment completed in 2023 but does have
the land capacity to accommodate this type of
housing. Table 4-2 demonstrates the current
Table 4-2: Low-Income Supply vs. Future Low-
low-income housing supply and the future need.
Income Needs
Housing Need Allocation by Income
Housing Units
The housing need allocation projects the
Current Low-Income Housing Supply2,093
number of units that are needed by 2045,
Future Low-Income Housing Needed5,170
including low, very low, and extremely low-
income households; and emergency housing,
emergency shelters, and permanent supportive
housing.
Table 4-3: Available housing units by income level
Housing UnitsBeds
Income Level (Percent of Area Median Income)
0-30%
Emergency
JurisdictionTotalPSHNon-PSH30-50%50-80%80-100%100-120%RemainderHousing
City7,5045571,3731,0902,0855187571,125150
Analysis based on jurisdiction boundaries as of September 1, 2023.
Numbers may not add to totals due to rounding.
“PSH” refers to permanent supportive housing.
City of Yelm25Comprehensive Plan
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Land Capacity Analysis
It is required for all cities to
Table 4-4: Housing capacity by income level
identify the capacity of land for
Aggregate
Income LevelZone Categories HousingHousing TotalSurplus
housing including, but not limited
(AMI)Serving These NeedsNeedNeedCapacity or Deficit
to, government-assisted housing,
0-30% PSHLow-rise Multifamily5675,1706,7321,526
housing for moderate, low, very
Mid-rise Multifamily
0-30% Other1,398
low, and extremely low-income
ADUs
30-50%1,120
households, manufactured
50-80%2,085
housing, multifamily housing,
80-100%Moderate Density5181,3166,9855,669
group homes, foster care
100-120%798
facilities, emergency housing,
Emergency Housing (Beds)1531534,5694,416
emergency shelters and
permanent supportive housing.
The analysis conducted by TRPC found sufficient
capacity to accommodate the number of housing
units that are needed. TRPC’s land capacity model
assumes future housing constructed within the UGA,
land that is currently zoned for one unit every five
acres, will have an average density of about four
units per acre. The City is proposing to annex and
rezone approximately 1,200 acres of its urban growth
area by the time this comprehensive plan is adopted.
TRPC projects the annexation will increase Yelm’s
capacity by an additional 1,836 residential units.
Much of Yelm’s capacity for multifamily
developments is located within the commercial
zoning districts, which can accommodate an
estimated 2,226 units within mixed-use
developments.
At the time of this comprehensive plan update, the
land capacity analysis could not fully account for
1,250 acres designated as Master Planned
Community. The Master Planned Community must
consider land capacity for housing, including housing
for moderate, low, very low, and extremely low-
income housing.
City of Yelm26Comprehensive Plan
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Racial Disparityand Anti-Displacement
The city was required to conduct a Housing
Displacement Risk Analysis, which was prepared
by Uncommon Bridges. The analysis found the
most prominent risk in Yelm to be physical
displacement, which is the result of eviction,
acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition of
property, or the expiration of covenants on rent,
or income-restricted housing.
Figure 4-4: Yelm’s racial and ethnic make-up
Along with physical displacement, the risk for
economic displacement is also prevalent with
33% of households in Yelm being cost burdened,
spending more than 30% of their income on
housing related expenses, and 33% of
households considered to be low, very low, or
extremely low income. The analysis found a 0%
vacancy rate for rental units that are affordable
to low-income residents. Yelm is experiencing
significant growth in population diversity with a
196% growth rate between 2010 and 2023. As
the City develops policy, it is important to
evaluate the following criteria:
1.Does this policy encourage the preservation of
naturally occurring affordable housing such as
manufactured home parks and other existing
affordable units?
2.Does this policy incentivize or reduce barriers
to developing diverse housing types including
smaller homes?
3.Does this policy incentivize and support the
development of affordable and deeply affordable
housing.
City of Yelm27Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 1.7 Offer densityincentives to promote a
Goal 1: Plan for and accommodatea
variety of housing types, mixed uses, range of
variety of housing typesand densities to
housing costs, affordability, and increased special
provide housing that is affordable to all
needs housing
income levelswithin Yelm
Policy 1.8 Increase density near employment
Policy 1.1 Allow a variety of housing types
locations.
within the residential and mixed-use designations
Goal 2:Ensure affordable housing is
Policy 1.2 Encourage opportunities for a range
available in Yelm.
of housing costs to enable housing for all
segments of the population, including low
Policy 2.1 Encourage a variety of housing types
income, very low income, extremely low income
in the residential designations to assure choice,
and those in need of supportive housing or
opportunity, and availability of a fair share of
emergency shelters. (formerly 1.3)
affordable housing inYelm.
Policy 1.3 Encourage the provision of adequate
Policy 2.2 Participate with other jurisdictions
affordable building sites through appropriate
and Thurston County in a regional process to
zoning, infrastructure, and other development
monitor Fair Share Affordable Housing targets
regulations.
within the County.
Policy 1.4 Review development regulations to
Policy 2.3 Increase housing choices to support
ensure that a range of housing types areavailable
all ranges of lifestyles, household incomes,
throughout Yelm.
abilities, and ages. Encourage a range of housing
types and costs that are commensurate with the
Policy 1.5 Review development regulations to
employment base and income levels of
ensure residents can safely walk throughout
jurisdictions’ populations, particularly for low,
Yelm.
moderate and fixed-income families.
Policy 1.6 Monitor the need for special needs
Policy 2.4 Accommodate low and moderate-
housing and increase opportunities for such
income housing throughout Yelm.
housing.
City of Yelm28Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 4.2 Periodically review the energy
Goal 3: Conserve, protect, and improve
efficiency development regulations to ensure that
the existing housing stock and
they are up-to-date.
neighborhoods.
Policy 4.3 Promote residential subdivision
Policy 3.1 Maintain up-to-date development
Housing
designs that maximize solar heating
regulations for building, housing, mechanical, and
opportunities.
other design standards.
Goal 5: Provide sufficient housing for low-
Policy 3.2 Require owners of unsafe dwelling
and moderate-income households
units to correct significant problems and
encourage the maintenance of existing structures
Policy 5.1 Add other innovative housing types
consistent with the city’s code and consider
(such as cottage style) to the permitted uses
funding assistance for low-income owners or
where appropriate
incentive programs to reduce displacement risks.
Policy 5.2 Incentivize developers to set aside a
Policy 3.3 Support rehabilitation efforts for
percentage of multifamily housing units for low-
substandard housing and develop assistance
and moderate-income buyers and renters.
programs to reduce displacement risks.
Policy 5.3 Support efforts to provide funding
Policy 3.4 Encourage and facilitate economic
for shared-equity policies — via community land
development to provide increased economic
trust or down-payment assistance models —to
opportunity for existing residents, so more people
make buying housing of all types affordable.
can work near their home.
Policy 5.4 Develop policy that limits long-term
Policy 3.5 Encourage and provide funding for
housing being used for transient rentals.
local community groups, churches, and
Policy 5.5 Develop policy that focuses on
businesses to provide voluntary assistance with
transient lodging quarters for low-to-moderate
maintaining existing housing for the elderly, low-
income individuals and service members
income households, and those with special
housing needs.
Policy 5.6 Expedite permitting low- and
moderate-income housing units to incentivize
Policy 3.6 Preserve and protect the existing
developers
manufactured home community.
Policy 5.7 Reduce transportation impact fees
Policy 3.7 Support private ownership of
for multifamily developments near frequent
manufactured communities and private rental
transit service routes.
units by local, family-owned operations with on-
site management.
Policy 5.8 Offer developers density and/or
height incentives for desired unit types.
Goal 4: Promote energy-efficient housing
to reduce the overall costs of home
Policy 5.10: Identify barriers and policies that can
ownership.
increase access to housing for formerly
incarcerated individuals.
Policy 4.1: Support programs that make existing
structures more energy efficient.
Policy 5.11: Monitor the need for special housing
and increase opportunities for such housing.
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Policy 5.12: Permit longer-term (30 days to 6-senior housing, and other populations with
months) transient lodging in residential districts. unique housing needs.
Policy 6.9 Conduct education and outreach
Goal 6: Establish or support programs
around city programs that support affordable
focused on affordable housing
Housing
housing.
Policy 6.1 Embrace Community Development
Policy 6.10 Encourage the Housing Authority of
Block Grants, Section 108 loans, and other federal
Thurston County to take greater advantage of
resources for affordable housing.
state and federal housing grants and tax
Policy 6.2 Partnerwith local organizations
incentives.
where possible, to incentivize and assist
manufactured park owners with improving their Goal 7: Provide sufficient service-
properties and support upgraded utilities and
enriched housing for homeless and high-
infrastructure for these properties.
risk populations.
Policy 6.3 Support the private ownership of
Policy 7.1 Allow shelters, group homes,
manufactured home communities and private
transitional housing, and permanent housing with
rentals by local, family-owned operations with
social services in development regulations in
on-site management, and disincentivize corporate
locations where these facilities have access to
owners from buying homes in the community.
transit, parks, and other amenities.
Policy 6.4 Partner with local organizations to
Policy 7.2 Allow emergency housing in all
provide a program to assist residents with
zones.
applications and explain housing benefits and
Goal 8: Encourage housing density and
other housing assistance programs.
diversity in neighborhoods to add
Policy 6.5 Provide tenants and landlords with
vibrancy and increase equitable access to
information about housing rights and
opportunity.
responsibilities.
Policy 8.1 Review and amend residential
Policy 6.6 Encourage local community groups,
development regulations to provide opportunities
churches, and businesses to provide voluntary
for the mix and density of housing needed to
assistance with maintaining existing structures for
meet the needs of changing demographics,
the elderly, low-income, and those with special
provide affordable housing, use land wisely, and
needs.
support nearby transit and businesses.
Recommendation from Displacement Analysis
Policy 6.7 Work with the Thurston County
Regional Housing Council to consider funding
Policy 8.2 Allow densification by providing for
sources for a regional response to homelessness
accessory dwelling units, small houses on small
and affordable housing, and coordinate with
lots, attached housing types or appropriately-
existing funding programs.
scaled multifamily buildings, cottage housing, and
village cohousing developments in development
Policy 6.8 Develop partnerships with low-
regulations.
income housing developers, Housing Authority of
Thurston County, and other organizations that
provide support for low-income, workforce,
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achieve community goals and make multifamily
Goal 9: Encourage the construction,
projects feasible to build and finance.
weatherization and operation of homes
to boost energy efficiency.
Policy 10.7 Permit live-work structures
throughout the commercial zones, remove the
Policy 9.1 Prioritize home weatherization funds
Housing
requirement for Mixed-Use Development for live-
to preserve affordable housing.
work structures, and reduce or eliminate density
Policy 9.2:Support regional efforts to engage
requirements in existing structures.
landlords and property managers in energy
Policy 10.8 Allow more housing types in
efficiency efforts.
commercial zones.
Policy 9.3:Support the efforts of local financial
Goal 11: Encourage the construction of
institutions to facilitate affordable financing of
energy upgrades.ADUs as a more affordable option to
traditional housing
Policy 9.4: Support regional efforts to conduct
energy audits of large power consumers to Policy 11.1 Allow up to two accessory dwelling
identify efficiency improvements, such as unitsper lotin all residential land use categories
RESNET’s Home Energy Rating System. subject to standard development standards and
design criteria.
Goal 10: Increase housing affordable to
Policy 11.2 Create and promote an educational
all income brackets in urban corridors and
program, partnering with local organizations
centers to meet the needs of a changing
where possible, to explain the long-term
population. (Recommendation from
investment opportunity of ADUs and the financial
Housing Displacement Analysis)
plan required to pursue building an ADU.
Policy 10.1 Review regulations that stymie or
Policy 11.3 Permit accessory dwelling units on
prevent housing development near or within
existing nonconforming residential lots within the
urban corridors and centers.
commercial zones.
Policy 10.2 Remove barriers or “right-size”
Policy 11.4 Reduce impact fees and system
regulations to achieve goals.
development charges to no more than 50% of the
Policy 10.3 Identify vacant or underdeveloped
principal unit.
lots for housing development, prioritizing
Table 4-5: Accessory Dwellings
affordable housing and ensure existing
Accessory Dwellings
households are not displaced.
Adopted For Land Capacity Potential
Policy 10.4 Examine ways to encourage smaller,
Jurisdiction Forecast Analysis ADU Lots
affordable housing units through the fee
City 9 100 185
structure, especially in centers, corridors or
Yelm
UGA 0 20 2
adjacent to neighborhood service hubs.
Policy 10.5 Use tax exemptions, such as Special
Valuation, or other financing tools to make
projects financially feasible.
Policy 10.6 Identify opportunities to aggregate
properties where housing density is needed to
City of Yelm 31 Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 13.2 Review fees/regulations to identify
Goal 12: Minimize displacement and
housing cost reductions.
ensure that low- and moderate-income
residents and special housing residents
Policy 13.3 Permit mixed-use developments in
are not displaced by new development
all commercial zones.
Housing
Policy 12.1 Ensure housing options remain
Policy 13.4 Offer density bonuses for income-
affordable among new developments by requiring
restricted housing.
multifamily developments in certain overlay areas
Policy 13.5 Establish a multifamily tax exemption
or zones to provide a certain percentage of
program
affordableand market rate housing units.
Goal 14: Increase the availability of
Policy 12.2 Support aging-in-place services and
permanent supportive housing.
goals that encourage development patterns that
provide suitably-scaled, daily needs services
Policy 14.1 Identify barriers and policies that can
within walking distance of residential areas,
increase access to housing for formerly
allowing a measure of independence for those
incarcerated individuals.
who cannot or choose not to drive. Connect
Policy 14.2 Monitor the need for special housing
homeowners with resources to adapt their homes
and increase opportunities for such housing.
to their needs as they age such as the USDA’s
Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
Policy 14.3 Allow permanent supportive housing
program, and Rebuilding Together.
in all zones where multi-family housing is
permitted.
Policy 12.3 Support education programs on
homeownership and partner with NeighborWorks
Policy 14.4 Reduce system development charges
Center for Homeownership Education and
and impact fees for permanent supportive
Counseling, and the Washington State Home
housing projects
Advantage Program to make this statewide
Goal 15: Increase accessibility throughout
resource more accessible at the local level.
transit corridors
Policy 12.4 Explore grant programs to support
Policy 15.1 Reduce parking requirements for
the effort to reduce homelessness. Programs such
residential uses, including for multifamily
as the Washington State Department of
developments near frequent transit routes.
Commerce’s Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG)
provide resources to fund homeless crisis
Policy 15.2 Develop partnership with InterCity
response systems to support communities in
Transit to expand bus routes to additional areas
ending homelessness.
of the city.
Policy 12.5 Adopt local tenant protections that
Policy 15.3 Lower transportation impact fees for
require an increase to the notice time to 90-180
multifamily developments near frequent transit
days before the effective date and place a cap on
service routes.
rent payment late fees.
Policy 15.4 Expand the multifamily tax
Goal 13: Support and encourage
exemption to make it available in all transit
affordable housing in Yelm
corridors.
Policy 13.1 Reduce system development charges
and impact fees for affordable housing
City of Yelm 32 Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!79!pg!254
5| CAPITAL FACILITIES
City of Yelm33Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!7:!pg!254
Capital Facilities
The objective of the capital facilities chapter is to
Specifies the construction costs, timing,
plan for and fund those improvements necessary
funding sources, and projected operations
to provide appropriate levels of service in a manner
and maintenance impacts;
that is cost effective for existing citizens and
Establishes priorities for capital project
ensures that growth pays for growth.
development;
Goal 1: Maintain a Capital Facilities Plan
Provides a twenty-year forecast of future
which supports the infrastructure needs of
capital facility needs, and an inventory of
Yelm and its Urban Growth Area.
existing capital facilities; and
Policy 1.1 Adopt capital facilities plans that
Is coordinated with Thurston County, school
promote orderly compact urban growth, maximizes
districts, Intercity Transit,
the use and protects the investments of existing
telecommunications carriers, and private
facilities, and provides needed public facilities and
utility providers.
services to implement the goals and policies of the
Policy 1.5 Adopt by reference the Capital
comprehensive plan.
Facilities Plans of Thurston County, Yelm
Policy 1.2 Adopt and integrate Yelm’s capital
Community Schools District #2, and SE Thurston
facilities plans (parks and recreation plan, water
Regional Fire Authority, as they apply to Yelm and
system plan, general sewer plan, and the
its Urban Growth Area.
transportation plan) into the comprehensive plan
Policy 1.6 Encourage the public to participate
as appendices.
throughout the development and adoption phases
Policy 1.3 Undertake a consistency review prior
of capital facilities plans.
to local adoption of capital facilities plans to ensure
that the plan’s proposed facilities, budget, the level
of service standards, and internal guidance are
consistent with the adopted goals and policies of
the comprehensive plan.
Policy 1.4 Ensure that the Capital Facilities Plan:
Is adopted after a periodic review by the
Planning Commission and City Council or
Board of County Commissioners, as
appropriate;
Is consistent with the comprehensive plan;
Includes the scope and location of capital
projects or equipment;
Includes the project’s needs and its links to
established levels of service, comprehensive
plan goals and policies, facility plans, and
other capital facilities projects;
City of Yelm34Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!81!pg!254
Promote the conservation, preservation, or
Goal 2: Create a list of capital facility
revitalization of commercial, industrial, and
projects that addressesdeficiencies in
residential areas.
existing systems, replaces obsolete
facilities, and will meet the future
Policy 2.2 Evaluate and prioritize proposed
infrastructure needs of Yelm and its Urban
capital facility projects based upon the following
Growth Area.
criteria:
Policy 2.1 When developing a list of capital
Needed to correct existing deficiencies,
facility projects give priority consideration to
replace needed facilities, or provide facilities
projects based upon the following:
needed for future growth;
Mandated by law and those by State and
Eliminates a public hazard;
Federal agencies;
Eliminates a capacity deficit;
Public facility projects needed to meet
Is financially feasible;
projected population growth and demand;
Phasing and priorities as established in the
Already initiated and to be completed in
comprehensive plan;
subsequent phases;
Site needs based on projected growth;
Renovate existing facilities to reduce
maintenance and operating costs;
Serves new development and
redevelopment;
Remove existing capital facilities deficiencies,
encourage full use of existing facilities, or
Compatible with plans of state agencies; and
replace worn-out or obsolete facilities;
An acceptable impact on the local operating
Meet concurrency requirements for growth
budget.
management; or
City of Yelm35Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!82!pg!254
Policy 2.3 Use the type, location, and phasing of
Begin to plan for a trail crossing for bikes
public facilities and utilities to direct urban
and pedestrians over Yelm Avenue; and
expansion where it is desired.
Undertake transit improvements to
Policy 2.4 Ensure that some of Yelm’s key public
provide an alternative to the automobile.
facilities are located in the Central Business District.
Policy 2.6 Support capital facility projects
Policy 2.5 Initiate streetscape improvements
which would improve public transit service to
along Yelm Avenue in the Central Business District
Yelm.
to support pedestrian activity and promote
Policy 2.7 Adopt a concurrency management
transportation choices:
system for all public facilities which evaluates the
Minimize traffic-oriented improvements to
available capacity of public infrastructure. This
the minimum necessary to move traffic
management system may reserve capacity for
efficiently;
approved development commitments and permits
until they are constructed, or those approvals or
Implement safety improvements along the
permits expire.
corridor;
Policy 2.8 Level of Service (LOS) standards for
Improve pedestrian and trail crossings;
concurrency standards are found in the Yelm
Transportation Plan.
City of Yelm36Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!83!pg!254
Policy 3.4 Administer impact fees on behalf of
Goal 3: Provide adequate funding for
the school district and the fire authority, to
capital facilities in Yelm and its Urban
ensure that new growth pays appropriately for
Growth Area to ensure that the
the cost of providing necessary new services.
community’s visions and goals can be
implemented.
Policy 3.5 Allow latecomer agreements for
Capital Facilities
development projects which install
Policy 3.1 Manage Yelm’s fiscal resources to
infrastructure with excess capacity.
support a balanced approach to allocating financial
resources among the following:
Policy 3.6 Evaluate the operations and
maintenance (O&M) costs associated with a new
Maintaining existing facilities;
capital project and consider adjusting the capital
Practice sound asset management principles;
budget should the O&M costs be determined to be
an unacceptable burden on Yelm’s operations
Eliminating existing capital facility
budget.
deficiencies; and
Policy 3.7 Promote joint use facilities through
Providing new or expanded facilities to serve
the use of interlocal agreements on publicly owned
growth.
lands; and long-term leases, or conservation
Policy 3.2 Integrate all of the community’s
easements for privately owned lands.
capital project resources regardless of funding
Policy 3.8 Investigate potential new funding
source (e.g., grants, bonds, city funds, donations,
strategies for capital facilities which may include
impact fees, and any other available funding) into
the following:
the Capital Facilities Plan.
Growth-induced tax revenues;
Policy 3.3 Require new development projects to
finance their fair share of public facilities and
Additional voter-approved financing;
utilities which may include the following:
Regional tax base sharing;
Collection of impact fees,
Regional cost sharing for urban
Allocation of sewer and water connection
infrastructure;
fees primarily to capital Improvements
Voter-approved real estate excise transfer
related to urban expansion, and
tax; and
Development and implementation of other
County-wide bond issues.
appropriate funding mechanisms to ensure
new development’s fair share contribution to
Policy 3.9 Explore regional funding strategies to
other public facilities (recreation, drainage,
support needed capital facilities.
solid waste, and congestion management
Policy 3.10 Consider contingency strategies for
services and facilities car/van pool matching,
capital facility funding shortfalls which may include
transit shelters, bike racks, street trees, and
the following:
sidewalks).
Reassess the land use element of the
Comprehensive Plan;
City of Yelm37Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!84!pg!254
Policy 4.4 Acknowledge that the
Increase revenues;
implementation of projects in the Capital
Decrease level of service standards;
Facilities Plan may vary from the schedule and
budget due to unanticipated conditions, such as:
Incorporate newer efficient, cost-saving
technologies;
Revenues become available but have
Capital Facilities
conditions about when they may be used;
Decrease the cost of the facility;
or
More efficient use existing facilities;
The construction of a facility to serve new
Decrease the demand for the public service
development occurs in an earlier or later year
or facility; or
than predicted.
Other fiscal management options.
Goal 5: Conserve and protect drinking
water to meet the region’s daily and long-
Policy 3.11 Seek grants or low-interest loans to
finance capital facility projects.
term needs.
Policy 3.12 Maintain or improve Yelm’s bond Policy 5.1 Include wellhead protection areas and
rating through prudent fiscal management. standards for aquifer recharge protection areas in
development regulations.
Policy 3.13 Implement a joint public/private
Policy 5.2 Continue water-conservation
parking management strategy in the Central
measures that stretch existing drinking water
Business District.
supplies.
Policy 3.14 Support the development of a financial
Policy 5.4 Prohibit individual exempt wells within
assistance or loan program to repair or upgrade
the Yelm water service area where the City can
older buildings within the Central Business District.
provide service.
Goal 4: Ensure the Capital Facilities Plan is
responsive to the community’s vision and
goals through periodic updates.
Policy 4.1 Monitor the implementation of the
Capital Facilities Plan on an ongoing basis. This
review should include completion of major
maintenance projects, expansion of existing
facilities, and addition of new facilities.
Policy 4.2 Periodically review, update, and
amend the Capital Facilities Plan and ensure that
the various plan elements are internally consistent.
Policy 4.3 When updating the Capital Facilities
Plan consider possible changes to the rate of
growth, development trends, changing priorities,
and budget and financial considerations.
City of Yelm38Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!85!pg!254
Table 5-1: Relationships of Various Plans
Time Degree of Financial
Type of Plan Affected Area
Frame Action Implications
Capital Facilities
Community City and Urban
Comprehensive
Vision, Goals, 20+ Broad Policy NoneGrowth Area
Plan
and Policies(UGA)
Water System
Plan
General Sewer
Plan
Stormwater
Management
Plan
Facilities Goals
and Policies
City, UGA, and
Specific
Parks & 20+ Forecast of needsRegional
Policy
Recreation PlanDrainage basins
Level of Service
standards
Transportation
Plan
ADA Transition
Plan
Local Road
Safety Plan
Construction
Estimates
Capital Facilities Prioritize Target areas and
Strategic 6
Plan (CFP) Projects specific sites
Revenue Estimates
Project site or
Construction
Implementation Annual Budget 1 Obligated Funds equipment
Funding
specific
Completed
Operations
Operations Annual Budget 1 Obligated Funds facility or
Funding
equipment
City of Yelm39Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!86!pg!254
Figure 5-2: TenYear Transportation Revenue Sources
Funding Source
General Fund Contributions (Including Interest)
Capital Facilities
Municipal Building Fund
Sewer Rates
Water Rates
Current Revenues
Stormwater Rates
Water and Sewer System Development Charges
Impact Fees (Parks, School, Fire, Transportation)
Real Estate Excise Tax
Councilmatic (No Public Vote)
General Obligation (Public Vote Required)
Bonds
Revenue (Paid by Utility Rates or other revenue source)
Federal Aid to Urban Streets Fund
Community Development Block Grant (HUD)
Federal Highway Safety Funds
Federal Grants
Federal Highway Administration (STBG, TA)
Land and Water Conservation Fund
USFWS
Transportation Improvement Board
Hazardous Bridge Replacement
Stormwater Management Grants
Department of Commerce
State Grants and
Department of Ecology
Loans
Recreation and Conservation Funding Board
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account
Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) Loans
Clean Water Fund
Developer Contributions
Private Donations
Other
Local Improvement Districts
City of Yelm40Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!87!pg!254
Figure5-1: Capital Facilities Plan Funding Sources
Capital Facilities
City of Yelm41Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!88!pg!254
Table 5-3: 10 Year Capital Facilities Plan Summary
Park ProjectsFunding Source2025-2035
Connection between Prairie Line Trail SR 510 Yelm Loop WSDOT $50,000
Connection between Longmire Park and SR 510 Yelm LoopWSDOT$50,000
Capital Facilities
55 acres of additional land for parks Grants/Local Match $4,400,000
Yelm Prairie Line Trail Phase 2B (Nisqually River Bridge) Grants/Local Match $1,600,000
Cochrane Park Multi-Use Path, Dock, Picnic Shelter Local Funds $350,000
Longmire Park Upgrades Grants/Local Match $2,500,000
Veterans Memorial Grants/Local Match $2,500,000
City Park SwingGrants/Local Match$100,000
Buildings/Facilities Projects Funding Source 2024-2034
Public Services ExpansionLocal$300,000
City Hall Bonds/Grants $15,000,000
Fleet Expansion
Recreation Center
Transportation Projects Funding Source 2024-2034
SR 510 Yelm Loop Phase 2 WSDOT $58,500,000
SR 507 / Bald Hill Rd SE / Morris Rd SE Roundabouts (design /
WSDOT $4,500,000
ROW)
Bald Hill Rd / Morris Rd SE Roundabout (construction) WSDOT/Grant/Local $3,500,000
Extend SR 510 Yelm Loop to Bald Hill Road SE (Phase 3) TFCs/Grants $4,000,000
Rhoton Rd SE Reconstruction – Railway Rd SE to Yelm Loop
Grants $5,940,000
Phase 2
Central Business District (CBD) Activated Alley TFCs/Grants $600,000
Solberg St SW Sidewalk Local $60,000
CBD Sidewalks – Various locations TFCs/Grants $400,000
CBD Street Reconstruction – Second St SE, Third St SE, Fourth St
TFCs/Grants $3,400,000
SE
Longmire St SW / SR 510 Intersection Improvements TFCs/Grants $1,630,000
Mill Rd SE at SR 507 Intersection Realignment TFCs/Grants $2,200,000
Crystal Springs Rd/Coates Ave NW Intersection Improvements TFCs/Grants $1,700,000
Burnett Rd / 93rd Ave SE Intersection Improvements TFCs/Grants $3,500,000
Mosman Ave Phase 3 – Second St to Fourth St SE TFCs/Grants $3,800,000
Washington Ave /McKenzie Ave SE One-Way Couplets TFCs/Grants $3,500,000
City of Yelm42Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!89!pg!254
Water Projects Funding Source 2025-2035
Storage Reservoir #5 Grants/Water Rates $9,000,000
Distribution System Upgrades Water Rates $4,500,000
Sewer/Reclaimed Water Projects Funding Source 2024-2034
Collection System UpgradesRates/SDCs$1,230,000
Capital Facilities
Expand Cochrane Park RIBs Local Funds/SDCs $2,000,000
WRF Phase II Upgrade MRB Conversion and Solids ProcessingGrants/Loans$38,000,000
WRF Phase III – Additional Denitrification Local Funds/SDCs $500,000
Stormwater Projects Funding Source 2024-2034
Bald Hill Rd SE Drainage Study - City Limit to SR 507 Grants/Local Match $500,000
SR 507 at 1208 Yelm Ave Infiltration gallery Grants/Local Match $200,000
SR 507/Clark/103rd Infiltration galleries Grants/Local Match $350,000
Yelm Ave W Infiltration Gallery - Edwards to Longmire Grants/Local Match $200,000
McKenzie SW Infiltration Gallery - Longmire to Solberg Grants/Local Match $150,000
City of Yelm43Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!8:!pg!254
Table 5-4: Long Term Capital Facilities Needs
Park Projects 2035-2045
48 acres of additional land for parks $4,400,000
Prairie Line Trail – Yelm Ave W Overpass $3,100,000
Capital Facilities
Transportation Projects 2035-2045
Yelm Ave W Boulevard Improvements – Burnett Rd SE to First St $7,500,000
Yelm Ave W CBD Improvements – sidewalks, parking and access
$2,200,000
control
Yelm Ave E Reconstruction/Intersection Improvements – Plaza Dr
$1,300,000
to Creek St SE
Yelm Ave E Reconstruction – Creek St SE to Yelm Loop (SR 510)$3,500,000
Vancil Rd to Morris Rd SE Connection $1,950,000
103rd Ave SE Bridge Replacement $2,900,000
th
Extend 105 Ave – Yelm Terra St to Mill Rd SE$2,250,000
Bald Hill Rd SE Reconstruction & Drainage Improvements $6,850,000
th
Extend 105 Ave - Clark Rd to Vancil Rd SE $4,500,000
NP Rd SE/Wilkensen Rd SE Reconstruction – Rhoton Rd NW to
$6,750,000
Yelm Loop Ph 2
Extend Parkview Dr SE – Parkview Loop to Mill Rd SE $1,350,000
Tahoma Blvd Extension – Tahoma Terra to SR 507 (2.5 miles-4
$25,000,000
lane)
Extend Coates Rd SE – Cullens Rd to Killion Rd SE $1,400,000
thth
Mill Road SE Reconstruction – 107 Ave SE to 104 Ave SE $1,750,000
Railway Rd SE Sidewalk – Rhoton Rd NW to Middle Rd SE$950,000
Cullens Rd SW Reconstruction – Yelm Ave E to Van Trump SW$1,400,000
Railway St SW Reconstruction – First St N to Middle Rd SE $1,950,000
Jefferson Ave NW & NE Improvements $2,350,000
Water Projects 2034-2044
Distribution System Upgrades $6,000,000
Additional Well (#7) $2,700,000
Sewer/Reclaimed Water Projects 2034-2044
Collection System Upgrades $2,000,000
City of Yelm44Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!91!pg!254
Table 5-5: Inventory of Major City Assets
Parks Location
Cochrane Memorial ParkMill Rd SE
Longmire Community Park Canal Rd SE
Capital Facilities
Yelm City Park First St S/Mosman Ave SE
Yelm Skate Park First St S
Dog Park Rhoton Rd NW
TransportationLocation
Sidewalks (~225,000 LF)Various
Yelm Ave W to Nisqually River
Yelm Prairie Line Trail (~13,800 LF)
Various
Arterial Streets (~2.7 CL miles)
Collectors Streets (~11.1 CL miles) Various
Local Access Streets (~24.5 CL miles) Various
Water Location
Water Distribution Main (~335,000 LF) Various
Well #1 Second Ave SE
Well #1A Second Ave SE
Well #3 (not in service) 100th St SE
SW Well Tahoma Blvd SE
Historic Water Reservoir (not in service) Second Ave SE
th
Baker Hill Reservoir 105 Way SE
Public Services Reservoir Rhoton Rd NW
SW Reservoir Tahoma Blvd SE
rd
SE Reservoir (under construction)103Ave SE
Sewer/Reclaimed WaterLocation
Sanitary Force Main Sewer (~233,000 LF) Various
Sanitary STEP Tanks (~2,900) Various
Reclaimed Water Distribution Main (~42,000 Various
LF)
NP Rd SE – WRF to Nisqually
Reclaimed Water Outfall Pipeline (~8,500 LF) River
Rapid Infiltration Basins Cochrane Park - Mill Rd SE
Government Buildings/Facilities Location
Boys & Girls ClubYelm Ave W
Yelm City HallSecond St SE
Yelm Public Services Facility Rhoton Rd NW
Water Reclamation Facility NP Rd SE
Public Safety Building McKenzie St SE
Yelm Community Center Second St SE
City of Yelm45Comprehensive Plan
Capital Facilities
Qbhf!92!pg!254
Comprehensive Plan
46
acilities
F
wned
City of Yelm
O
Public
2:
-
Figure 5
Qbhf!93!pg!254
6| UTILITIES
City of Yelm47Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!94!pg!254
Utilities
The objective of the utilities chapter 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 1.Ensure that utilities and public
facilities are sized appropriately to
accommodate the growth that is
anticipated to occur within Yelm and 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 2.Ensure that utilities and public
Policy 2.6.Adopt development regulations that
facilities are environmentally sensitive,
require new above ground facilities to be
safe, provide reliable service, are available
appropriately landscaped and/or architecturally
at a reasonable economic cost to the
compatible with adjacent land uses.
consumer and are compatible with the
Policy 2.7.Encourage the directional pruning of
surrounding land uses.
trees and phased replacement of improperly
Policy 2.1.Promote the co-location of new public
located vegetation planted in public rights-of-ways.
and private utility distribution facilities in shared
Policy 2.8.Facilitate environmental stewardship
trenches.
by encouraging energy conservation retrofits and
Policy 2.2.Provide timely notice to utilities of City
the use of alternative energy sources.
sponsored construction and road maintenance
Goal 3.Process permits for public facilities
projects to encourage coordination of public and
and utilities in a timely and predictable
private utility trenching activities.
manner.
Policy 2.3.Promote the joint use of
Policy 3.1.Allow the extension of utilities beyond
transportation rights of way and utility corridors.
the City limits or the Urban Growth Area boundary
Policy 2.4.Adopt development regulations that
only when there is a declared public health
require new electrical distribution and
emergency by the Thurston County Board of
communication lines be placed underground.
Health; and the action will not impose a financial
burden on Yelm.
Policy 2.5.Encourage utilities to underground
existing electrical distribution and communication
Policy 3.2.Encourage the cooperation with other
lines.
jurisdictions in the planning and implementation of
multi-jurisdictional public facility and utility
additions and improvements.
City of Yelm48Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!95!pg!254
Policy 3.3.Make decisions regarding utility Policy 5.5.Develop criteria for requiring
facilities in a manner that is consistent with and connection to city sewer systems for properties
complementary to regional demand and resources.near sewer infrastructure.
Policy 3.4.Review applications for public facility
Goal 6.Manage stormwater in a cost-
and utility permits simultaneously when feasible.
effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 3.5.Jointly undertake a periodic review of
Policy 6.1.Explore new technology to sweep
comprehensive plan utility chapters and regional
streets to prevent stormwater pollution at the
utility plans with adjacent jurisdictions. Identify
source.
procedures for making specific land use decisions
Policy 6.2.Support applied research in Western
to achieve consistency of timing and substantive
Washington on cost-effective stormwater
requirements.
management technologies, routine maintenance,
Policy 3.6.Coordinate with utility providers to
and low-impact development (LID) practices.
periodically obtain up-to date plans of their
Policy 6.3.Coordinate with Thurston County to
proposed facilities. Recognize that the scale of
meet stormwater goals by watershed.
these plans may be such that the proposed location
of new facilities may not be site specific.
Policy 6.4.Encourage innovative and creative
solutions for addressing stormwater runoff.
Goal 4.Provide efficient and effective
Policy 6.5.Establish a mechanism to retrofit
drinking water infrastructure.
existing developments with stormwater
Policy 4.1.Continue to advance hydrogeological
infrastructure that meets current standards.
modeling to better quantify the region’s available
Policy 6.6.Conduct comprehensive stream
groundwater resources.
restoration plans for Yelm and Thompson creeks
Policy 4.2.Support regional efforts to develop a
that include plans for in-stream improvements,
water system plan that includes an exploration of
stormwater retrofits, riparian and wetland
ways to manage water resources within the region
restoration.
more holistically and in collaboration among state
Policy 6.7.Encourage the use of low impact
and local governments.
development standards for the treatment and
Goal 5.Manage wastewater in a cost-
disposal of stormwater.
effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 5.1.Support regional efforts to develop a
regional sewerage plan.
Policy 5.2.Build governmental capacity to
address septic system conversions.
Policy 5.3.Continue conversions from onsite
septic systems to sanitary sewers where septic
systems are impacting water resources.
Policy 5.4.Where sewers are available, require
new developments within 200 feet of existing
sewer infrastructure to connect.
City of Yelm49Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!96!pg!254
Policy 9.3.Allow for electric vehicle charging
Goal7.Expand the use of reclaimed water
stations in locations where they are needed.
for non-potable uses.
Policy 9.4.Increase the City’s use of electric
Policy 7.1.Continue to expand the role of
vehicles.
reclaimed water to benefit the region.
Goal 10.Increase energy efficiency and
conservation to reduce the region’s carbon
footprint.
Policy 10.1.Develop new incentives for green
buildings, both commercial and residential.
Policy 10.2.Encourage new public buildings to be
constructed to green building standards.
Policy 10.3.Support regional efforts to adopt
uniform energy-efficiency building standards.
Goal 8.Increase energy generation from
Goal 11.Plan and take action to reduce,
renewable resources to reduce the region’s
reuse and recycle as much waste as
carbon footprint.
possible and meet the needs of current
Policy 8.1.Explore incentives for the installation
and future populations.
of distributed generation equipment, such as
Policy 11.1.Support regional efforts to maintain
rooftop solar panels.
and expand recycling efforts through participation
Policy 8.2.Investigate large-scale renewable
on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
energy projects.
Policy 11.2.Develop standards for multifamily,
Policy 8.3.Adopt uniform building codes and
commercial and mixed use projects which
permitting practices in jurisdictions to make the
accommodate easy and convenient recycling for
installation of solar panels, or other distributed
occupants to divert waste and for haulers to collect
generation technologies, easier and faster.
recyclables and garbage.
Goal 9.Enhance the region’s electricity
Goal 12.Continue to plan for, educate,
distribution, monitoring and storage
assist and offer access to safely and
infrastructure to support adoption of
efficiently manage disposal and reduce
cleaner technologies and practices.
hazardous waste.
Policy 12.1.Support regional efforts to maintain
Policy 9.1.Support energy suppliers’ equipment
upgrades, new programs, and service offerings and expand the collection and safe disposal of
related to adding information technology to the hazardous waste through participation on the Solid
system or grid.Waste Advisory Committee
Policy 9.2.Support voluntary programs for adding
vehicle chargers to homes, businesses, and public
parking infrastructure.
City of Yelm50Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!97!pg!254
Utilities: Supplemental Information
The active utility lines for City of Yelm water, sewer, and reclaimed water are presented in the service maps
below.
Figure 6-1: City Water Utility
Figure 6-2: City Water Utility
City of Yelm51Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!98!pg!254
Figure 6-3: City Reclaimed Water Utility
The Growth Management Act requires cities to identify other entities that own utility systems and include
relevant information from those entities in the Utilities Chapter. Within the City of Yelm, Puget Sound
Energy is a major utility service provider, providing electrical and natural gas services to residents. See
below for more information about Puget Sound Energy, including service areas and planned utility projects.
For a map of planned PSE system improvements, click here
For a map of the PSE service area, click here
For more information about PSE’s Clean Energy Plan, click here
City of Yelm52Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!99!pg!254
7| TRANSPORTATION
City of Yelm53Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!9:!pg!254
Transportation
2021 Supplemental Environmental
Introduction: What is the Transportation
Assessment for Yelm Loop Project, Phase 2
Element?
2019 Yelm Downtown Transportation
The Transportation Element is part of the City of
Strategy
Yelm’s Comprehensive Plan that oversees
transportation planning for the community within a
2045 Thurston County Transportation Plan
20-year horizon. The Element establishes a
transportation vision for the community and offers
2050 Thurston Regional Transportation Plan
policy guidance to successfully manage and grow
Transportation Plan
the multimodal system. The Transportation
Element identifies areas of concern in the existing
In addition to the Transportation Element of this
transportation system, as well as potential future
Comprehensive Plan, the Cityalso maintains a
issues as the community grows. The Element
separate Transportation Plan, which was last
identifies projects that will address these concerns
updated in 2022. The technical material created to
and maps out a strategic approach to funding and
support this new Transportation Element provides
implementing the necessary improvements.
updates to much of the material included in a
typical transportation plan and may, in the future,
The Transportation Element supports ongoing local
be referenced to update the City’s Transportation
interests like reduced congestion in the core area,
Plan.
enhanced bike and walkability, and support for on-
going urban development within the community,
The Comprehensive Plan, and this Transportation
and, in conjunction with county and regional plans,
Element specifically, will adopt by reference future
improved access to local and regional jobs, all while
updates to the City’s Transportation Plan as they
supporting overall citywide objectives spelled out
occur.
throughout various elements of the
Goal 1: Create a transportation system
Comprehensive Plan. It is a powerful tool for
that is compatible with neighboring cities,
ensuring consistency between day-to-day decisions
Thurston County, Washington State, and
and long-range policies and objectives.
other transportation providers.
The updated Yelm Transportation Element of the
Policy 1.1 Encourage the public to participate in
Comprehensive Plan builds on previous plans
transportation-related decisions.
conducted in the city including, but not limited to:
Policy 1.2 Coordinate the planning, construction,
2022 Yelm Transportation Pan
and operations of transportation facilities and
2009 Yelm Transportation Plan
programs.
2023 City of Yelm and Thuston County Joint
Policy 1.3 Cooperate with the City of Yelm and
Plan
neighboring jurisdictions, Pierce County, Joint Base
Lewis-McChord, and the Washington State
2023 Yelm Local Road Safety Plan/Safety
Department of Transportation to address regional
Action Plan
transportation issues.
2023 Americans with Disabilities Plan for
Yelm
City of Yelm 54 Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 1.4 Support and participate in the Policy 2.3 Ensure adequate and safe access to
Thurston Regional Planning Council 2045 Regional property through a system of public and private
Transportation Plan.roads.
Policy 1.5 Coordinate theplanning andoperation Policy 2.4 Apply design standards, guidelines,
of Yelm’stransportationsystem to provide efficient and endorsed criteria that result in attractive and
and varied means of transportation.functional transportation facilities.
Policy 1.6 Support the creation of a community Policy 2.5 Utilizetransportationsystem
transfer site and support the expansion of transit managementstrategiestoefficientlyoperate
service within Yelm, its UGA, and to surrounding transportation facilities. These could include:
communities and employment centers.
Signalinterconnectionsystems,signal
Policy 1.7 Supportthedevelopmentofaregional
coordinationandsynchronization,andother
park-and-ridelotsystem.
signal systems to ease traffic flow;
Roundabouts. If a signal intersection is
Policy 1.8 Preservetheexistingrailroadrights-of-
considered, an analysis must be performed to
waywithinYelm’sUrbanGrowthArea and
confirm that it outperforms a roundabout for
connections to the national rail network.
safety and mobility operations;
Policy 1.9 Coordinate with service providers on
Turnlanesandpocketstoallowturning
the location of major utility and transportation
vehiclestomoveoutofthroughtraffic lanes;
corridors and the construction of roadway
Accesscontrolforarterialsandmajor
improvements.
collectorstominimizedisruptionsintraffic
flow; and
Policy 1.10 For planning purposes, adopt the
Non-motorizedinfrastructure
Washington State Department of Transportation
Urban LOS D standard or better within the urban
growth boundary. Refer to the County
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5, “Transportation”,
for more information.
Goal 2: Create a well-maintained
transportation system that provides safe
and cost-effective movement of goods,
services, and people.
Policy 2.1 Disburse 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 ClassifyYelm’sstreetsaccordingto
federal,state,regional,andlocalguidelines.
City of Yelm55Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 3.3 Ensure that transportation system
Policy 2.6 Ensure mobility for all residents,
improvements are compatible with adjacent land
including the elderly and persons with disabilities
by providing an accessible and affordable uses and minimize potential conflicts.
transportation system within Yelm and its Urban
Policy 3.4 Allow major land use changes only
Growth Area. Evaluate and prioritize ADA
when those proposals accompany specific
compliance on the multimodal transportation
Transportation
documentation or proposed plans showing how
system.
the transportation system can adequately support
Policy 2.7 Maintain the transportation system at the needs of existing and proposed development.
a level that is comparable with the design
Policy 3.5 Retain existing public rights-of-way.
standards applied to new facilities.
Goal 4: Responsibly fund needed
Policy 2.8 Limit and provide access to the street
transportation system improvements with
network in a manner consistent with the function
public and private sector participation.
and purpose of each roadway.
Policy 4.1 Implement transportation planning
Policy 2.9 Permit construction of private roads to
and development in the Urban Growth Area as a
assist with access to private properties.
joint exercise of responsibility between Yelm, the
Policy 2.10 Manage the demand for
County and the State.
transportation systems through strategies
Policy 4.2 Use a standardized, well documented,
mandated by state law.
and objective process to establish clear priorities
Policy 2.11 Include emergency service providers in
for transportation expenditures within Yelm and its
review of roadway designs to ensure safe
Urban Growth Area.
emergency vehicle passage. Build in system
redundancy through a well-connected street grid
to support emergency response and reduce
community disruption during natural or man-made
disasters.
Policy 2.12 Incorporate the needs of emerging
technology, such as increasing electric vehicle use,
as reasonable and feasible.
Goal 3: Develop 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 3.1 Design transportation facilities that
minimize adverse environmental impacts resulting
from their construction and operation.
Policy 3.2 Design a transportation network that
is compatible with the economic and development
goals of Yelm and its UGA.
City of Yelm 56 Comprehensive Plan
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health,economic, and environmental
outcomes.
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.
Policy 5.4 SupportYelmCommunitySchools
effortsonfundingsupportforsafety education and
infrastructure improvements around schools.
Policy 5.5 Support sidewalk and safety
improvements around schools —especially those
with walk and bike safety education and
Policy 4.3 Ensure that any transportation
encouragement programs.
improvements or strategies that are required to
mitigate impacts are constructed or financed
Goal 6: Improve infrastructure around
concurrent with a development project.
schoolsthat results in safe multimodal
transportation including vehicular,
Policy 4.4 Share the responsibility of mitigating
pedestrian, bicycle, and bustransit access.
transportation development impacts between the
public and private sector.
Policy 6.1 Work to increase the safety of the
transportation system with appropriate design and,
Policy 4.5 Cooperatewithprivateinvestorsto
in the long term, consistently update and maintain
providefortherecoveryoffacility
the city’s Safety Action Plan.
improvement costs which are attributable to other
development projects.
Policy 6.2 Support the state’s “Target Zero” plan
goal of zero deaths and disabling injuries.
Policy 4.6 Identify opportunities for developer
funding of streets, sidewalks and bicycle lanes to
Policy 6.3 Encourage travel by means other than
mitigate multimodal transportation impacts where
the automobile and provide for the safety of
specified and required.
pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Yelm and its
Urban Growth Area.
Goal5:Encouragesafeandactiveschool
transportationtoimprovecommunity
Policy 6.4 Design transportation infrastructure to
encourage safe user behavior.
City of Yelm57Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 9.4 Development review should evaluate
Goal 7: Reduce transportation congestion
the connectivity of subdivisions to existing,
and environmental impacts.
proposed or planned bicycle facilities.
Policy 7.1 Encouragetheuseofalternativeforms
Goal 10: Work toward an integrated,
oftransportation.
multimodal transportation system that
Policy 7.2 Provide for park-and-pool facilities
Transportation
supports adopted land use plans, reduces
that increase vanpool and carpool options in
overall need to drive and increases travel
development regulations.
choices.
Policy 7.3 Connect urban and rural bicycle and
Policy 10.1 Provide quality choices appropriate to
pedestrian pathways with parks and open spaces
existing and future land uses including walking,
to encourage more active transportation and use
bicycling, transit and motor vehicles including
of natural areas.
freight.
Goal 8: Consider freight mobility needs in
Policy 10.2 Ensure that development of activity
local and regional planning.
center, employment centers, schools and parks
Policy 8.1 Ensure that transportation plans and
accommodate multiple modes of travel and safe,
funding strategies explicitly consider the need to
efficient connections among those modes of travel.
move goods and services within and between local
Policy 10.3 Promote public awareness on the
communities, and between the Thurston Region
rights and responsibilities of drivers, bicyclists, and
and other markets.
walkers and ways these modes can travel together
safely and efficiently.
Goal 9: Integrate transportation
considerations into land use decisions, and
Policy 10.4 Further develop multi-modal Level of
vice versa.
Service (LOS) standards to define desired,
acceptable and unacceptable performance for the
Policy 9.1 Provide for increased densities in
transportation system:
urban neighborhoods and activity centers near
transportation corridors in development
Vehicular LOS - Re-evaluate existing LOS
regulations.
standards for city streets including those
service residential, industrial and
Policy 9.2 Development regulations should allow
commercial land uses. Consider exception
for more compact forms of development to ensure
areas based on multimodal transportation
that future land-use patterns will be efficient to
system improvement needs and financial
serve with transit, freight or other transportation
resources.
infrastructure.
Pedestrian LOS – provide a minimum of LOS
Policy 9.3 As new annexation and/or
Acceptable for the pedestrian system
development occurs on the east side of the city
consistent with the Pedestrian Plan.
near Canal and Grove Streets, consider
reclassification of Grove Street between Flume
Bicycle LOS – provide a minimum of LOS
Road and 103rd Avenue as a Major Collector
Acceptable for the bicycle network
facility.
consistent with the Bicycle Plan.
City of Yelm 58 Comprehensive Plan
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or using another wheeled device such as a
Transit LOS –partner with local and
skateboard or scooter. Full or partially-human
regional agencies to provide a minimum of
poweredvehicles, commonly referred to as
LOS Acceptable.
micromobility devices, may also use the pedestrian
EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
and bicycle network where permitted. These
INVENTORY
devices can include electric bicycles (i.e. e-bikes)
and electric scooters and can be either individually
Thischapterdocumentsexistingtransportation
owned or rented through a mobile app or kiosk to
facilitiesandserviceswithintheCityofYelm. The
be picked up and dropped off in the public right of
Transportation Element focuses on active
way. These vehicles are meant for short distance
transportation, public transportation, and vehicle
trips as a viable alternative to usinga personal
performance.Theinformationinthischapter was
vehicle.
used to determine short-term project needs and a
long-term multimodal improvement strategy for
Pedestrianandbicyclefacilitiesprimarilyserve
the city. A complete description of the existing
shorttripstoactivitycentersoressential
transportation network is available in the
destinationssuchasschools,parks,andother
Transportation Technical Report, which is included
amenitieslocatedinthedowntownbusinessarea
in Appendix A.
andcommercialcorridors.The City of Yelm
supports walking and bicycling through maintaining
a connected network of sidewalks, bicycle routes,
and trails. The city has invested in constructing bike
lanes and multi-use paths and the pedestrian and
bicycle network is growing.
PedestrianFacilities
The pedestrian system in Yelm consists of
sidewalks, multi-use paths, marked and unmarked,
signalized and unsignalized pedestrian crossings.
These facilities provide residents with the ability to
access local retail/commercial centers, recreational
areas, and other land uses by foot. Figure7-1
illustrates the locations of existing pedestrian
facilities within the city.
For additional information on the performance of
the existing pedestrian network, see the
Transportation Technical Report.
BicycleFacilities
Active Transportation
ThebicyclesysteminYelmconsistsofstriped
Pedestrianandbicyclefacilities form the basis of
bicyclelanes,wideroadwayshoulders,shared-lane
what is commonly called the “active” or human-
roadways(vehiclesandbikessharethesametravel
powered transportation system. In its entirely,
way),andmulti-usetrails.Figure 7-2illustratesthe
active transportation includes walking, traveling
locationsoftheexistingbicycle and multi-use path
with a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, bicycling,
facilitieswithinthe city.
City of Yelm59Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
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Comprehensive Plan
60
City of Yelm
Yelm Pedestrian and Trail System
1:
-
7
Figure
Transportation
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Comprehensive Plan
61
Use Trail System
-
City of Yelm
elm Bicycle and Multi
2: Y
-
7
Figure
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A key component of this system is the existing
Surface Transportation Program grant. The grant
Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail that connects the city to enabled acquisition of the railroad right of way
communities in southern Thurston County, and the from SR 510 to the Town of Roy in Pierce County.
Prairie Line Trail. As shown below, as it comes into
The City of Yelm won a Recreation and
the city the Yelm to Tenino Trail follows the west
Conservation (RCO) grant to convert the railroad to
sideof SR 507 and ends at the intersection with
a shared use path from the Centralia Power Canal
Yelm Avenue in the heart of the city.
north to and across the Nisqually River Bridge
trestle.Construction has been completed on this
segment. The segment between the Nisqually River
bridge and the Town of Roy is not yet in place.
Publicinput gathered during the creation of the
2019 Downtown Transportation Strategy revealed
that bicycle activity is low on Yelm Avenue, the
city’s main thoroughfare. Improving bicycling
infrastructure, including adding bike lanes, is an
important goal. For additional information on the
Y ELM-R AINIER-T ENINO T RAIL A DJACENT TO SR507 IN Y ELM
performance of the existing bicycle network, see
theTransportation Technical Report.
The Prairie Line Trail (image below) currently exists
from Yelm Avenue to the Nisqually River. The city
purchased the trail alignment in 2000 from the
Burlington Northern Railroad with a Federal
P RAIRIE L INE T RAIL NORTH OF Y ELM A VENUE
City of Yelm62Comprehensive Plan
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Route 94 runs seven days per week with service
Public Transit System
every 30 minutes. Table 1 provides a summary of
Fixed Route Bus Service
ridership on Route 94 by year and day of the week.
Data presented includes total boarding, total
Intercity Transit (IT) Intercity Transit (IT) provides
alighting, and route total in Yelm for the years 2019
free-fare transit service for the citizens of the City
through 2024.
of Yelm. Service in Yelm is limited to a single route
of the Intercity regional transit system that
Transportation
connects the city to Olympia. Intercity route 94
travels the length of Yelm Avenue (SR 510/SR 507)
rd
and in a loop along Walmart Boulevard, 103
Avenue SE, and Creek Street SE in the southeast
corner of the city providing residents the ability to
travel, from, and through the city center to access
local services but that is the extent of its fixed
route transit service.
Table 7-1: Route 94 Ridership Counts (2019-2024)
Year Boarding/Alighting Weekday Saturday Sunday Totals
2019Boarding 25,186 2,705 2,165 30,056
Alighting 22,830 2,607 2,100 27,537
Total 48,016 5,312 4,265 57,593
2020Boarding 17,105 2,388 2,114 21,607
Alighting 16,632 2,475 2,123 21.230
Total 33,737 4,863 4,237 42,837
2021Boarding 19,609 3,070 2,863 25,542
Alighting19,4803,0592,88125,420
Total 39,089 6,129 5,744 50,962
2022Boarding 27,671 4,179 3,531 35,381
Alighting 26,131 4,171 3,594 33,896
Total 53,802 8,350 7,125 69,277
2023Boarding 42,475 5,743 5,473 53.691
Alighting 40,767 5,607 5,451 51,825
Total 83,242 11,350 10,924 105,516
2024Boarding 7,129 6,009 62,038
48,900
Alighting 7,076 5,966 60,507
47,465
Total 96,365 14,205 11,975 122,545
City of Yelm 63 Comprehensive Plan
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transportation impacts to ensure that LOS does not
Existing Traffic Operations
fall below the standard. As set forth in the GMA,
Operations Analysis
Yelm has incorporated these LOS standards into its
Unified Development Code (Section 18.16.030) for
The table below shows the level of Service Criteria
purposes of Concurrency Management.
for stop controlled intersections and signalized
intersections.
This plan recommends that the LOS standard for
residential, commercial and light industrial zones
Table 7-2: Level of Service Criteria for intersections
Transportation
be revisited in light of community growth and
Signalized/Roundabout Stop-Controlled
transportation system improvement needs. WSDOT
Level
Intersection Average Intersection
has adopted LOS D as the standard for urban
of Average Control
Control Delay
Service
(seconds/vehicle) Delay
portions of SR 507 and SR 510.
(seconds/vehicle)
2024 Existing Conditions Analysis Results
A
B > 10-15
> 10-20
An operations analysis was conducted for 22
C > 20-35 > 15-25
intersections throughout the City and Urban
D > 25-35
> 35-55
Growth Area. In this analysis, the following three
E > 35-50
> 55-80
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
F > 80 > 50
or WSDOT standards during the PM peak hour:
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103rd Avenue SE –
In its 2021 Transportation Plan, the city of Yelm
operates at LOS F for side street traffic
adopted minimum levels of service for road
facilities under its jurisdiction as follows:
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE –
operates at LOS F for side street
In all residential zones, LOS C
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
In all commercial and light industrial zones,
Road SE/High School Driveway – operates at
LOS D
LOS E for side street
In the urban core on Yelm Avenue between
All other intersections in the study area currently
4th Street and Solberg Street, LOS F is
operate at LOS D or better. Figure 7-3 and Table 7-3
recognized as a minimum level of service
summarize the results of existing intersection LOS
where mitigation to create traffic
within the Yelm UGA. The operational analysis
diversions, bypasses, and alternate routes
worksheets are provided in Appendix C.
and modes of transportation are authorized
Level of Service Criteria for Intersections 2024
and being planned, funded, implemented,
and can result in improved LOS. Existing Conditions Analysis Results
1
By adopting minimum LOS standards for the City’s An operations analysis was conducted for 22
roadways, Yelm has committed to transportation intersections throughout the City and Urban
system performance target that must be Growth Area. In this analysis, the following three
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
maintained as new development occurs. As new
or WSDOTstandards during the PM peak hour:
developments are proposed and impacts assessed,
developers and/or the city must mitigate
1
intersections (WSDOT intersections use HCM Delay formula) and
The LOS analysis was conducted for the study intersections
Synchro (Version 12) for all other intersections in the study area.
using the software program SIDRA for roundabout controlled
City of Yelm 64 Comprehensive Plan
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rd
All other intersections in thestudy area currently
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103 Avenue SE –
operate at LOS D or better. Figure 7-3 and Table 7-3
operates at LOS F for side street traffic
summarize the results of existing intersection LOS
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE –
within the Yelm UGA. The operational analysis
operates at LOS F for side street
worksheets are provided in Appendix C.
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
Road SE/High School Driveway – operates at
LOS E for side street
Transportation
Table 7-3: Existing PM Peak Hour Level of Service Summary
2024 Existing Conditions PM
Peak Hour
Traffic
# Intersection Control LOSDelay (Sec)
1 Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Yelm Loop (SR 510 Alt)RoundaboutA 6.0
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View Road SE/High School
1
2 TWSC E 40.1
Driveway
3 Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Killion Road SE/Tahoma Blvd SE Signalized B 16.2
1
4 Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Longmire Street TWSC D 26.4
5 Yelm Avenue (SR 510/SR 507) at First Street (SR 507) Signalized C 31.8
6 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Clark Road SE Signalized A 8.3
rd1
7 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103 Avenue SE TWSC F 51.9
8 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Vancil Road SE Signalized C 28.6
1
9 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE TWSC F 80.9
10 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Creek Street SE/Bald Hill Road SE Signalized C 34.4
1
11 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Grove Road SE TWSC C 19.0
12 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Walmart Boulevard Signalized B 13.3
1
13 First Street (SR 507) at Mill Road SE TWSC B 14.3
14 First Street (SR 507) at Mosman Avenue Signalized B 16.6
1
15 First Street at Stevens Street AWSC C 20.0
rd1
16 103 Avenue SE at West Road NE TWSC D 31.9
rd1
17 103 Avenue SE at Creek Street SE TWSC C 18.6
1
18 Coates Avenue NW at Crystal Springs Street NW TWSC C 15.2
1
19 Stevens Street NW at Edwards Street NW TWSC C 22.4
1
20 Bald Hill Road SE at Morris Road SE TWSC D 27.9
rd1
21 103 Avenue SE at Grove Road SE AWSC B 12.0
rd1
22 103 Avenue SE at Walmart Boulevard TWSC B 11.9
Note 1: The average delay for all vehicles is reported for signalized intersections. The delay of the worst stop-controlled approach is reported for
unsignalized intersections. TWSC means Two-Way Stop Control AWSC means All Way Stop Control.
Note 2: Cells highlighted in grey/bold exceed the City’s LOS standards. The intersection LOS standard is D, except for Intersection #3, which is
LOS E.
City of Yelm 65 Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
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Comprehensive Plan
66
City of Yelm
Existing Intersection Performance
3:
-
Figure 7
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that currently acts as the eastern portion of the
FUTURE CONDITIONS
Yelm Loop.
Thischapterdocuments the effect of community
2050 With Improvements Analysis Results
growth on the transportation system and identifies
the need for future multimodal facilities and
The City of Yelm has an active list of
services within the city. Included is this
roadway and intersection improvements
Transportation Element is a discussion of street,
that it maintains, based on previous long-
intersection and highway improvement needs and
Transportation
range planning and recent analysis work.
recommended active transportation system
This list of projects is documented and
enhancements.
described in the Capital Facilities chapter of
the Comprehensive Plan and have been
For a complete description of the long term volume
added to the 2050 intersection analysis as
forecasting and additional information on the
appropriate. Two additional improvements
performance of the street network, see the
that are expected to be constructed
Transportation Technical Report.
through developer activity have also been
Future Traffic Analysis
included:
2050 Baseline Conditions Analysis Results
Yelm Avenue at Longmire Road. This
2
location is currently going through an
An operations analysiswas conducted for 22
Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) effort
intersections throughout the City and Urban
to identify the appropriate control
Growth Area. In this analysis, the following eight
improvements. Traffic signal control and
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
roundabout control are being evaluated.
or WSDOT standards during the 2050 PM peak
This improvement is currently being funded
hour:
through developer mitigation fees
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
Yelm Avenue at Grove Road SE. This
Road SE/High School Driveway
intersection was included in the evaluation
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Longmire Street
documented in the 2013 EIS for the vacant
properties in the vicinity of Walmart. The
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103rd Avenue SE
EIS identified roundabout control as a
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE
required mitigation improvement and is
expected to be funded and constructed to
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Grove Road SE
support the land use growth assumed in the
First Street N at Stevens Street NW
traffic volume forecasts. This location was
also identified in the City’s safety plan as a
103rd Avenue SE at West Road NE
priority location, with roundabout control
103rd Avenue SE at Creek Street SE
the recommended countermeasure.
All of these intersections currently operate under
stop sign control, with several being low volume
side streets along Yelm Avenue. Three of these
intersections are located along the parallel route
2
intersections (WSDOT intersections use HCM Delay formula) and
The LOS analysis was conducted for the study intersections
Synchro (Version 12) for all other intersections in the study area.
using the software program SIDRA for roundabout controlled
City of Yelm 67 Comprehensive Plan
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and the portions of the Yelm Loop Trail that have
These improvements directly address two of the
been constructed. Additional connections would
eight locations projected to operate below the
level of service standard. The remaining six also be provided to the Phase 2 trail portion of this
intersections from that list do not have an highway project at planned intersection
identified improvement at this time. All six connections including Rhoton Road and Wilkensen
locations will be significantly impacted by the Road.
completion of the Yelm Loopproject. This
The pedestrian plan includes the following
Transportation
improvement is accounted for in the traffic volume
facilities:
forecasts but the exact impact is difficult to predict.
New sidewalks built as identified, consistent
Therefore, it is recommended that these six
with the city’s design standards for the
locations be reevaluated after completion of the
classification of the street
Yelm Loop project, to confirm the volume impact
and identify, as needed, appropriate
New paved multi-use trails that will be
improvements. The city is currently pursuing grant
shared with bicycle traffic
funds to conduct a corridor study of Yelm Avenue
Planned and funded paved multi-use trails.
stth
between 1 Street and 170 Street SE, which
would include an evaluation of five of these six
locations.
Table 7-4 and Figure 7-4 summarize the LOS results
in the 2050 PM peak hour with improvements.
Pedestrian Plan
Figure 7- 5 presents the recommended pedestrian
plan for the City of Yelm. This plan was built on the
deficiencies identified in the pedestrian system
inventory including:
Filling system gaps to provide for a safer,
more comfortable and continuous trip
Addressing areas with poor Levels of Traffic
Stress
Providing improved access to many of the key
destinations within the city including schools,
parks, shopping areas, and community
facilities such as government office, the
library, the post office, and others as
identified in the figure.
Another key consideration in the development of
the plan has been to facilitate connections
between street-adjacent pedestrian walkways and
the growing trail system in Yelm. Continuous and
improved sidewalk connections provide access to
the existing Yelm-Tenino Trail, the Prairie Loop Trail
City of Yelm 68 Comprehensive Plan
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Table: 7-4: 2050 With Improvements PM Peak Hour Level of Service Summary
2050 Baseline
Conditions PM Peak 2050 PM Peak Hour with
HourImprovements
Transportation
Traffic Delay
# IntersectionControlLOSDelay (Sec)ImprovementLOS(Sec)
Yelm Avenue (SR 510)at Yelm
1 Roundabout A 6.6 None needed A 6.6
Loop (SR 510 Alt)
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at
Monitor for traffic shift
1
2 Mountain View Road SE/High TWSC F 300+ -- --
after Yelm Loop opening
School Driveway
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Killion
3 Signalized C 24.2 None needed C 24.2
Road SE/Tahoma Blvd SE
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at
14
4 TWSC F 59.2 Pending results of ICEA 6.6
Longmire Street
Yelm Avenue (SR 510/SR 507) at
5 Signalized D 54.6 None needed D 54.6
First Street (SR 507)
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Clark
6 Signalized B 12.9 None needed B 12.9
Road SE
rd
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103 Monitor for traffic shift
1
7 TWSC F 138.9 -- --
3
Avenue SE after Yelm Loop opening
Yelm Avenue (SR 507)at Vancil
8 Signalized D 43.2 None needed D 43.2
Road SE
Yelm Avenue (SR 507)at NE Monitor for traffic shift
1
9 TWSC F 239.1 -- --
3
Plaza Drive NE after Yelm Loop opening
Yelm Avenue (SR 507)at Creek
10 Roundabout B 12.6 None needed B 12.6
Street SE/Bald Hill Road SE
Yelm Avenue (SR 507)at Grove
1
11 TWSC F 66.8 Build roundabout A 4.8
Road SE
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at
12 Roundabout B 14.9 None needed B 14.9
Walmart Boulevard
First Street (SR 507) at Mill Road
1
13 TWSC C 24.6 None needed C 24.6
SE
First Street (SR 507) at SE
14 Signalized C 25.5 None needed C 25.5
Mosman Avenue
Monitor for traffic shift
1
15 First Street at Stevens Street AWSC E 41.6 -- --
after Yelm Loop opening
City of Yelm 69 Comprehensive Plan
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2050 Baseline
Conditions PM Peak 2050 PM Peak Hour with
HourImprovements
Traffic Delay
# Intersection Control LOSDelay (Sec) ImprovementLOS(Sec)
rd
103 Avenue SE at West Road Monitor for traffic shift
1
16 TWSC F 210.8 -- --
Transportation
SE after Yelm Loop opening
rd
103 Avenue SE at Creek Street Monitor for traffic shift
1
17 TWSC F 85.6 -- --
SE after Yelm Loop opening
Coates Avenue NW at Crystal
1
18 TWSC B 13.7 None needed B 13.7
Springs Street NW
Stevens Street NW at Edwards
1
19 TWSC C 15.3 None needed C 15.3
Street NW
5 1
20 Bald Hill Road at Morris Road SETWSC D 34.3Roundabout A6.4
rd
103 Avenue SE at Grove Road
1
21 AWSC C 22.0 None needed C 22.0
SE
rd
103 Avenue SE at Walmart
22 Roundabout A 6.2 None needed A 6.2
Boulevard
Note 1: The average delay for all vehicles is reported for signalized and AWSC intersections. The delay of the worst stop-
controlled approach is reported for TWSC intersections. TWSC means Two-Way Stop Control AWSC means All Way Stop Control.
Note 2: Cells highlighted in grey/bold exceed the City’s LOS standards. The intersection LOS standard is D, except for Intersection
#3, which is LOS E.
Note 3: City is pursuing supplemental grant funding to conduct a corridor study in this area based on recommendations from the
Safety Action Plan. The SAP identified a recommendation to install a roundabout at Plaza Drive and implement access
management along Yelm Avenue between this intersection and the proposed new roundabout at Bald Hill Road.
Note 4: For purposes of this table the result of roundabout analysis is shown as documented in the Intersection Control Report
(ICE).
Note 5: Future intersection would operate better than it does currently due to traffic diversion via new road extension on
th
alignment of 170Street south of Ylem Avenue.
City of Yelm 70 Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
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Comprehensive Plan
71
City of Yelm
2050 With Improvements Intersection Performance
:
4
-
Figure 7
Transportation
Qbhf!218!pg!254
Comprehensive Plan
72
City of Yelm
ecommended Pedestrian Plan
5: R
-
Figure 7
Qbhf!219!pg!254
deficiencies identified in the bicycle system’s
Another key consideration in the development of
existing conditions analysis focusing primarily on:
the plan has been to facilitate connections
between street-adjacent pedestrian walkways and
Filling system gaps to provide for a
the growing trail system in Yelm. Continuous and
continuous trip
improved sidewalk connections provide access to
the existing Yelm-Tenino Trail, the Prairie Loop Trail
Offering opportunities for looped trips by
and the portions of the Yelm Loop Trail that have
providing alternative bicycle-focused routes
Transportation
been constructed. Additional connections would
Addressing areas with poor Levels of Traffic
also be provided to the Phase 2 trail portion of this
Stress
highway project at planned intersection
connections including Rhoton Road and Wilkensen
Serving key destinations within the
Road.
community including schools and parks
The pedestrian plan includes the following
Another key consideration in the development of
facilities:
the plan has been to take maximum advantage of
the substantial trail system that exists or is pending
New sidewalks built as identified, consistent
construction within the city, including the Yelm-
with the city’s design standards for the
Tenino Trail, the Prairie Loop Trail and the new SR
classification of the street
510 Yelm Loop. Opportunities to connect with the
New paved multi-use trails that will be
loop have been identified at each of the key
shared with bicycle traffic
intersections that are planned to be constructed
with the project including Rhoton Road and
Planned and funded paved multi-use trails
Wilkensen Road, in addition to the existing
The pedestrian plan does not address specific
intersection at Cullens Road.
deficiencies in relation to the Americans with
The bicycle plan consists of a variety of facilities
Disabilities Act (ADA). The City’s current ADA
including:
Transition Plan identifies a process for determining
and prioritizing ADA improvements to the sidewalk
Existing and proposed on-street bicycle
system which includes the pavement condition and
lanes
slope of the sidewalk, the presence and condition
Existing and proposed paved multi-use trails
of curb ramps, and crossing protection. The Plan
commits the city to gradually bringing the
Planned and funded paved multi-use trails
pedestrian system into compliance with ADA
The bicycle plan also recommends that
through a regular and on-going improvement
consideration be given to the designation of shared
program. The choice of improvements should
use streets where appropriate and to the
consider and coordinate with the
development of on-street bicycle facilities in
recommendations of the Pedestrian Plan as both
conjunction with new development for major new
new and improved sidewalks facilities are
arterial and collector roads consistent with the
constructed.
City’s Development Guide.
Bicycle Plan
Figure 7- 6 presents the recommended bicycle plan
for the City of Yelm. This plan also builds on the
City of Yelm 73 Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
Qbhf!21:!pg!254
Comprehensive Plan
74
Plan
Bicycle
City of Yelm
Recommended
6:
-
7
Figure
Qbhf!221!pg!254
IMPROVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
A full list of the planned roadway improvements is
provided and described in the Capital Facilities
chapter of this comprehensive plan. The Capital
Facilities chapter also discussed the financial cost
Transportation
and funding strategies for constructing the project
list.
City of Yelm 75 Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!222!pg!254
Appendix A
Transportation Technical Report
Qbhf!223!pg!254
8| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
City of Yelm77Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!224!pg!254
Economic Development
The objective of the economic development
Agriculture
chapter is to encourage the location of jobs, goods,
Horticulture
and services for the residents of Yelm and Yelm’s
Forestry
service area as an urban center serving southeast
Policy 1.6 Market Yelm’s attractions to tourists:
Thurston and south Pierce counties.
such as its agricultural setting, views of Mount
Rainier, location at the head of the proposed
Goal 1: Create a healthy economic base for
regional railway right-of-way trail, fishing, hiking,
the community by supporting clean
bicycling, horseback riding, and day-trip proximity
industry, tourism, higher education,
to Mount Rainier, ocean, and theme parks.
vocational education, and retail services.
Policy 1.7 Support the development of a survey
Policy 1.1 Support the development of retail and
of the strengths and weaknesses of the local
commercial services to meet the needs of the
economy and develop strategies to address the
community.
results.
Policy 1.2 Support clean industry by providing
Policy 1.8 Support the development of a
large parcels suitable for development and
summary of the state of the local economy.
supporting infrastructure.
Policy 1.9 Join with the Thurston Economic
Policy 1.3 Support actions to preserve the charm
Development Council to identify potential
and improve the character of Yelm's historic
businesses to locate in Yelm’s industrial areas.
Central Business District.
Policy 1.10 Join with the Thurston Economic
Policy 1.4 Encourage new commercial services to
Development Council to promote cottage
locate in existing commercially zoned areas.
industries within the community.
Policy 1.5 Encourage the location of higher
Policy 1.11 Coordinate with State run Universities
education and vocational education institutions in
and Community Colleges to promote Yelm as a
Yelm, focused on the areas of interest in Yelm, such
satellite location for a State education center.
as:
City of Yelm78Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 3.2 Support efforts to encourage the
Goal 2: Coordinate economic development
Washington State Legislature to create business
efforts to attract and retain businesses and
tax incentives/credits.
jobs.
Goal 4: Create an innovation culture to
Policy 2.1 Support efforts by the Thurston
encourage entrepreneurship.
Economic Development Council and Yelm Chamber
of Commerce to develop an intergovernmental
Policy 4.1 Support regional efforts to explore
collaboration and coordination panel focused on
public-private partnerships for creation of a
sustainability and aligned with economic
community artist’s center as a place for arts to
Economic Development
development organizations.
exist and interact.
Policy 2.2 Support regional efforts to establish
Policy 4.2 Support efforts to evaluate the
and update a matrix of development processes and
potential for dedicating a public building within the
publish a white paper as the guidepost for
Central Business District for use as a South County
comprehensive plan updates and local land use
telework center, perhaps co-located with a small
issues.
business incubator, library, or other appropriate
use.
Policy 2.3 Coordinate with other permitting
jurisdictions to advocate for permitting vision,
Policy 4.3 Support private efforts to recruit
clarity, and predictability.
artists and entertainers to create vital urban places
that make the community an exciting place to live
Policy 2.4 Support regional efforts to create a
and attract young innovators.
community-wide vision and action plan for
coordinated and efficient governance that enlists
Policy 4.4 Evaluate zoning changes in residential
multiple organizations in the implementation of
districts to allow small scale commercial
defined community priorities and goals.
development as a special use when it will enhance
the character and livability of individual
Policy 2.5 Encourage the creation of a City
neighborhoods by:
economic development effort to include marketing
to attract new businesses that are consistent with
Promoting walkability to conveniences
the community’s vision, to support retaining
existing businesses, and to support small
Developing a sense of place within the
businesses.
neighborhood
Policy 2.6 Explore opportunities to defer or delay
Reducing the need to drive and park at more
system development charges to encourage new
remote commercial locations
business and facilitate revitalization in the City.
Goal 5: Provide robust infrastructure to
Policy 2.7 Explore incentive opportunities to
support economic development.
encourage infill development within the City.
Policy 5.1 Support/preserve long-term
Goal 3: Foster industry clusters to create
investment in multimodal transportation.
jobs and increase revenue circulation
Policy 5.2 Build capacity in telecommunications
locally.
and fiber networks for commercial & industrial
properties/business parks and employment
Policy 3.1 Support efforts to create local
centers.
opportunities for educational funding.
City of Yelm 79 Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!226!pg!254
Policy 5.3 Identify telecom/infrastructure gaps in
the network, and place conduit during public works
construction projects.
Policy 5.4 Consider “last mile” freight delivery
needs when developing site design and
ingress/egress requirements, street standards, and
neighborhood – commercial circulation.
Policy 5.5 Advocate for sustainable funding
Economic Development
mechanisms.
Goal 6. Ensure adequate supply of shovel-
ready land along primary transportation
corridors and invest in commercial and
industrial redevelopment.
Policy 6.1 Assess buildable land
availability/readiness.
Policy 6.2 Support regional efforts to protect
employment-bearing lands and ensure an adequate
supply to match target industries (medical,
manufacturing, food, chemical).
Policy 6.3 Support brownfield clean-up
strategies/planned actions for development and
redevelopment.
Goal 7. Create a robust economy through
sustainable practices.
Policy 7.1 Support the Economic Development
Councils efforts to implement the Sustainable
Economy action plan.
City of Yelm 80 Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!227!pg!254
9| PARKS AND RECREATION
City of Yelm81Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!228!pg!254
Parks and Recreation
The objective of the parks and recreation chapter is Policy 1.3 Design a trail network to be accessible,
to ensure that adequate active and passive expandable, and effectively connect sidewalks with
recreational and community facilities and on and off-street bicycle facilities. Regularly review
programming are provided to serve all residents.the design and implementation of the trail
network.
Goal 1:Create a network of park and open
Policy 1.4 Design sports and community
space lands that serve the residents of
recreation facilities to provide opportunities for
Yelm regardless of their age.
learning new skills, exercise and activities for all
Policy 1.1 Construct a system of parks, a network
ages, and respond to the interests of as many
of trails, and community recreation facilities that
citizens as possible. Regularly review the design
are available in all areas of the city that equally
and implementation of the sports and recreation
support all residents
facilities.
Policy 1.2 Design parks to include play areas and
picnic areas, community gathering areas and
nature walk spaces.
City of Yelm82Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!229!pg!254
Policy 1.5 Enhance the existing park and
recreation network by:
Adding opportunities for all neighborhoods
to have a public gathering or play space
across the city, including mini parks, walking
resting places, gathering spaces, and green
spaces within a half mile of neighborhoods.
Providing linkages via sidewalks and paths
that encourage bicycling and walking that
eliminate the need for parking lots;
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;
integrates critical area, habitat buffers, wastewater
Continuing to support youth and adult sport
reuse or recycling areas, habitat restoration or
activity needs, building new facilities in
enhancement areas, and public lands.
cooperation with schools and other public
Policy 1.8 Prioritize available funds for parks and
and private partners; and
open space lands to:
Accommodating community needs for
Maintain existing park and trail areas;
gathering spaces that also provide capacity
for events that bring in attendees from
Add land to existing and identify new park
other areas of the region -as much as
or open space areas;
possible -regional and state user needs for
Construct identified facilities within existing
special events in park and recreation
park areas;
facilities.
Acquire additional parks land to create
Policy 1.6.Continue efforts toward developing,
green space parks which provide new parks,
maintaining and improving current park areas,
paths and trails, supporting outdoor family
facilities and programs according to their current
activities and recreation with covered space
master plans including:
for gathering; and
Cochrane Memorial Park;
Explore opportunity of a Yelm gateway,
Longmire Community Park;
such as a trail overpass over Yelm Avenue,
Yelm City Park;
or another opportunity that will connect the
Yelm Dog Park;
Prairie Line Trail, and create a more
Yelm Skate Park;
walkable downtown and attract visitors to
Yelm Sidewalk and Bikeways Program;and
the CentralBusiness District to enhance
Thurston Regional Trails Plan.
economic development.
Policy 1.7 Create a unified system of open space
Policy 1.9 Include park features that promote
lands for public use and enjoyment which
arts, culture, and education.
City of Yelm83Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 2.3 Require park, trails, and community
Goal 2:Acquire and develop additional
recreation facilities to:
park and open space lands to meet the
needs of the community.
a.Accommodate the physically handicapped
and the elderly;
Policy 2.1.Acquire land and develop new park,
trail, and recreation facilities which may include the
b.Provide adequate parking at each facility;
following community priorities:
c.Considers the long-term maintenance of the
a.Land for athletic fields and play areas;
facility;
b.Community recreation facilities that can
d.Design landscaping and amenities that allows
accommodate facilities such as a swimming
easy surveillance from street edges and
pool, gym, meeting areas, and multiuse
surrounding properties, and
spaces;
e.Provide incentives for developments that
c.Neighborhood parks and a special use park;
provide additional parks, trails, or
and
improvements to existing facilities.
d.Additional mini parks, such as playgrounds,
Policy 2.4 Create parks and recreational facilities
green space throughout the city with the
in areas that are safe.
addition of benches along sidewalks and
paths.
Policy 2.2 Give preference to new recreational
facilities which are located near residential
populations or adjacent to schools.
City of Yelm84Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 3:Plan and develop a trail
network that serves all parts of
the community.
Policy 3.1 Continue to implement
the Thurston Regional Trails Plan
which identifies a trail system that
connects neighborhoods, cities, and
neighboring counties.
Policy 3.2 Acquire and protect land
from encroachment that would block
trail development along existing or
potential corridors, such as railroad
rights-of-way and power line
easements.
Policy 3.3 Collaborate with adjacent jurisdictions,
Goal 4:Encourage public and private
tribes, and transportation providers on the
efforts to provide parks, recreation
planning, financing, and development of regional
facilities, and recreation programs to the
trail facilities.
community.
Policy 3.4 Connect the trail network to major
Policy 4.1 Enhance Yelm’s existing park and
destinations and activity centers including parks,
recreation network by making efficient use of
schools, business districts, other public facilities or
existing facilities.
sites, and park and ride lots.
Policy 4.2 Support partnerships with private
Policy 3.5 Establish additional connections to the
organizations to raise funds to develop park and
Prairie Line Trail and the Yelm Loop trail to
recreation areas.
encourage use of trials for recreation and create
Policy 4.3 Support a partnership with the Yelm
multimodal transportation corridors that connect
School District to provide, coordinate, and maintain
trails to the commercial districts.
park and recreation facilities.
Policy 4.4 Support new recreational programs on
public properties located near residential
populations or adjacent to schools.
Policy 4.5 Seek support from various local
groups, and advisory committees, to participate in
providing needed improvements to local parks.
City of Yelm85Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!232!pg!254
Goal 5:Conserve open space corridors to Goal 6:Enhance and support community
provide definition between natural areas and City hosted events
and urban land uses.
Policy 6.1 Encourage diverse recreational
programing for free or at low cost for the
Policy 5.1 Identify natural areas, railroad rights-
enjoyment of Yelm residents.
of-way, and planned trail routes as open space
corridors.
Policy 6.2 Continue to host long-standing
traditions, including Prairie Days and Christmas in
Policy 5.2 Coordinate and cooperate with other
the Park, and support the inception of new events
public and private landowners to set aside land and
resources necessary to provide high quality open
Policy 6.3 Provide space for the Yelm Farmers
space before the most suitable sites are developed.
Market.
Policy 5.3 Protect unique environmental features
Policy 6.4 Activate the Yelm Centennial Stage as
from development and allow public access if it will
a venue for live entertainment.
not degrade the site.
Policy 6.5 Implement stem programing through
events that promote education through interactive
play.
.
City of Yelm86Comprehensive Plan
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10| ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
City of Yelm87Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!234!pg!254
Essential Public Facilities
The objective of the essential public facilities Policy 1.6 Locate existing and proposed essential
chapter is to identify and allow facilities necessary public facilities (such as well sites, reservoirs,
to accommodate urban growth.wastewater treatment plants, parks and other
publicly owned lands) on the Public Owned
Goal 1: Provide for the siting of essential
Facilities map within the Capital Facilities Chapter
public facilities.
of the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 1.1 Cooperatively establish a fair share
Policy 1.7 Encourage the public to participate in
process for locating essential public facilities
all stages of identifying and permitting essential
identified by Yelm, county, and state which are
public facilities within Yelm and its Urban Growth
needed for the community and the region.
Area.
Policy 1.2 Consider permitting Essential Public
Facilities as a Special Use in all zones.
Policy 1.3 During periodic updates to Yelm
Municipal Code or any of the adopted plans of the
City of Yelm, ensure that nothing within the
Comprehensive Plan, the Land Use Element, the
zoning code, or the development regulations would
preclude the siting of essentialpublic facilities.
Policy 1.4 Locate City of Yelm essential public
facilities based upon the following criteria:
Allow all essential public facilities in all land
use categories with appropriate safeguards;
Exclude public safety facilities (e.g. central
police, court, and detention facilities) from
residential land uses; and
Accommodate schools within the Yelm urban
growth area consistent with adopted
development regulations.
Policy 1.5.Locate county-wide and state-wide
essential public facilities based upon the following
criteria:
Prohibit facilities that would have a probable
significant adverse impact on critical areas or
resource lands; and
Prohibit major public facilities which
generate substantial traffic unless they are
sited near major transportation corridors.
City of Yelm88Comprehensive Plan
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Policy 3.4 Participate in regional emergency
Goal 2:Provide emergency services in a
exercises and recovery planning processes.
dependable and efficient manner to meet
the dynamic needs of a diverse society.
Policy 3.5 Support regional efforts to expand the
eligibility of Federal Emergency Management
Policy 2.1 Cooperate with regional efforts to
Agency (FEMA) mitigation grant programs to allow
provide emergency services and to create
replacement of aging structures.
emergency response plans
Policy 2.2 Develop and maintain an emergency
plan.
Goal 3:Create a resilient region by
improving disaster preparedness,
response, and recovery efforts, as well as
by expanding public safety education.
Policy 3.1 Support regional efforts to fund an
update to the region’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency-approved Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan every five years.
Policy 3.2 Identify cost-effective mitigation
actions that provide all sectors of the community
protection from disaster events.
Policy 3.3 Consider emergency facilities in
community planning and permitting.
City of Yelm89Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 4:Promote good health for city
residents.
Policy 4.1 Support awareness of the Washington
Health Plan Finder (Health Care Exchange) and
local navigator assistance for users of the program.
Policy 4.2 Support efforts by health care
providers to improve health care availability and
services for all within the Yelm area.
Policy 4.3 Identify the health and human services
in the Yelm area for:
Young women
Low income
Special needs and behavioral health needs
Clinics and family practices
Fitness and gym facilities
Goal 5:Improve community coordination
to create schools that use land, tax dollars,
and other resources efficiently.
Policy 5.1 Participate 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 5.2.Support 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.Identify joint use and cost-sharing
opportunities when co-locating facilities or making
infrastructure investments.
Policy 5.4.Allow schools to locate within walking
distance of large student populations or near
available transit routes through development
regulations.
City of Yelm90Comprehensive Plan
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11| ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AND CRITICAL AREAS
91
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Environmental Protection and Critical Areas
The objective of the environmental protection and
Policy 1.4 Encourage new development located
critical areas chapter is to protect and enhance the
in or adjacent to critical areas to utilize clustering,
natural environment while accommodating urban low impact development (LID), and planned unit
growth.development (PUD) techniques.
Policy 1.5 Protect groundwater and encourage
Goal 1:Protect Yelm’s natural
wise management of this valuable resource.
environment by regulating development
within critical areas.
Policy 1.6 Adopt development regulations for
wellhead protection areas based upon the best
Policy 1.1 Work with adjacent jurisdictions, state,
available science and hydrologic modeling.
federal, and regional agencies to protect and
conserve Yelm’s critical areas.
Policy 1.7 Require all development within the
urban area to be on sewers which after treatment
Policy 1.2 Protect and restore environmental
can provide reclaimed water to enhance aquifer
quality through land use plans, surface water
recharge and hydrologically connected surface
management plans and programs, comprehensive
streams.
park plans, and development regulations.
Policy 1.8 Require treatment of stormwater on
Policy 1.3 Adopt development regulations and
site using swales, ponds, biofiltration, detention
land use categories that concentrate higher
and other conveyance facilities prior to discharge
densities and intensities in suitable areas.
to either ground or surface waters.
92
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Policy 1.9 Implement the policies and programs Policy 2.2 Adopt development regulations for
of the sewer and water comprehensive plans. frequently flooded areas that prohibits
development within a floodway and discourages
Policy 1.10 Take action in cooperation with the
the filling of floodplains unless necessary to meet
Washington Department of Ecology to improve
a public purpose.
areas with degraded ground or surface water.
Policy 2.3 Allocate frequently flooded areas to
Policy 1.11 Explore contingency plans for drinking
low intensity land uses for which they are best
water supplies should an existing water source
suited.
become unusable.
Goal 3: Prevent the loss of life and
Policy 1.12 Protect Yelm’s aquatic resources, and
Environmental Protection
property in areas subject to erosion,
where possible restore or enhance their natural
landslides, or other geologic hazards.
functions.
Policy 3.1 Adopt development regulations
Policy 1.13 Adopt stormwater development
areas subject to erosion, landslides, or other
regulations that prevent turbidity and siltation
geologic hazards based upon best available science.
from construction sites and restrict stormwater
runoff to predevelopment levels through the use of
Policy 3.2 Continue to gather and review seismic
low impact development (LID) management
data to assess the community’s risk to earthquake
techniques.
hazards.
Policy 1.14 Adopt development regulations for
Policy 3.3 Preserve, protect, and enhance fish
wetlands, streams, and their associated buffers
and wildlife habitat.
that are based upon best available science.
Policy 3.4 Preserve native vegetation in riparian
Policy 1.15 Manage wetlands, rivers, streams,
areas and enhance this habitat wherever possible.
ponds, and lakes as hydrologically interconnected
Policy 3.5 Manage publicly owned aquatic and
natural systems and not as isolated units.
riparian habitats in a way that enhances its ability
Policy 1.16 Provide mechanisms within
to sustain fish and wildlife.
development regulations to allow buffer averaging,
Policy 3.6 Encourage residents and businesses to
enhancement, and other mitigation measures that
use native plants in residential and commercial
do not degrade or further impact sensitive areas in
landscaping.
order to achieve maximum allowed densities.
Goal 4: Protect air quality.
Goal 2: Prevent the loss of life and
property in frequently flooded areas.
Policy 4.1 Support state and federal air quality
standards which regulate activities that emit
Policy 2.1 Adopt the Federal Flood Insurance
pollutants into the air.
Program and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps for any
Policy 4.2 Encourage commute trip reduction
developments located within a frequently flooded
efforts and the use of transportation demand
area.
management techniques to reduce energy
consumption and air pollution.
City of Yelm 93 Comprehensive Plan
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Goal 5: Control excessive noise that Goal 7 Protect, preserve and restore
diminishes the use, value, and enjoyment streams, wetlands, and shorelines to
of property within Yelm.protect water quality.
Policy 5.1 Rely upon the state noise standards to Policy 7.1 Enforce existing environmental-
ensure that excessive noise does not impair protection regulations.
permitted land use activities.
Policy 7.2 Allow the use of low-impact
development (LID) practices where feasible in
Goal 6:Reduce air pollution that
development regulations.
endangers human health.
Policy 7.3 Continue to support local efforts to
Policy 6.1 Reduce the region’s vehicle miles
identify and restore degraded streams and
traveled by focusing more job and housing density
shorelines of Puget Sound.
in Yelm.
Goal 8: Preserve environmentally sensitive
Policy 6.2 Continue to support regional efforts to
monitor air quality and take actions to reduce air
lands, farmlands, forest lands, prairies, and
pollution.
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 9.1 Support Thurston County’s efforts to
preserve stream basins that still have the
opportunity to function properly.
Policy 9.2 Participate 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 10.1 Support 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 11.1 Discourage the use of any invasive
species in any landscaping within the City limits and
the Urban Growth Area.
City of Yelm94Comprehensive Plan
Environmental Protection
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Comprehensive Plan
95
City of Yelm
Critical Areas: Oak Habita High Groundwater
1:
-
11
Figure
Environmental Protection
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Comprehensive Plan
96
A
City of Yelm
Critical Areas: Wetlands and SFH
2:
-
11
Figure
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12| CLIMATE PLANNING
City of Yelm97Comprehensive Plan
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CLIMATE PLANNING
cause more dramatic shifts in the future. In the
Introduction
next few decades, Yelm can expect increased
This chapter describes Yelm’s plan to increase their
flooding, more severe winter storms, more
climate resiliency and reduce their greenhouse gas
frequent wildfires, more instances of extreme heat,
(GHG) emissions in compliance with state law (HB
more frequent and longer droughts, and
1181). This law requires selected communities to
unprecedented changes in stormwater and
equitably enhance their climate resiliency using the
streamflow (Figure 12-1). These changes will have
best available science while prioritizing actions that
profound impacts on local plants and animals,
1
benefit overburdenedcommunities.
human health, and how cities function. Thoughtful
city planning is required to reduce GHG emissions
Human-caused climate change is already shifting
and build citywide climate resilience.
temperature and precipitation baselines and will
2
Figure 12-1: Climate Predictions for Yelm in the 2040s
City of Yelm 98 Comprehensive Plan
Qbhf!245!pg!254
to help city planners understand baseline
Statewide climate planning
conditions and assess progress over the next
In 2023 the State Legislature passed House Bill
planning cycle.They found that, overall, Yelm
1181 which requires select communities to:
produced approximately 125,035 metric tons of
GHG in carbon dioxide equivalents. By sector
reduce their GHG emissions, specifically
Climate
(Figure 12-2), the largest sources of Yelm’s
those generated by transportation and land
5
were from the residential
emissions in 2022
use,
energy sector (54%), the transportation sector
reduce their per capita vehicle miles traveled,
(23%), and the commercial energy sector (18%).
enhance natural areas,
The remaining 5% were from industrial energy,
identify, protect, and enhance community
solid waste, water, wastewater, and fugitive
resiliency to climate change impacts,
emissions.
address natural hazards created or worsened
For comparison, transportation and energy were
by climate change, and
also some of the largest contributors to emissions
prioritize GHG reductions and climate
in Thurston County’s and Washington state’s 2022
resiliency efforts that help overburdened
GHG inventories, and similar to Yelm, sectors like
communities.
water and solid waste also had far lower
6
emissions.
In 2024, the City of Yelm conducted a GHG
34
inventory and a climate vulnerability assessment
Figure 12-2: Yelm Greenhouse gas emissions in 2022
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climate change impacts, including their
When comparing emissions per capita (Table 12-1),
vulnerability to changes in air temperature and
Yelm produced about 12.0 metric tons per person,
extreme heat; precipitation and flooding; drought
lower than Washington state’s 2019 per capita
and water availability change, and wildfire and
7,8
and the 2022
emissions of about 13 metric tons
wildfire smoke (Figure 12-1). Climate vulnerability
9, 10,
national average of about 19 metric tons yet
was determined by considering potential climate Climate
higher than Thurston County’s emissions of 9.8
change impacts together with the community’s
11
metric tonsin 2021 (Table 13-1).
ability to effectively respond to and mitigate
those impacts, i.e., their adaptive capacity.
Table 12-1: Comparing greenhouse gas emission
Comparing greenhouse gas
As Figure 12-3 shows, the climate vulnerability
emissions
assessment found that ecosystems, parks, and
AreaPer capita CO2e
critical areas have relatively high climate
(metric tons)
vulnerability; cultural resources and practices have
Yelm 12
moderate-high climate vulnerability; development
Thuston County 9.8
and land use, utilities, water resources, and energy,
Washington state 13
and human health and emergency management
National average19
have moderate climate vulnerability; and buildings
and transportation have relatively low climate
In 2025, Yelm conducted a climate vulnerability
vulnerability.
assessment to determine the vulnerability of its
municipal infrastructure and assets to potential
Figure 12-3: Yelm’s relative Climate Vulnerability
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climate change and provides information that
Goals and policies:
helps residents prepare for and respond to
While the climate resilience and GHG emission
drought, poor air quality, extreme heat, disease
reduction sections in this chapter are organized
vectors, and other threats.
separately, there are multidisciplinary co-benefits
Goal 4 Protect and preserve water quality and
Climate
in their goals and policies. The following icons
quantity from drought, extreme heat,
indicate whether a goal and its supporting policies
and other hazards exacerbated by
are relevant to the requirements for climate
climate change and increase community
resiliency, GHG reduction, and/or the prioritization
resilience to drought.
of overburdened communities.
Policy 4.1 Conduct benefit-cost analyses of
adaptation actions that conserve water resources.
Policy 4.2 Plant drought-and pest-resistant
trees, shrubs, and grass in parks, landscaping strips,
and other urban areas.
Policy 4.3 Increase reuse of reclaimed water for
irrigating plants, supplementing low streamflow,
and other purposes.
Climate resilience
Policy 4.4 Increase incentives for water
Goal 1 Protect community health and well-being
conservation during dry months.
from the impacts of climate-
exacerbated hazards and ensure that
Goal 5 Enhance emergency preparedness,
the most vulnerable residents do not
response, and recovery efforts to
bear disproportionate health impacts.
mitigate risks and impacts associated
with extreme weather and other hazards
Policy 1.1 Assess potential climate change-
worsened by climate change.
induced population migration within, and to, the
Thurston Region and evaluate response strategies,
Policy 5.1 Incorporate the most up-to-date
especially for those most vulnerable to temporary
flooding information into the designation of
or permanent displacement.
regulatory hazard areas.
Goal 2 Ensure city planning increases community
Policy 5.2 Encourage residents to create a
resiliency to the impacts of climate change.
household preparedness plan and to store food,
water, and other supplies (lanterns, bicycles, etc.)
Policy 2.1 Align land use, hazard mitigation,
to use in case a flood, wildfire, landslide, extreme
transportation, capital improvement, and other
temperatures or other hazard cuts off access to
plans so that they consider climate change and
goods, services, and emergency responders.
work toward the same goals.
Policy 5.3 Encourage residents to organize or
Goal 3 Provide all residents with an equitable
participate in regular emergency preparedness,
opportunity to learn about climate impacts,
response, and recovery planning and training
influence policy decisions, and take actions to
events.
enhance community resilience.
Goal 3.1 Create a webpage on the City of Yelm
website that details health risks exacerbated by
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Goal 6 Ensure that development and
GHG reduction goals and policies
redevelopment projects and community
Goal 1 Foster urban infill and higher-intensity
health and well-beingare resilient to
land uses in urban centers and
the impacts of wildfire, ensuring that
corridors in urban growth areas,
the most vulnerable residents do not bear
Climate
prioritizing overburdened
disproportionate health impacts.
communities.
Policy 6.1 Create and maintain a map of the
Policy 1.1 Increase incentives to make urban
region’s high-risk Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
infill and redevelopment projects more viable
communities and locations of wildfires.
financially.
Policy 6.2 Require new developments in high-risk
Policy 1.2 Increase housing diversity and supply
wildfire areas to submit a fire protection plan
within urban growth areas to reduce greenhouse
during site plan review.
gas emissions. Measure may include rezoning
Policy 6.3 Provide private forestland owners and
newly annexed land to High-Density Residential
residents living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
along transportation corridors.
areas information about fire prevention/Firewise
Goal 2 Reduce vehicle miles traveled to achieve
practices, and encourage application of such
greenhouse gas reduction goals and
practices.
ensure that the local transportation
Policy 6.4 Adopt wildfire hazard overlay districts
system can withstand and recover quickly from
with development regulations (for new structures)
the impacts of extreme weather events and other
based on factors such as slope, structure, and fuel
hazards exacerbated by climate change.
hazards.
Policy 2.1 Implement multimodal transportation
Policy 6.5 Develop and implement notification
plans to reduce single-occupancy vehicle
alerts within the community to reduce the risk of
dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.
exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter.
Policy 2.2 Improve street connectivity and
Goal 7 Develop and maintain local government
walkability, including sidewalks and street
staff members' technical expertise and
crossings, to serve as potential evacuation routes,
skills related to climate change and
enhancing community resilience to wildfires and
environmental justice to improve
other hazards that may necessitate evacuations
communitywide policy implementation, equity,
and encouraging emission-free, active
and resilience.
transportation during non-emergencies.
Policy 7.1 Provide training opportunities for staff
.
members to prepare for and respond to climate
change impacts.
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Other climate-related goals and policies
Several chapters outside of the climate chapter have
goals and policies that contribute to the requirements of
HB 1181 for climate resilience and greenhouse gas (GHG)
Climate
reduction. They are listed by their respective chapters
below and are current as of October 13, 2025. The icons
to the right indicate whether a goal and its supporting
policies are relevant to the requirements for climate
resiliency, GHG reduction, and/or the prioritization of
overburdened communities.
Climate-related goals/policies outside of the climate chapter Relevant
to…
Guiding Principles
Goal 1: Plan and act toward zero waste in the region. (Policy 1.1)
Goal 3: Ensure that the region’s water supply sustains people in perpetuity while
protecting the environment. (Policy 3.1)
Goal 4: Move toward a carbon-neutral community. (Policy 4.1)
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 9.9)
Goal 10: Improve regulatory clarity and predictability to encourage urban infill and
redevelopment. (Policies 10.3 - 10.4)
Goal 13: Coordinate Planning Activities with Regional Partners (Policy 13.4)
Land Use
Goal 2: Create a sustainable community (Policies 2.2 - 2.5)
Goal 3: Establish a variety of land uses and densities that supports a compact form
and urban densities. (Policies 3.4, 3.11)
Goal 4: Provide guidance for a cohesive city. (Policies 4.2, 4.4)
Goal 5: Encourage diverse residential growth. (Policies 5.2 – 5.4)
Goal 8: Foster regional coordination. (Policy 8.3)
Goal 10: Create safe and vibrant neighborhoods with places that build community and
encourage active transportation. (Policies 10.1, 10.2, 10.4, 10.8)
Goal 11: Maximize opportunity to redevelop land in priority areas by investing in
infrastructure and environmental remediation. (Policy 11.2)
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Climate-related goals/policies outside of the climate chapter(cont’d)Relevant
to…
Goal 12: Support the local production, processing, and sale of local food products.
(Policies 12.2, 12.4, 12.5)
Climate
Goal 14: Support proactive efforts to reduce the risk from natural disasters. (Policies
14.1 – 14.4)
Housing
Goal 1: Plan for and accommodate a variety of housing types and densities to provide
housing that is affordable to all income levels within Yelm (Policies 1.2, 1.3, 1.7, 1.8)
Goal 2: Ensure affordable housing is available in Yelm. (Policies 2.1 – 2.4)
Goal 3: Conserve and improve the existing housing stock and neighborhoods. (Policies
3.2 – 3.5)
Goal 4: Promote energy efficient housing to reduce the overall costs of home
ownership. (Policies 4.1 – 4.3)
Goal 5: Provide sufficient housing for low- and moderate-income households (Policies
5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.7)
Goal 6: Establish or support programs focused on affordable housing (Policies 6.1, 6.2,
6.6 – 6.8)
Goal 7: Provide sufficient service-enriched housing for homeless and high-risk
populations. (Policies 7.1, 7.2)
Goal 8: Encourage housing density and diversity in neighborhoods to add vibrancy and
increase equitable access to opportunity. (Policies 8.1, 8.2)
Goal 9: Encourage the construction, weatherization and operation of homes to boost
energy efficiency. (Policies 9.1 – 9.4)
Goal 10: Increase housing affordable to all income brackets in urban corridors and
centers to meet the needs of a changing population. (Recommendation from Housing
Displacement Analysis) (Policies 10.3, 10.4, 10.6)
Goal 11: Encourage the construction of ADUs as a more affordable option to
traditional housing (Policy 11.1)
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Climate-related goals/policies outside of the climate chapterRelevant
(cont’d) to…
Goal 12: Minimize displacement and ensure that low- and moderate-income residents
and special housing residents are not displaced by new development (Policies 12.1,
Climate
12.2, 12.4)
Capital Facilities
Goal 2: Create a list of capital facility projects that addresses deficiencies in existing
systems, replaces obsolete facilities, and will meet the future infrastructure needs of
Yelm and its Urban Growth Area. (Policies 2.1, 2.5, 2.6)
Goal 5: Conserve and protect drinking water to meet the region’s daily and long-term
needs. (Policies 5.1, 5.2)
Utilities
Goal 2. Ensure 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 2.8)
Goal 4. Provide efficient and effective drinking water infrastructure. (Policies 4.1, 4.2)
Goal 6. Manage stormwater in a cost-effective and environmentally sound way.
(Policy 6.6)
Goal 7. Expand the use of reclaimed water for non-potable uses. (Policy 7.1)
Goal 8. Increase energy generation from renewable resources to reduce the region’s
carbon footprint. (Policies 8.1 – 8.3)
Goal 9. Enhance the region’s electricity distribution, monitoring and storage
infrastructure to support adoption of cleaner technologies and practices. (Policies 9.1
– 9.4)
Goal 10. Increase energy efficiency and conservation to reduce the region’s carbon
footprint. (Policies 10.1 – 10.3)
Transportation
Goal 2: Create a well-maintained transportation system that provides safe and cost-
effective movement of goods, services, and people. (Policies 2.6, 2.12)
Goal 5: Encourage safe and active school transportation to improve community
health, economic, and environmental outcomes. (Policies 5.1 – 5.3, 5.5)
Goal 6: Improve infrastructure around schools that results in safe multimodal
transportation including vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and bus transit access. (Policy
6.3)
Goal 7: Reduce transportation congestion and environmental impacts. (Policy 7.1)
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Climate-related goals/policies outside of the climate chapterRelevant
(cont’d) to…
Goal 9: Integrate transportation considerations into land use decisions, and vice versa.
(Policy 9.1)
Climate
Economic Development
Goal 4: Create an innovation culture to encourage entrepreneurship. (Policy 4.4)
Parks and Recreation
Goal 1: Create a network of park and open space lands that serve the residents of
Yelm regardless of their age. (Policies 1.3, 1.5)
Goal 3: Plan and develop a trail network that serves all parts of the community.
(Policies 3.4, 3.5)
Goal 5: Conserve open space corridors to provide definition between natural areas
and urban land uses. (Policies 5.1 – 5.3)
Environmental Protection and Critical Areas
Goal 1: Protect Yelm’s natural environment by regulating development within critical
areas. (Policies 1.1, 1.2, 1.4 – 1.8, 1.10 – 1.12, 1.14)
Goal 2: Prevent the loss of life and property in frequently flooded areas. (Policies 2.1 –
2.3)
Goal 3: Prevent the loss of life and property in areas subject to erosion, landslides, or
other geologic hazards. (Policies 3.1, 3.3 – 3.6)
Goal 4: Protect air quality (Policies 4.1, 4.2)
Goal 6: Reduce air pollution that endangers human health. (Policies 6.1, 6.2)
Goal 7 Protect, preserve and restore streams, wetlands, and shorelines to protect
water quality. (Policies 7.1, 7.3)
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. (Policies 9.1, 9.2)
Goal 10: Maintain air quality standards. (Policies 10.1)
Goal 11: Invasive Species (Policies 11.1)
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Climate-related goals/policies outside of the climate chapter Relevant
(cont’d)to…
Essential Public Facilities
Goal 1: Provide for the siting of essential public facilities. (Policy 1.5)
Climate
Goal 2: Provide emergency services in a dependable and efficient manner to meet the
dynamic needs of a diverse society. (Policies 2.1 – 2.2)
Goal 3: Create a resilient region by improving disaster preparedness, response, and
recovery efforts, as well as by expanding public safety education. (Policies 3.1 – 3.5)
Goal 4: Promote good health for city residents. (Policy 4.3)
Goal 5: Improve community coordination to create schools that use land, tax dollars,
and other resources efficiently. (Policies 5.1, 5.4)
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E ND N OTES
1
Washington State Department of Commerce’s climate guidance defines overburdened communities as, “a geographic area where
vulnerable populations face combined, multiple environmental harms and health impacts, and includes, but is not limited to, highly
impacted communities as defined in RCW 19.405.020.
2
The University of Washington’s Climate Mapping for a Resilient Washington tool, based on IPCC’s climate scenario Representative
Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5.)
3
Confluence (Confluence Environmental Company). 2024. City of Yelm comprehensive plan climate action update: Greenhouse gas
inventory summary. Prepared for the City of Yelm, Washington, by Confluence, Seattle, Washington.
4
2025, Confluence (Confluence Environmental Company). 2025. City of Yelm comprehensive plan climate action update: Community
climate vulnerability assessment, revised. Prepared for the City of Yelm, Yelm, Washington, by Confluence, Seattle, Washington.
5
For the greenhouse gas inventory, climate planning guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce instructed
jurisdictions to use 2022 as their emissions baseline year and to set incremental targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
6
Thurston County. 2022. 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Thurston County \[online report\]. Thurston Regional Planning
Council, Olympia, WA. Available at: https://trpc.org/DocumentCenter/View/11400/2021-Thurston-GHG-Inventory-TRPC-2023-01-
06pdf?bidId=.
7
U.S. Census Bureau. 2020. Total Population in Washington: 2020 Decennial Census. Available at:
https://data.census.gov/profile/Washington?g=040XX00US53
8
Waterman-Hoey, Stacey. 2022. Washington State Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: 1990-2019 \[online report\]. Washington State
Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, Olympia, Washington. Available at: https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Reducing-
Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions/Tracking-greenhouse-gases/GHG-inventories#inventory.
9
U.S. Census Bureau. 2024. National Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2023. Available at:
https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-national-total.html.
10
EPA. 2025. Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Overviews and Factsheets. Available at:
https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions (accessed October 3, 2025).
11
Thurston County. 2022. 2021 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for Thurston County \[online report\]. Thurston Regional Planning
Council, Olympia, WA. Available at: https://trpc.org/DocumentCenter/View/11400/2021-Thurston-GHG-Inventory-TRPC-2023-01-
06pdf?bidId=.
City of Yelm 108 Comprehensive Plan