HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 1148 - 2025 Comp Plan UpdatesORDINANCE NO. 1148
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF YELM, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING THE 2025
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PURSUANTTO THE WASHINGTON STATE GROWTH
MANAGEMENTACT
WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) requires
periodic updates to local comprehensive plans to ensure consistency with state law and regional
policies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yelm has undertaken a thorough review of its Comprehensive Plan,
including a public workshop, a Planning Commission hearing, and interagency coordination, to address
land use, housing, transportation, economic development, parks, utilities, and environmental
stewardship; and
WHEREAS, the Yelm Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended approval of the
2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, finding it consistent with the Growth Management Act; and
WHEREAS, a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) was issued under the State
Environmental Policy Act on December 11, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan was determined to be consistent with the Thurston
County Regional Transportation Plan by the Thurstone Regional Planning Council on December
22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Commerce has determined that the
2025 update is consistent with the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW); now,
therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YELM AS FOLLOWS:
The document entitled City of Yelm 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update, attached
hereto as Attachment 1, and incorporated herein by this reference, is hereby adopted as
the official Comprehensive Plan of the City of Yelm this 28th day of April, 2026.
Jo into, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kathy Linneme r, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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Brent Dille, City Attorney
PUBLISHED:
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EFFECTIVE DATE
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WASHINGTON
Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
City of Yelm, Washington
AGENDA ITEM:
ORDINANCE 1148, ADOPTING THE CITY OF YELM 2025-2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMMITTEE REVIEW: X YES ❑ NO
COMMITTEE: Public Services Committee
ATTORNEY REVIEW APPROVAL: X YES ❑ NO ❑ N/A
PROPOSED MOTION:
Move to Approve Ordinance 1148, adopting the City of Yelm 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan.
KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION SUMMARY:
Staff recommends approval of the 10 -year mandatory update of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan is the City's primary planning policy document that establishes goals
and policies not only for future planning and development, but also establishes a basis for
future grants.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Ordinance 1148
• 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan
Respectfully Submitted:
CooperGary
11 Page
2025-2045
CITY OF YELM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
City of Yelm Comprehensive Plan 2025
Elected Officials:
Joe DePinto, Mayor
Griselda Arias, Councilmember
Brian Hess, Councilmember
David Johnstone, Councilmember
Terry Kaminski, Councilmember
Stephanie Kangiser, Councilmember
Joseph Richardson, Councilmember
Tracy Wood, Councilmember
Joshua Crossman, Former Councilmember
Yelm Planning Commission:
Richard Lomsdale, Chair
Robert Howard, Vice Chair
Dana Allen, Commissioner
Robert Bailey, Commissioner
John Graver, Commissioner
Christopher Le, Commissioner
Anne Wahrmund, Commissioner
Carlos Perez, Former Commissioner
David Johnstone, Former Commissioner
Acknowledgements
i
City Staff
Gary Cooper, Building & Planning Manager
Cody Colt, Public Services Director
Patrick Hughes, Engineer
Brad Chatwood, Projects Manager
Elizabeth Jones, Projects & Grants Manager
Clayton Wiebe, Associate Planner
Andrew Kollar, Associate Planner
Consultants
Confluence Environmental Company, Climate
Element, and Graphics & Formatting
SCJ Alliance, Transportation Element
Special Thanks
Yelm Citizens
Yelm Parks Advisory Board
Photo Credit: Chapter 1 cover image: Experience Olympia & Beyond
ii
Table of Contents
11 GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT PLANNING PARAMETERS....................................................................... 5
21 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GUIDING PRINCIPLES.......................................................................................8
31 LAND USE............................................................................................................................................14
41 HOUSING.............................................................................................................................................25
51 CAPITAL FACILITIES.............................................................................................................................. 38
61 UTILITIES.............................................................................................................................................52
71 TRANSPORTATION.............................................................................................................................. 58
81 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.................................................................................................................86
91 PARKS AND RECREATION.................................................................................................................... 90
101 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES............................................................................................................ 96
111 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CRITICAL AREAS.....................................................................100
121 CLIMATE PLANNING........................................................................................................................106
iii
Introduction
The Yelm Comprehensive Plan (Plan) establishes the
vision of the City of Yelm for the 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 our 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 that must
be addressed in a comprehensive plan and County-
wide planning policies, which identify how certain
aspects of growth management planning are to be
met in Thurston County.
The 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 every eight years 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" references and coordinates with
the following documents:
• Yelm Transportation Plan
• Yelm Water System Plan
• Yelm General Sewer Plan
• Yelm Parks Plan
• Yelm Housing Action Plan
-4-
11 GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
PLANNING PARAMETERS
Growth Management Act
Planning Parameters
Growth Management Act
The City of Yelm participates in comprehensive
planning under the provisions of the Growth
Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW. The
purpose of the Act is to promote responsive,
responsible local planning to accomplish 15
identified statewide goals.
The following State Growth Management Act goals
are adopted to guide the development and
adoption of comprehensive plans and development
regulations of those counties and cities that are
required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040.
The following goals are not listed in order of
priority and shall be used exclusively for the
purpose of guiding the development of
comprehensive plans and development
regulations:
1. Urban growth. Encourage development in
urban areas where adequate public facilities
and services exist or can be provided in an
efficient manner.
2. Reduce sprawl. Reduce the inappropriate
conversion of undeveloped land into sprawling,
low-density development.
promote economic opportunity for all citizens
of this state, especially for unemployed and for
disadvantaged persons, promote the retention
and expansion of existing businesses and
recruitment of new businesses, recognize
regional differences impacting economic
development opportunities, and encourage
growth in areas experiencing insufficient
economic growth, all within the capacities of
the state's natural resources, public services,
and public facilities.
6. Property rights. Private property shall not be
taken for public use without just compensation
having been made. The property rights of
landowners shall be protected from arbitrary
and discriminatory actions.
7. Permits. Applications for both state and local
government permits should be processed in a
timely and fair manner to ensure predictability.
8. Natural resource industries. Maintain and
enhance natural resource-based industries,
including productive timber, agricultural, and
fisheries industries. Encourage the conservation
of productive forest lands and productive
agricultural lands, and discourage incompatible
3. Transportation. Encourage efficient multimodal
transportation systems that are based on
9.
regional priorities and coordinated with county
and city comprehensive plans.
4. Housing. Encourage the availability of
affordable housing to all economic segments of
the population of this state, promote a variety
of residential densities and housing types, and
encourage preservation of existing housing
stock.
5. Economic development. Encourage economic
development throughout the state that is
consistent with adopted comprehensive plans,
3
uses.
Open space and recreation. Retain open space,
enhance recreational opportunities, conserve
fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to
natural resource lands and water, and develop
parks and recreation facilities.
10. Environment. Protect the environment and
enhance the state's high quality of life,
including air and water quality, and the
availability of water.
11. Citizen participation and coordination.
Encourage the involvement of citizens in the
planning process and ensure coordination
between communities and jurisdictions to
reconcile conflicts.
12. Publicfacilities 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.
14. Climate change and resiliency. Ensure that
comprehensive plans, development
regulations, and regional policies, plans, and
strategies under RCW 35.70A.2.10 and
chapter 47_80 RCW adapt to and mitigate the
effects of a changing climate; support
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and per
capita vehicle miles traveled; prepare for
climate impact scenarios; foster resiliency to
climate impacts and natural hazards; protect
and enhance environmental, economic, and
human health and safety; and advance
environmental justice.
15. Shorelines of the state. For shorelines of the
state, the goals and policies of the shoreline
management act as set forth in
RCW 40.58.020 shall be considered an element
of the county's or city's comprehensive plan.
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 7 Comprehensive Plan
21 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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Comprehensive Plan Guiding Principles
Goal 1: Plan and act toward zero waste in
the region.
Policyl.l: Support efforts to maintain a rate
structure that will incentivize waste prevention, as
well as implement policy and support waste
reduction programs.
Goal 2: Ensure that residents have the
resources to meet their daily needs.
Policy2.1: Support a coordinated and
streamlined approach to social service planning
and funding in County.
Goal 3: Ensure that the region's water
supply sustains people in perpetuity while
protecting the environment.
Policy3.1: Support regional efforts to find
resources to create, maintain, and update a water
systems plan that explores ways to manage water
resources in the Thurston Region more holistically.
Goal 4: Move toward a carbon -neutral
community.
Policy 4.1: Support regional efforts to find
resources to create a balanced Thurston Region
climate action plan.
Policy 4.2: Drawing on information obtained from
the City's Climate Vulnerability Assessment and
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, implement policies that
result in the reduction of carbon emissions.
Policy4.3: Promote alternative modes of
transportation to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Goal 5: Provide opportunities in the
Thurston Region to learn about and
practice sustainability.
Policy 5.1: Support regional efforts to find
resources to ensure continued focus on
sustainability actions, education, and coordination.
Goal 6: Make strategic decisions and
investments to advance sustainability
regionally.
Policy 6.1: Support regional efforts to develop a
generic sustainability checklist for modification and
use by local jurisdictions.
Policy 6.2: Incorporate a locally adopted
sustainability checklist into the decision-making
process for funding allocations, comprehensive
plan amendments, and capital facilities
investments.
City of Yelm 9 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 7: Support public and private local
food systems to increase community
resilience, health, and economic
prosperity.
Policy7.1: 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 achieve regional
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
identifying and applying for grants.
Policy8A Coordinate and collaborate with
outreach and planning efforts that cross
jurisdictional boundaries.
Policy8.5: Support regional efforts to find
resources for demonstration projects which
support innovative community ideas and projects
that support Sustainable Thurston priority goals.
Goal 9: Create a safe and vibrant city that
fosters entrepreneurship, active
transportation, civic pride, and a sense of
place.
Policy 9.1: Encourage commercial and cultural
activities in Yelm.
Policy 9.2: Continue to support coordinated
economic and community building activities among
South County communities.
Policy 9.3: Identify opportunities to support
existing and prospective entrepreneurs in Yelm.
Policy 9.4: Support workforce development
training in southern Thurston County to promote
new industries.
Policy 9.5: Improve marketing of potential
development and business opportunities available
in South County.
Policy 9.6: Support efforts to develop an
infrastructure for tourism in South Thurston
County.
Policy9.7: Invest public money to attract private
investment in the development of the South
County centers.
Policy9.8: Coordinate with Thurston County to
ensure that future development that generates
pass-through traffic within incorporated
communities pays its fair share for necessary road
improvements.
Policy 9.9: Promote telework in South County
towns and cities to keep workers and their dollars
local and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Citv of Yelm 10 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 10: Improve regulatory clarity and
predictability to encourage urban infill and
redevelopment.
Policy 10.1: Plan at the neighborhood level and
involve the neighborhoods in the planning process.
Policy 10.2: Ensure that housing as envisioned in
different areas is feasible to finance and build.
Policy 10.3: Offer financial and project
development incentives for reducing
environmental impacts.
Policy 10.4: Develop codes, policies and incentives
to accommodate affordable housing in all
residential areas.
Goal 11: Promote future development that
protects public health, safety, and welfare
by minimizing risk to life, property, and the
well-being of Yelm residents from military
training operations and maintaining
compatibility with current and foreseeable
missions at Joint Base Lewis - McChord
{JBLM}.
Policy 11.1: Continue to support the unique and
vital mission capabilities of JBLM and the significant
contribution of the installation, military personnel,
families, and civilian workers to the economic base
of the community and region.
Policy 11.2: Partner with JBLM and the South
Sound Military and Communities Partnership to
anticipate and meet community growth and service
demands related to military mission change and to
ensure that Yelm residents participate fully in
economic opportunities and outreach activities
associated with the installation.
Goal 12: Foster meaningful, ongoing
communication among Yelm residents,
JBLM, the South Sound Military and
Communities Partnership and other
regional partners to increase awareness of
Department of Defense and other federal
and state missions and activities and to
coordinate on ongoing compatibility
planning and management activities.
Policy 12.1: Continue Yelm's participation in the
implementation of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS)
by appointing primary points of contact to
facilitate the communication and coordination
strategies recommended in the AUS Report.
Policy 12.2: Work with JBLM to establish ongoing
communication mechanisms for issues of mutual
concern, including mission or operational changes
that could affect the surrounding community or
specific development and infrastructure projects
that could affect compatibility with training
operations.
Policy 12.3: Partner with JBLM to make
information on the potential impacts of training
operations available to residents.
Policy 12.4: Review community development and
infrastructure proposals for interaction that could
produce compatibility challenges with training
operations, including: noise sensitive uses in areas
of known exposure to aviation and range noise;
physical infrastructure that could interfere with
low-level flight operations; and sources of electrical
emissions that could interfere with military
communications or navigation systems.
Policy 12.5: Provide notice to JBLM for review and
comment on Yelm's discretionary land use actions
such as comprehensive plan amendments, rezones,
development regulation changes, and land use
permits.
Goal 13: Coordinate Planning Activities
With Regional Partners
Policy 13.1: Cooperate with Thurston County in
planning activities through notification when
updating policies and plans and by reviewing and
commenting on Thurston County policies and plans
which may affect the residents of Yelm.
City of Yelm 11 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 13.2: Notify the Nisqually Tribe during plan
reviews and updates and encourage the tribe to
participate in local planning activities.
Policy 13.3: Communicate with 1BLM about long-
range planning actions within the City.
Policy 13.4: Participate in regional planning
activities to address natural disasters, including,
but not limited to, earthquakes, flooding, and
wildfires.
City of Yelm 12 Comprehensive Plan
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31 LAND USE
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The City of Yelm is rapidly growing. In the span of
merely 25 years, Yelm has grown from
approximately 3,200 people in the year 2000, to a
current population of just over 11,000 today. Over
the next 20 years, Yelm is expecting to more than
double, with a projected population of nearly
26,000 by 2045.
One of the reasons for this growth is that people
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
remember old pastures that are now being
developed as an apartment complex or a
convenience store.
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
increased tax base, there are more resources to
provide parks and recreation for the community as
a whole.
City of Yelm 15
The objective of the Land Use chapter is to
establish Yelm as an urban center which provides
for a wide variety of goods and services for Yelm's
service area, jobs for its residents and the wider
community, and a variety of housing types and
styles for all of its residents in an efficient and
sustainable fashion while preserving Yelm's history.
Figure 3-1 below shows Yelm's population growth
increasing from 6,850 residents in 2010 to 25,930
projected for 2045. Figure 3-2 shows 3,980 current
housing units with 10,970 unit need projected by
2045.
Figure 3-1 Population projections
25,000
c 20,000
0
F
R
O 15,000
d
> )0,000•
1.000
0.
25,930
10
20,940
i
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✓_ 0,880
6,850
2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Year
Source: Population Estimates and Forecast, Thurston Regional
Planning Council, 2025
Figure 3-2 Housing Units, projected for 2045.
2025 2045
1491D units
XO
10,970
total housing units
total housing
3,900 units projected
Comprehensive Plan
Goal 1: Create a comprehensive plan with
goals and policies which fosters balanced
sustainable approaches to managing
growth within Yelm.
Policy 1.1 Adopt comprehensive plan goals and
policies that address the statewide Growth
Management Act (GMA) goals within Yelm.
Policy 1.2 Adopt comprehensive plan goals and
policies that implement the County Wide Planning
Policies (CWPP) within Yelm.
Policy 1.3 Adopt comprehensive plan goals and
policies that accommodate projected growth
(legally required under the Washington State
Growth Management Act) as well as economic
forces which will shape the future of the
community.
Policy 1.4 Adopt urban growth boundaries for
Yelm which encourage urban development at
urban densities with urban services.
Policy 1.5 Recognize the property rights of
landowners in Yelm.
Policy 1.6 Respect property owners' legal rights
when implementing this plan. Regulations should
provide for compensation for the property owner
of waivers from requirements if the
implementation of the regulation would otherwise
constitute a legally defined "taking."
Policy 1.7 Process comprehensive plan
amendments no more than once per calendar year,
except in cases of emergency.
Policy 1.8 Provide public notices, encourage
public participation, and allow public input at all
phases of the comprehensive plan review process.
Goal 2: Create a sustainable community.
Policy 2.1 Utilize the following definition of
sustainable development within this
comprehensive plan as a foundation for decision
making: "Provide for current needs while not
compromising the availability of resources for
future needs."
Policy2.2 Adopt goals, policies, and
development regulations designed to foster
sustainable development through tools such as:
• Smart Growth;
• Low Impact Development; and
• Built Green/LEED standards.
Policy2.3 Adopt policies and development
regulations to implement smart growth principles
that:
• Encourage community and stakeholder
collaboration (public participation);
• Strengthen and direct development towards
existing communities;
• Provide a variety of transportation choices;
• Mix land uses in appropriate scale for the
neighborhood. This may include apartments
over retail and commercial space, or
residential and commercial areas in close
proximity;
• Preserve open space, natural beauty, and
critical environmental areas;
• Create a range of housing opportunities and
choices;
• Foster distinctive, attractive communities
with a strong sense of place;
• Create walkable neighborhoods;
• Take advantage of compact building design;
and
• Make development decisions predictable,
fair, and cost-effective.
Policy 2.4 Adopt development regulations that
implement low impact development (LID)
stormwater provisions.
City of Yelm 16 Comprehensive Plan
Policy2.5 Adopt development regulation
incentives that encourage sustainable development
such as Green/LEED or Home Energy Rating System
ratings in the construction of new or significantly
remodeled structures.
Goal 3: Establish a variety of land uses and
densities that supports a compact form
and urban densities.
Policy 3.1 Adopt land use designations, a land
use map, and development regulations that
accommodate a variety of land use categories and
densities.
Policy 3.2 Adopt two categories of residential
single family land use to meet community needs:
• Single Family– Minimum and maximum of 4
units per acre; and
• Single Family– No less than 4, and up to 6
units per acre.
Policy 3.3 Adopt two categories of residential
multifamily land use to meet community needs:
•
Multifamily- Moderate Density —No less
than 4, and up to 6 units per acre; and
• Multifamily - High Density — 16 units per
acre.
Policy3.4 Adopt a mixed use development
category which allows both residential and
commercial uses suitable for planned
developments on larger parcels and which provides
for a variety of land uses, more efficient use of
open space, and more cost-effective public
infrastructure.
Policy 3.5 Adopt a variety of commercial land use
categories to meet community needs.
Policy 3.6 Adopt industrial land uses to meet
community needs.
City of Yelm
Policy 3.7 Adopt land use designations which
reflect limited development potential. It may
include:
• Publicly -owned lands;
• Lands permanently set aside as open space;
or
• Lands with sensitive areas.
Policy 3.8 Consider the required level of public
facilities and utilities when planning for various
urban densities and types of land use.
Policy 3.9 Adopt provisions in the Yelm
Municipal Code that will facilitate the development
of pocket parks in new developments.
Policy3.10 Allow parks in all zoning districts.
Policy3.11 Evaluate zoning changes in residential
districts to allow small scale commercial
development as a special use when it will enhance
the character and livability of individual
neighborhoods by:
• Promoting walkability to conveniences
• Developing a sense of place within the
neighborhood
• Reducing the need to drive and park at more
remote commercial locations
Goal 4: Provide guidance for a cohesive
city.
Policy 4.1 Adopt development regulations and
subdivision standards that require new multi -lot
subdivisions to provide a network of connected
streets which are integrated into Yelm's existing
street system.
Policy 4.2 Adopt development regulations that
require new development projects to address
public transit, and where necessary to
accommodate new and potential transit stops.
17 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 4.3 Adopt development regulations that
allow parking to be shared by two or more
businesses, and joint -use parking between non -
competing uses (e.g. the same parking might be
used for office workers during the week and by
shoppers during the weekend).
Policy 4.4 Adopt development regulations that
accommodate "live -work" structures (where
citizens can live and work within the same
structure).
Policy 4.5 Adopt sign regulations designed to
support business establishments while protecting
community character. The sign code may:
+ Provide community wayfinding signage;
+ Encourage pedestrian -oriented signs with a
consistent character: and
+ Allow for eccentric signs in some locations.
Policy 4.6 Adopt development regulations that
allow permits to be processed in a timely and
efficient manner.
Goal 5: Encourage diverse residential
growth.
Policy 5.1 Encourage new residential
subdivisions to incorporate alleys into their street
network by providing increased density incentives.
Policy 5.2 Adopt development standards that
allow duplexes, townhouses, and accessory
dwelling units within residential areas. These are
intended to increase the variety of housing in the
community and aid in achieving an overall urban
density.
Policy 5.3 Adopt development regulations that
encourage mixed use subdivisions.
Policy5.4 Adopt policies and development
regulations that incentivize affordable housing,
including, but not limited to, reduced system
development charges, reduced impact fees,
upzones in exchange for a percentage of the
City of Yelm
increased housing being made permanently
affordable.
Goal 6: Encourage commercial and
industrial growth that serves the needs of
the City.
Policy 6.1 Define the boundaries between the
Central Business District and other commercially
zoned areas along Yelm Avenue. This is roughly
between Solberg Street NW/SW, Stevens Avenue
NE/NW, 4th Street NE/SE and Mosman Avenue
SW/SE.
Policy 6.2 Adopt development and design
regulations for the Central Business District (CBD)
which:
a. Allows pedestrian -oriented businesses, such
as open-air restaurants;
b. Locates buildings or amenities related to the
use of the building, such as a dining area
directly adjacent to the street, and prohibits
off-street parking in front of the structure;
c. Retains pedestrian -oriented character with
wide sidewalks, street landscaping, and
pedestrian amenities along Yelm Avenue; and
d. Retains on -street parking throughout the
CBD.
Policy 6.3 Adopt development regulations
limiting the location and design of fast-food
restaurants.
Policy 6.4 Adopt development and design
regulations that encourage compatibility and
connectivity between commercial and residential
land uses.
Policy 6.5 Locate industrial areas on major
transportation routes, near existing utilities, and
where they can be appropriately buffered from
adjacent land uses.
Policy 6.6 Locate warehouse, assembly, and
distribution land uses on the perimeter of the
18 Comprehensive Plan
industrial area, with manufacturing/industrial
located toward the center of the industrial land use
designation.
Goal 7: Participate in joint planning with
Thurston County for Yelm's urban growth
area.
Policy 7.1 Support a joint planning process
between the City of Yelm and Thurston County for
lands which lie within the Yelm UGA and may
incorporate into Yelm's City limits.
Policy7.2 Review Yelm's UGA boundary no less
frequently than once every two years.
Policy 7.3 Ensure that any change to Yelm's UGA
boundary is consistent with the County Wide
Planning Policies.
Policy 7.4 Establish pre -annexation zoning for
lands within the Yelm UGA boundary.
Policy 7.5 Evaluate properties which could be
annexed by Yelm based upon the availability of
utilities.
Policy 7.6 Defer annexing unincorporated lands
shown on the Future Land Use Map until the
property can be served by the City water and sewer
systems.
Policy 7.7 Defer changing the land use categories
adopted in a Joint Plan for a period of three (3)
years without the written concurrence from the
other jurisdiction.
Policy7.8 Analyze and provide comment to
Thurston County on any proposed development
within the unincorporated lands shown on the
Future Land Use Map.
Goal 8: Foster regional coordination
Policy 8.1 Educate the public and local
businesses regarding the planning process which
can include comprehensive plan amendments,
development regulation updates, and the adoption
Citv of Yelm
of functional plans for parks, water, sewer,
transportation, and capital facilities.
Policy 8.2 Coordinate and provide notification of
proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan
or development regulations to adjacent
jurisdictions and governmental entities (e.g.
Thurston County, Intercity Transit, Joint Base
Lewis-McChord, and the Nisqually Tribe) providing
them an opportunity to comment prior to final
action.
Policy 8.3: Support the transfer of development
rights (TDR) program to conserve important natural
and/or cultural resources (e.g. long-term
agricultural lands, historic properties, or significant
wildlife habitat) within the rural portion of
Thurston County.
Goal 9: Foster historic preservation.
Policy 9.1: Adopt development regulations that
provide incentives to protect, preserve, and restore
historic properties.
Goal 10: Create safe and vibrant
neighborhoods with places that build
community and encourage active
transportation.
Policy10.1 Plan at the neighborhood level to
increase housing density and diversity while
preserving neighborhood character and quality of
life.
Policy 10.2 Plan for land use patterns that provide
most neighborhood residents an array of basic
services within a half mile or 20 minute walk from
home.
Policy10.3 Encourage appropriately -scaled home-
based business and live/work opportunities in
neighborhoods.
Policy 10.4 Support Intercity Transit efforts to
expand transit routes and increase service
frequency where the density, land uses, street
design, and location of neighborhoods between
14 Comprehensive Plan
main activity center destinations will result in good
service usage.
Policy 10.5 Identify opportunities for small urban
centers with a mix of land uses and densities in
Greenfield and Brownfield buildable lands.
Policy 10.6 Identify and build street and path
connections within existing neighborhoods and
design well-connected streets within new
neighborhoods.
Policy 10.7 Increase opportunities for urban
agriculture.
Policy10.8 Encourage and, when possible,
provide non -motorized options for travel, to
reduce vehicle traffic and associated carbon
emissions, while promoting healthy exercise.
Policy 10.9 Evaluate the potential for small-scale
commercial development as a special use when it
will enhance the character and livability of
individual neighborhoods (See also Policy 3.11).
Goal 11: Maximize opportunity to
redevelop land in priority areas by
investing in infrastructure and
environmental remediation.
Policy 11.1 Mitigate the additional cost of
development in centers and corridors by making
public infrastructure investment that adds value,
safety and public enjoyment for the entire
community and that result in appropriate public
return on investment when adjacent properties are
developed. Allow for latecomers and other
methods of repayment for government outlay for
infrastructure.
Policyll.2 Identify additional funding sources to
make building infrastructure as part of a priority
infill housing project more financially viable.
Policy 11.3 Conduct soil and groundwater
assessments and evaluate appropriate remediation
options where contaminated soils and
groundwater exist. Identify funds for assessment
and remediation. Apply for grants and loans to
complete clean-up.
Policy 11.4 Encourage mechanisms to allow
private development that constructs public road
improvements (such as curb, gutter, sidewalks, or
travel lanes) the opportunity for latecomers or
other methods of repayment.
Goal 12: Support the local production,
processing, and sale of local food products.
Policy 12.1 Provide for public and private food
processing centers in development regulations.
Policy 12.2 Allow for the location of farmers
markets, food cooperatives, and community
gardens in development regulations.
Policy 12.3 Allow the use of commercial kitchens
in churches, fraternal organizations, and schools
for processing local food products and to support
food trucks.
Polity 12.4 Identify public spaces for community
gardens and other food production.
Policy 12.5 Support regional efforts to create a
local agricultural economy.
Goal 13: Enhance land use compatibility
between JBLM and property in the
surrounding area to protect public health
and safety.
Policy 13.1 Consider the Military Influence Area as
identified in the Joint Land Use Plan prepared by
Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the surrounding
communities when reviewing and updating plans
and policies. Specifically consider compatible land
uses based on noise from the Installation
Operational Noise Management Plan.
Policy 13.2 Consider the use of open spaces
adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of
overall compatibility strategies.
City of Yelm 20 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 14: Support proactive efforts to
reduce the risk from natural disasters.
Policy 14.1 Continue to participate in the Thurston
County Hazard Mitigation Planning Workgroup to
develop regional strategies to address risks from
earthquakes, floods, dam failure, severe weather,
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.
Policy 14.3 Consider adopting all or portions of
the Wildland Urban Interface Code for those areas
of Yelm which meet the criteria to be deemed a
Wildland Urban Interface.
Policy 14.4 Make Yelm a "fire adapted
community" by promoting programs such as
Firewise USA.
City of Yelm 21 Comprehensive Plan
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41 HOUSING
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The Housing Element is the guiding document the
City of Yelm will use to plan future housing needs.
This plan evaluates the existing housing
availability, predicts the housing needs through
2045, and establishes goals and policies to
accommodate the upcoming housing demand.
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature added
several new requirements to the Growth
Management Act, adopted in House Bill 1220,
that requires jurisdictions to "plan for and
accommodate housing that is affordable to all
economic segments of the population."
Current Challenges
Yelm is a military -based community of just over
11,000 people with unique housing needs and
challenges, which stem from its military
personnel economy and demographics. Yelm
faces an exponential growth projection, which
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.
Housing
Housing costs in Yelm continue to rise and are not
attainable for a steadily growing population.
Strategies need to be created to address the
temporary and permanent housing gaps in the
city. Key findings from the Yelm Housing Needs
Assessment are as follows:
2. Growing population: The city's population is
expected to more than double within city
limits by 2045, and 6,690 additional units are
projected to be needed to accommodate the
anticipated growth.
2. Existing Housing Stock: The housing stock is
comprised primarily of single-family detached
homes. 77.5 percent of homes in Yelm are
single-family detached. Apartment buildings
with 20+ units are the next most prevalent, at
6.2%. The existing housing stock does not
include enough rental units for renters with
an annual income of less than $75,000. The
City has seen an increase of nearly 400
apartment units constructed since 2020 with
approximately 400 more units that have been
applied for in 2025.
City of Yelm 26 Comprehensive Plan
3. Cost Burdened Households: Approximately
33 percent of households in Yelm are
severely cost -burdened. Those residents fall
in the lower end of the income spectrum,
and they are typically renters, rather than
homeowners. Cost -burdened residents can
face difficult choices between prioritizing
whether money is spent on housing and
other household needs, or on food, clothing,
transportation, and medical care, in addition
to housing instability.
4. Affordability vs. Availability: Analysis of the
housing prices, values, and supply indicate
that Yelm's residents face an issue of
housing availability, more than affordability.
Based on Median Household Income data,
there has been increased purchasing power
in Yelm compared to the Thurston County
region, which is likely influenced by the
number of military servicemember
households. Yelm is seeing an increase in
project proposals that include apartments,
townhomes, and other housing types that
typically serve households at 0-80% of AMI.
However, the city does face a shortage of
units that are truly affordable to this
segment of the population. While the City
offers a 50% reduction in system
development charges (SDCs) for ADUs and
for units designated as affordable, it does
not currently provide a tax -exemption
program or similar incentive to encourage
the development of below -market -rate
housing.
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.
6.14ousehold 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 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 families
(families with one or more children under the
age of 6). With more than double the County
percentage of children under 6, young families
typically face a burden of having a one -income
household or high childcare costs in addition to
housing expenses.
7. tong Commute Times: The workforce in
Yelm faces long commute times and geographic
challenges related to employment
opportunities. A very small number of residents
(10.1°%) live and work inside the city; the
remainder of the workforce commutes into or
out of the city for work daily. The school district
is the largest employer within city limits, and
most of the faculty and staff live outside of the
district due to housing issues.
4-1: meaian Kenraf rrousenora fncorne rn rew)
Soo
■ Number of Renter Households
aoD
Number of Affordable Rental Units
200
rll li[�'I
100
0
<$20,OD0 < $35,000 < 550.000 < $75,000 $75,000 or more
Median Renter Household Income in Yelm
Source: City of Yelm, data from 2015-2019.
City of Yelm 27 Comprehensive Plan
Total Households and Median Income
Thurston Regional Planning Council estimates
there were 3,469 households in Yelm in 2023
with a median household income of $88,279.
The Housing Element is required to provide
adequate provisions for existing and projected
housing needs for all economic segments of the
community, including documenting barriers and
actions needed to achieve housing availability
(Goal 6).
Table 4-1: Housing Types Called out in HB 1220 and Thurston County Income Thresholds
Housing Type
Percent of Thurston Area Median Income*
Equivalent 2023 Household Income*
Extremely Low Income
Less than 30°% Less than $30,750
30 to 50% $30,750 to $51,250
50 to 80°% $51,250 to $82,000
80 to 120% I $82,000 to $102,500
Subsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need
Very Low Income
Low Income
Moderate Income
Permanent supportive housing
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.
Temporary indoor accommodations for individuals or families who are homeless or at
Emergency housing
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 may or
may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement.
Emergency shelter
Facilities 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.
Nate: 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
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Annual Household Income in Yelm
20231 nflabO,Ad.sted DoVars,2019-2023"era e
City of Yelm 28 Comprehensive Plan
Current Housing Inventory and
Projected Need
As required by new legislation, an inventory and
analysis of existing and projected housing needs
was completed by the Thurston County Regional
Planning Council (TRPQ 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
low-income housing supply and the future need.
Land Capacity Analysis and Housing
Need Allocation by Income
The housing need allocation projects the
number of units that are needed by 2045,
including low, very low, and extremely low-
income households; and emergency housing,
Figure 4-3: Housing Units, projected for 2045.
2025 2045
.Q
10,970 �
total housing
3,980 units projected
Table 4-2: Low -Income Supply vs. Future Low -
Income Needs. Based on TRPC projected supply as
of 2025.
Housing Units
Current Low -Income Housing Supply 2,093
Future Low -Income Housing Needed 5,170
emergency shelters, and permanent supportive
housing.
It is required for all cities to Table 4-3: Land Capacity far HB 1220 Housing Need Allocations
identify the capacity of land for
housing including, but not limited
to, government -assisted housing,
housing for moderate, low, very
low, and extremely low-income
households, manufactured
housing, multifamily housing,
group homes, foster care
facilities, emergency housing,
emergency shelters and
permanent supportive housing.
Income LevelZone
(AMI)
Categories
Serving These Needs
Housing
Need
Aggregate
Housing
Need
Total
Capacity
Surplus
or Deficit
0-30% PSH
Low-rise Multifamily
Mid -rise Multifamily
ADUs
567
5,170
6,732
1,526
0-30% Other
1,398
30-50%
1,120
50-80%
2,085
80-100%
Moderate Density
518
1,316
6,985
5,669
100-120%
798
120% and
Greater
1,163
1,163
Total
7648
7648
9,130
1,481
Emergency Housing (Beds)
153
153
4,569
4,416
City of Yelm 29 Comprehensive Plan
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
Figure 4-4: Post Annexation Zoning
Past -Anne adon Zoning
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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.
Provisions to Address Affordable Funding Gaps
• Fee Reduction: The City of Yelm offers a 50% reduction on the traffic facilities charge for affordable
housing projects.
• Reduced System Development Charges: The City offers a 50% reduction in water and sewer
connections for ADUs and is exploring offering an SDC reduction for affordable housing projects.
• Stock Plans for ADUs: The City of Yelm is developing stock plans that will be available for free to
support the construction of ADUs.
Multi -Family Tax Exemption: The City is exploring the Multi -Tax Exemption Program and will
continue to assess this program in collaboration with the Department of Commerce.
City of Yelm 30 Comprehensive Plan
Racial Disparity and Anti -Displacement
The city was required to conduct a Housing
Displacement Risk Analysis, which was prepared
by Uncommon Bridges. The analysis did not find
any policies and regulations that result in racially
disparate impacts, displacement, and exclusion in
housing. The analysis did find 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.
According to the Displacement Risk Map,
provided by the Department of Commerce, there
are not any areas of high displacement risk in
Yelm or the UGA. There is a large area on the
west side of SR 507 and the south side of 510 that
is identified as moderate risk of displacement,
identified as census tract 124.21.
Figure 4-5: Displacement Risk Map.
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?
The analysis by Uncommon Bridges examined the
policies of the comprehensive plan, and
categorized them into three categories:
• Supportive: The policy is valid and supports
meeting the identified housing needs. The
policy is needed and addresses identified
racially disparate impacts, displacement
and exclusion in housing.
• Approaching: The policy can support
meeting the identified housing needs but
may be insufficient or does not address
racially disparate impacts, displacement,
and exclusion in housing.
• Challenging: The policy may challenge the
jurisdiction's ability to meet the identified
housing needs. The policy's benefits and
burdens should be reviewed to optimize the
ability to meet the policy's objectives while
improving the equitable distribution of
benefits and burdens imposed by the
policy.
City of Yelm 31 Comprehensive Plan
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
Policy 1.1 Allow a variety of housing types
within the residential and mixed-use designations
Policy 1.2 Encourage opportunities for a range
of housing costs to enable housing for all
segments of the population, including low
income, very low income, extremely low income
and those in need of supportive housing or
emergency shelters.
Policy 1.3 Encourage the provision of adequate
affordable building sites through appropriate
Figure 4-6: Yelm's racial and ethnic make-up
zoning, infrastructure, and other development
regulations.
Policy 1.4 Review development regulations to
ensure that a range of housing types are available
throughout Yelm.
Policy 1.5 Review development regulations to
ensure residents can safely walk throughout
Yelm.
Policy 1.6 Monitor the need for special needs
housing and increase opportunities for such
housing.
Policy 1.7 Offer density incentives to promote a
variety of housing types, mixed uses, range of
housing costs, affordability, and increased special
needs housing
Policy 1.8 Increase density near employment
locations.
Goal 2: Ensure affordable housing is
available in Yelm.
Policy 2.1 Encourage a variety of housing types
in the residential designations to assure choice,
opportunity, and availability of a fair share of
affordable housing in Yelm.
Policy 2.2 Participate with other jurisdictions
and Thurston County in a regional process to
monitor Fair Share Affordable Housing targets
within the County.
Policy 2.3 Increase housing choices to support
all ranges of lifestyles, household incomes,
abilities, and ages. Encourage a range of housing
types and costs that are commensurate with the
employment base and income levels of
jurisdictions' populations, particularly for low,
moderate and fixed-income families.
Policy2.4 Accommodate low and moderate -
income housing throughout Yelm.
City of Yelm 32 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 3: Conserve, protect, and improve
the existing housing stock and
neighborhoods.
Policy 3.1 Maintain up-to-date development
regulations for building, housing, mechanical, and
other design standards.
Policy 3.2 Require owners of unsafe dwelling
units to correct significant problems and
encourage the maintenance of existing structures
consistent with the city's code and consider
funding assistance for low-income owners or
incentive programs to reduce displacement risks.
Policy 3.3 Support rehabilitation efforts for
substandard housing and develop assistance
programs to reduce displacement risks.
Policy 3.4 Encourage and facilitate economic
development to provide increased economic
opportunity for existing residents, so more people
can work near their home.
Policy 3.5 Encourage and provide funding for
local community groups, churches, and
businesses to provide voluntary assistance with
maintaining existing housing for the elderly, low-
income households, and those with special
housing needs.
Policy 3.6 Preserve and protect the existing
manufactured home community.
Policy 3.7 Support private ownership of
manufactured communities and private rental
units by local, family-owned operations with on-
site management.
Goal 4: Promote energy-efficient housing
to reduce the overall costs of home
ownership.
Policy4.1: Support programs that make existing
structures more energy efficient.
Policy 4.2 Periodically review the energy
efficiency development regulations to ensure that
they are up-to-date.
Policy 4.3 Promote residential subdivision
designs that maximize solar heating
opportunities.
Goal 5: Provide sufficient housing for low -
and moderate -income households
Policy 5.1 Add other innovative housing types
(such as cottage style) to the permitted uses
where appropriate
City of Yelm 33 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 5.2 Incentivize developers to set aside a
percentage of multifamily housing units for low -
and moderate -income buyers and renters.
Policy 5.3 Support efforts to provide funding
for shared -equity policies — via community land
trust or down -payment assistance models — to
make buying housing of all types affordable.
Policy 5.4 Develop policy that limits long-term
housing being used for transient rentals.
Policy 5.5 Develop policy that focuses on
transient lodging quarters for low -to -moderate
income individuals and service members
Policy5.6 Expedite permitting low -and
moderate -income housing units to incentivize
developers
Policy 5.7 Reduce transportation impact fees
for multifamily developments near frequent
transit service routes.
Policy 5.8 Offer developers density and/or
height incentives for desired unit types.
Policy 5.9: Identify barriers and policies that can
increase access to housing for formerly
incarcerated individuals.
Policy 5.10: Monitor the need for special housing
and increase opportunities for such housing.
Policy 5.11: Permit longer-term (30 days to 6 -
months) transient lodging in residential districts.
Goal 6: Establish or support programs
focused on affordable housing
Policy 6.1 Embrace Community Development
Block Grants, Section 108 loans, and other federal
resources for affordable housing.
Policy 6.2 Partner with local organizations
where possible, to incentivize and assist
manufactured park owners with improving their
properties and support upgraded utilities and
infrastructure for these properties.
City of Yelm
Policy 6.3 Support the private ownership of
manufactured home communities and private
rentals by local, family-owned operations with
on-site management, and disincentivize corporate
owners from buying homes in the community.
Policy 6.4 Partner with local organizations to
provide a program to assist residents with
applications and explain housing benefits and
other housing assistance programs.
Policy 6.5 Provide tenants and landlords with
information about housing rights and
responsibilities.
Policy 6.6 Encourage local community groups,
churches, and businesses to provide voluntary
assistance with maintaining existing structures for
the elderly, low-income, and those with special
needs.
Policy6.7 Work with the Thurston County
Regional Housing Council to consider funding
sources for a regional response to homelessness
and affordable housing, and coordinate with
existing funding programs.
Policy 6.8 Develop partnerships with low-
income housing developers, Housing Authority of
Thurston County, and other organizations that
provide support for low-income, workforce,
senior housing, and other populations with
unique housing needs.
Policy 6.9 Conduct education and outreach
around city programs that support affordable
housing.
Policy 6.10 Encourage the Housing Authority of
Thurston County to take greater advantage of
state and federal housing grants and tax
incentives.
34 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 7: Provide sufficient service -
enriched housing for homeless and high-
risk populations.
Policy 7.1 Allow shelters, group homes,
transitional housing, and permanent housing with
social services in development regulations in
locations where these facilities have access to
transit, parks, and other amenities.
Policy7.2 Allow emergency housing in all
zones.
Goal 8: Encourage housing density and
diversity in neighborhoods to add
vibrancy and increase equitable access to
opportunity.
Policy 8.1 Review and amend residential
development regulations to provide opportunities
for the mix and density of housing needed to
meet the needs of changing demographics,
provide affordable housing, use land wisely, and
support nearby transit and businesses.
Recommendation from Displacement Analysis
Policy 8.2 Allow densification by providing for
accessory dwelling units, small houses on small
lots, attached housing types or appropriately -
scaled multifamily buildings, cottage housing, and
village cohousing developments in development
regulations.
Goal 9: Encourage the construction,
weatherization and operation of homes
to boost energy efficiency.
Policy 9.1 Prioritize home weatherization funds
to preserve affordable housing.
Policy 9.2: Support regional efforts to engage
landlords and property managers in energy
efficiency efforts.
Policy 9.3: Support the efforts of local financial
institutions to facilitate affordable financing of
energy upgrades.
Policy9.4: Support regional efforts to conduct
energy audits of large power consumers to
identify efficiency improvements, such as
RESNET's Home Energy Rating System.
Goal 10: Increase housing affordable to
all income brackets in urban corridors and
centers to meet the needs of a changing
population.
Policy 10.1 Review regulations that stymie or
prevent housing development near or within
urban corridors and centers.
Policy 10.2 Remove barriers or "right -size"
regulations to achieve goals.
Policy 10.3 Identify vacant or underdeveloped
lots for housing development, prioritizing
affordable housing and ensure existing
households are not displaced.
Policy 10.4 Examine ways to encourage smaller,
affordable housing units through the fee
structure, especially in centers, corridors or
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
achieve community goals and make multifamily
projects feasible to build and finance.
Policy10.7 Permit live -work structures
throughout the commercial zones, remove the
requirement for Mixed -Use Development for live -
work structures, and reduce or eliminate density
requirements in existing structures.
Policy 10.8 Allow more housing types in
commercial zones.
Citv of Yelm 35 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 11: Encourage the construction of
ADUs as a more affordable option to
traditional housing
Policy 11.1 Allow up to two accessory dwelling
units per lot in all residential land use categories
subject to standard development standards and
design criteria.
Policy 11.2 Create and promote an educational
program, partnering with local organizations
where possible, to explain the long-term
investment opportunity of ADUs and the financial
plan required to pursue building an ADU.
Policy 11.3 Permit accessory dwelling units on
existing nonconforming residential lots within the
commercial zones.
Policy 11.4 Reduce impact fees and system
development charges to no more than 50% of the
principal unit.
Table 4-5: Accessory Dwellings
Jurisdiction
Accessory Dwellings
Potential
ADU Lots
Adopted
Forecast
For Land Capacity
Analysis
E
City
9
100
185
>
UGA
0
20
2
Goal 12: Minimize displacement and
ensure that low- and moderate -income
residents and special housing residents
are not displaced by new development
Policy 12.1 Ensure housing options remain
affordable among new developments by requiring
multifamily developments in certain overlay areas
or zones to provide a certain percentage of
affordable and market rate housing units.
Policy 12.2 Support aging -in-place services and
goals that encourage development patterns that
provide suitably -scaled, daily needs services
within walking distance of residential areas,
allowing a measure of independence for those
who cannot or choose not to drive. Connect
homeowners with resources to adapt their homes
to their needs as they age such as the USDA's
Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
program, and Rebuilding Together.
Policy12.3 Support education programs on
homeownership and partner with NeighborWorks
Center for Homeownership Education and
Counseling, and the Washington State Home
Advantage Program to make this statewide
resource more accessible at the local level.
Policy 12.4 Explore grant programs to support
the effort to reduce homelessness. Programs such
as the Washington State Department of
Commerce's Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG)
provide resources to fund homeless crisis
response systems to support communities in
ending homelessness.
Policy 12.5 Adopt local tenant protections that
require an increase to the notice time to 90-180
days before the effective date and place a cap on
rent payment late fees.
Goal 13: Support and encourage
affordable housing in Yelm
Policy 13.1 Reduce system development charges
and impact fees for affordable housing
Policy 13.2 Review fees/regulations to identify
housing cost reductions.
Policy13.3 Permit mixed-use developments in
all commercial zones.
Policy 13.4 Offer density bonuses for income -
restricted housing.
Policy13.5 Establish a multifamily tax exemption
NOLA ....
City of Yelm 36 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 14: Increase the availability of
permanent supportive housing.
Policy 14.1 Identify barriers and policies that can
increase access to housing for formerly
incarcerated individuals.
Policy 14.2 Monitor the need for special housing
and increase opportunities for such housing.
Policy14.3 Allow permanent supportive housing
in all zones where multi -family housing is
permitted.
Policy 14.4 Reduce system development charges
and impact fees for permanent supportive
housing projects
Goal 15: Increase accessibility throughout
transit corridors
Policy 15.1 Reduce parking requirements for
residential uses, including for multifamily
developments near frequent transit routes.
Policy 15.2 Develop partnership with InterCity
Transit to expand bus routes to additional areas
of the city.
Policy 15.3 Lower transportation impact fees for
multifamily developments near frequent transit
service routes.
Policy 15.4 Expand the multifamily tax
exemption to make it available in all transit
corridors.
City of Yelm 37 Comprehensive Plan
Capital Facilities
The objective of the capital facilities chapter is to
plan for and fund those improvements necessary
to provide appropriate levels of service in a manner
that is cost effective for existing citizens and
ensures that growth pays for growth.
Goal 1: Maintain a Capital Facilities Plan
which supports the infrastructure needs of
Yelm and its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 1.1 Adopt capital facilities plans that
promote orderly compact urban growth, maximizes
the use and protects the investments of existing
facilities, and provides needed public facilities and
services to implement the goals and policies of the
comprehensive plan.
Policy 1.2 Adopt and integrate Yelm's capital
facilities plans (parks and recreation plan, water
system plan, general sewer plan, and the
transportation plan) into the comprehensive plan
as appendices.
Policy 1.3 Undertake a consistency review prior
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;
• Specifies the construction costs, timing,
funding sources, and projected operations
and maintenance impacts;
• Establishes priorities for capital project
development;
• Provides a twenty-year forecast of future
capital facility needs, and an inventory of
existing capital facilities; and
• Is coordinated with Thurston County, school
districts, Intercity Transit,
telecommunications carriers, and private
utility providers.
Policy 1.5 Adopt by reference the Capital
Facilities Plans of Thurston County, Yelm
Community Schools District #2, and SE Thurston
Regional Fire Authority, as they apply to Yelm and
its Urban Growth Area.
Policy 1.6 Encourage the public to participate
throughout the development and adoption phases
of capital facilities plans.
City of Yelm 39 Comprehensive Plan
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.
Policy 2.1 When developing a list of capital
facility projects give priority consideration to
projects based upon the following:
• Mandated by law and those by State and
Federal agencies;
• Public facility projects needed to meet
projected population growth and demand;
• Already initiated and to be completed in
subsequent phases;
• Renovate existing facilities to reduce
maintenance and operating costs;
• Remove existing capital facilities deficiencies,
encourage full use of existing facilities, or
replace worn-out or obsolete facilities;
• Meet concurrency requirements for growth
management; or
• Promote the conservation, preservation, or
revitalization of commercial, industrial, and
residential areas.
Policy 2.2 Evaluate and prioritize proposed
capital facility projects based upon the following
criteria:
• Needed to correct existing deficiencies,
replace needed facilities, or provide facilities
needed for future growth;
• Eliminates a public hazard;
• Eliminates a capacity deficit;
• Is financially feasible;
• Phasing and priorities as established in the
comprehensive plan;
• Site needs based on projected growth;
• Serves new development and
redevelopment;
• Compatible with plans of state agencies; and
• An acceptable impact on the local operating
budget.
City of Yelm 40 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 2.3 Use the type, location, and phasing of
public facilities and utilities to direct urban
expansion where it is desired.
Policy 2.4 Ensure that some of Yelm's key public
facilities are located in the Central Business District.
Policy 2.5 Initiate streetscape improvements
along Yelm Avenue in the Central Business District
to support pedestrian activity and promote
transportation choices:
• Minimize traffic -oriented improvements to
the minimum necessary to move traffic
efficiently;
• Implement safety improvements along the
corridor;
• Improve pedestrian and trail crossings;
• Begin to plan for a trail crossing for bikes and
pedestrians over Yelm Avenue; and
• Undertake transit improvements to provide
an alternative to the automobile.
Policy 2.6 Support capital facility projects which
would improve public transit service to Yelm.
Policy 2.? Adopt a concurrency management
system for all public facilities which evaluates the
available capacity of public infrastructure. This
management system may reserve capacity for
approved development commitments and permits
until they are constructed, or those approvals or
permits expire.
Policy 2.8 Level of Service (LOS) standards for
concurrency standards are found in the Yelm
Transportation Plan.
Citv of Yelm 41 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 3: Provide adequate funding for
capital facilities in Yelm and its Urban
Growth Area to ensure that the
community's visions and goals can be
implemented.
Policy 3.1 Manage Yelm's fiscal resources to
support a balanced approach to allocating financial
resources among the following:
• Maintaining existing facilities;
• Practice sound asset management principles;
• Eliminating existing capital facility
deficiencies; and
• Providing new or expanded facilities to serve
growth.
Policy 3.2 Integrate all of the community's
capital project resources regardless of funding
source (e.g., grants, bonds, city funds, donations,
impact fees, and any other available funding) into
the Capital Facilities Plan.
Policy3.3 Require new development projects to
finance their fair share of public facilities and
utilities which may include the following:
• Collection of impact fees,
• Allocation of sewer and water connection
fees primarily to capital Improvements
related to urban expansion, and
• Development and implementation of other
appropriate funding mechanisms to ensure
new development's fair share contribution to
other public facilities (recreation, drainage,
solid waste, and congestion management
services and facilities car/van pool matching,
transit shelters, bike racks, street trees, and
sidewalks).
Policy 3.4 Administer impact fees on behalf of
the school district and the fire authority, to ensure
that new growth pays appropriately for the cost of
providing necessary new services.
Policy 3.5 Allow latecomer agreements for
development projects which install infrastructure
with excess capacity.
Policy 3.6 Evaluate the operations and
maintenance (O&M) costs associated with a new
capital project and consider adjusting the capital
budget should the O&M costs be determined to be
an unacceptable burden on Yelm's operations
budget.
Policy 3.7 Promote joint use facilities through
the use of interlocal agreements on publicly owned
lands; and long-term leases, or conservation
easements for privately owned lands.
Policy 3.8 Investigate potential new funding
strategies for capital facilities which may include
the following:
• Growth -induced tax revenues;
• Additional voter -approved financing;
• Regional tax base sharing;
• Regional cost sharing for urban
infrastructure;
• Voter -approved real estate excise transfer
tax; and
• County -wide bond issues.
Policy 3.9 Explore regional funding strategies to
support needed capital facilities.
Policy 3.10 Consider contingency strategies for
capital facility funding shortfalls which may include
the following:
• Reassess the land use element of the
Comprehensive Plan;
City of Yelm 42 Comprehensive Plan
• Increase revenues;
• Decrease level of service standards;
• Incorporate newer efficient, cost-saving
technologies;
• Decrease the cost of the facility;
• More efficient use existing facilities;
• Decrease the demand for the public service
or facility; or
• Other fiscal management options.
Policy 3.11 Seek grants or low-interest loans to
finance capital facility projects.
Policy3.12 Maintain or improve Yelm's bond
rating through prudent fiscal management.
Policy3.13 Implement a joint public/private
parking management strategy in the Central
Business District.
Policy 3.14 Support the development of a financial
assistance or loan program to repair or upgrade
older buildings within the Central Business District.
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.
Policy 4.4 Acknowledge that the implementation
of projects in the Capital Facilities Plan may vary
from the schedule and budget due to
unanticipated conditions, such as:
• Revenues become available but have
conditions about when they may be used; or
• The construction of a facility to serve new
development occurs in an earlier or later year
than predicted.
Goal 5: Conserve and protect drinking
water to meet the region's daily and long-
term needs.
Policy 5.1 Include wellhead protection areas and
standards for aquifer recharge protection areas in
development regulations.
Policy 5.2 Continue water -conservation
measures that stretch existing drinking water
supplies.
Policy 5.3 Prohibit individual exempt wells within
the Yelm water service area where the City can
provide service.
City of Yelm 43 Comprehensive Plan
Table 5-1: Relationships of Various Plans
City of Yelm 44 Comprehensive Plan
Time
Degree of
Financial
Type of Plan
Affected Area
Frame
Action
Implications
Community
Comprehensive
City and Urban
Vision, Goals,
20+
Broad Policy
None
Growth Area
and Policies
Plan
(UGA)
Water System
Plan
General Sewer
Plan
Stormwater
Management
Facilities Goals
Plan
and Policies
City, UGA, and
Parks &
20+
Specific
Forecast of needs
Regional
Level of Service
Recreation Plan
Policy
Drainage
g a basins
standards
Transportation
Plan
ADA Transition
Plan
Local Road
Safety Plan
Construction
Capital Facilities
Prioritize
Estimates
Target areas and
Strategic
g
Plan (CFP)
6
Projects
specific sites
Revenue Estimates
Project site or
Implementation
Annual Budget
1
Construction
Obligated Funds
equipment
Funding
specific
Completed
Operations
Annual Budget
1
Operations
Obligated Funds
facility or
Funding
equipment
City of Yelm 44 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 5-2: Ten Year Transportation Revenue Sources
City of Yelm 45 Comprehensive Plan
Funding Source
General Fund Contributions (Including Interest)
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)
Bonds
General Obligation (Public Vote Required)
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
Other
Private Donations
Local Improvement Districts
City of Yelm 45 Comprehensive Plan
LE
Federal Highway Administration Federal Highway
(STBG, TA) Safety Funds i
$8,500,000 $9oo,000
si,500.0o0
General Fund
Contributions
$2,590,000
Transportation Improvement Board OepartmentofCommerce
$4,500,009 $5,500,000
Recreation and
Conservation
Fun ding Baa ,d
$600,000
Table 5-3: 10 Year Capital Facilities Plan Summary
Park Projects
Funding Source
2025-2035
Connection between Prairie Line Trail SR 510 Yelm
WSDOT
$50,000
Loop
Connection between Longmire Park and SR 510 Yelm
WSDOT
$50,000
Loop
55 acres of additional land for parks
Grants/Local Match
$4,400,000
Yelm Prairie Line Trail Phase 2B (Nisqually River
Grants/Local Match
$1,600,000
Bridge)
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 Swing
Grants/Local Match
$100,000
Buildings/Facilities Projects
Funding Source
2024-2034
Public Services Expansion
Local
$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 J Bald Hill Rd SE / Morris Rd SE Roundabouts
WSDOT
$4,500,000
(design / ROW)
Bald Hill Rd / Morris Rd SE Roundabout
WSDOT/Grant/Local
$3,500,000
(construction)
Extend SR 510 Yelm Loop to Bald Hill Road SE (Phase
TFCs/Grants
$4,000,000
3)
Rhoton Rd SE Reconstruction — Railway Rd SE to
Grants
$5,440,000
Yelm Loop 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
TFCs/Grants
$3,400,000
SE, Fourth St 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
TFCs/Grants
$1,700,000
Improvements
City of Yelm 47 Compre iensive Plan
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
TFCs/Grants
$3,500,000
Couplets
Grants/Water Rates
$12,500,00
Water Projects
Funding Source
2025-2035
Storage Reservoir #5
Grants/Water Rates
$9,000,000
Distribution System Upgrades
Water Rates
$4,500,000
Well #7
Grants/Water Rates
$12,500,00
Sewer/Reclaimed Water Projects
Funding Source
2024-2034
Collection System Upgrades
Rates/SDCs
$1,230,000
Expand Cochrane Park RIBS
Local Funds/SDCs
$2,000,000
WRF Phase II Upgrade MRB Conversion and Solids
Processing
Grants/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 Yelm 48 Comprehensive Plan
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
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
control
$2,200,000
Yelm Ave E Reconstruction/Intersection Improvements— Plaza Dr
to Creek St SE
$1,300,000
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
Extend 105' Ave —Yelm Terra St to Mill Rd SE
$2,250,000
Bald Hill Rd SE Reconstruction & Drainage Improvements
$6,850,000
Extend 10511 Ave - Clark Rd to Vancil Rd SE
$4,500,000
NP Rd SEJWilkensen Rd SE Reconstruction — Rhoton Rd NW to
Yelm Loop Ph 2
$6,750,000
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
lane)
$25,000,000
Tahoma Blvd Extension North - Tahoma Blvd to 93rd (1.3 miles -2
lane)
$4,800,000
Extend Coates Rd SE — Cullens Rd to Killion Rd SE
$1,400,000
Mill Road SE Reconstruction —107th Ave SE to 104th 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 Yelm 49 Comprehensive Plan
Table 5-5: Inventory of Major City Assets
Parks
Location
Cochrane Memorial Park
Mill Rd SE
Longmire Community Park
Canal Rd SE
Yelm City Park
First St SJMosman Ave SE
Yelm Skate Park
First St S
Dog Park
Rhoton Rd NW
Transportation
Location
Sidewalks (225,000 LF)
Various
Yelm Prairie Line Trail ("'13,800 LF)
Yelm Ave W to Nisqually River
Arterial Streets ('2.7 CL miles)
Various
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
Baker Hill Reservoir
1051h Way SE
Public Services Reservoir
Rhoton Rd NW
SW Reservoir
Tahoma Blvd SE
SE Reservoir (under construction)
103rd Ave SE
Sewer/Reclaimed Water
Location
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 Club
Yelm Ave W
Yelm City Hall
Second 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 Yelm 50 Comprehensive Plan
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61 UTILITIES
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4 L -II Pri
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
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 2.1. Promote the co -location of new public
and private utility distribution facilities in shared
trenches.
Policy 2.2. Provide timely notice to utilities of City
sponsored construction and road maintenance
projects to encourage coordination of public and
private utility trenching activities.
Policy2.3. Promote the joint use of
transportation rights of way and utility corridors.
Policy2.4. Adopt development regulations that
require new electrical distribution and
communication lines be placed underground.
Policy2.5. Encourage utilities to underground
existing electrical distribution and communication
lines.
Policy2.6. Adopt development regulations that
require new above ground facilities to be
appropriately landscaped and/or architecturally
compatible with adjacent land uses.
Policy 2.7. Encourage the directional pruning of
trees and phased replacement of improperly
located vegetation planted in public rights -of -ways.
Policy2.8. Facilitate environmental stewardship
by encouraging energy conservation retrofits and
the use of alternative energy sources.
Goal 3. Process permits for public facilities
and utilities in a timely and predictable
4iYli iW
Policy 3.1. Allow the extension of utilities beyond
the City limits or the Urban Growth Area boundary
only when there is a declared public health
emergency by the Thurston County Board of
Health; and the action will not impose a financial
burden on Yelm.
Policy 3.2. Encourage the cooperation with other
jurisdictions in the planning and implementation of
multi -jurisdictional public facility and utility
additions and improvements.
Citv of Yelm 53 Comprehensive Plan
Policy3.3. Make decisions regarding utility
facilities in a manner that is consistent with and
complementary to regional demand and resources.
Policy 3.4. Review applications for public facility
and utility permits simultaneously when feasible.
Policy 3.5. Jointly undertake a periodic review of
comprehensive plan utility chapters and regional
utility plans with adjacent jurisdictions. Identify
procedures for making specific land use decisions
to achieve consistency of timing and substantive
requirements.
Policy3.6. Coordinate with utility providers to
periodically obtain up -to date plans of their
proposed facilities. Recognize that the scale of
these plans may be such that the proposed location
of new facilities may not be site specific.
Goal 4. Provide efficient and effective
drinking water infrastructure.
Policy4.1. Continue to advance hydrogeological
modeling to better quantify the region's available
groundwater resources.
Po/icy 4.2. Support regional efforts to develop a
water system plan that includes an exploration of
ways to manage water resources within the region
more holistically and in collaboration among state
and local governments.
Goal 5. Manage wastewater in a cost-
effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 5.1. Support regional efforts to develop a
regional sewerage plan.
Policy5.2. 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.
Policy5.4. Where sewers are available, require
new developments within 200 feet of existing
sewer infrastructure to connect.
Policy5.5. Develop criteria for requiring
connection to city sewer systems for properties
near sewer infrastructure.
Goal 6. Manage stormwater in a cost-
effective and environmentally sound way.
Policy 6.1. Explore new technology to sweep
streets to prevent stormwater pollution at the
source.
Policy 6.2. Support applied research in Western
Washington on cost-effective stormwater
management technologies, routine maintenance,
and low -impact development (LID) practices.
Policy 6.3. Coordinate with Thurston County to
meet stormwater goals by watershed.
Policy6.4. Encourage innovative and creative
solutions for addressing stormwater runoff.
Policy6.5. Establish a mechanism to retrofit
existing developments with stormwater
infrastructure that meets current standards.
Policy 6.6. Conduct comprehensive stream
restoration plans for Yelm and Thompson creeks
that include plans for in -stream improvements,
stormwater retrofits, riparian and wetland
restoration.
Policy 6.7. Encourage the use of low impact
development standards for the treatment and
disposal of stormwater.
City of Yelm 54 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 7. Expand the use of reclaimed water
for non -potable uses.
Polfcy7.1. Continue to expand the role of
reclaimed water to benefit the region.
Goal 8. Increase energy generation from
renewable resources to reduce the region's
carbon footprint.
Policy 8.1. Explore incentives for the installation
of distributed generation equipment, such as
rooftop solar panels.
Policy8.2. Investigate large-scale renewable
energy projects.
Policy8.3. Adopt uniform building codes and
permitting practices in jurisdictions to make the
installation of solar panels, or other distributed
generation technologies, easier and faster.
Goal 9. Enhance the region's electricity
distribution, monitoring and storage
infrastructure to support adoption of
cleaner technologies and practices.
Policy 9.1. Support energy suppliers' equipment
upgrades, new programs, and service offerings
related to adding information technology to the
system or grid.
Policy 9.2. Support voluntary programs for adding
vehicle chargers to homes, businesses, and public
parking infrastructure.
City of Yelm
Policy 9.3. Allow for electric vehicle charging
stations in locations where they are needed.
Policy 9.4. Increase the City's use of electric
vehicles.
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 11. Plan and take action to reduce,
reuse and recycle as much waste as
possible and meet the needs of current
and future populations.
Policy 11.1. Support regional efforts to maintain
and expand recycling efforts through participation
on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Policy 11.2. Develop standards for multifamily,
commercial and mixed use projects which
accommodate easy and convenient recycling for
occupants to divert waste and for haulers to collect
recyclables and garbage.
Goal 12. Continue to plan for, educate,
assist and offer access to safely and
efficiently manage disposal and reduce
hazardous waste.
Policy 12.1. Support regional efforts to maintain
and expand the collection and safe disposal of
hazardous waste through participation on the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee
55 Comprehensive Plan
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
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City of Yelm 56 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6-3: City Reclaimed Water Utility
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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 CO
For a map of the PSE service area, click here &
For more information about PSE's Clean Energy Plan, click here CO
City of Yelm 57 Comprehensive Plan
71 TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
Introduction: What is the Transportation
Element?
The Transportation Element is part of the City of
Yelm's Comprehensive Plan that oversees
transportation planning for the community within a
20 -year horizon. The Element establishes a
transportation vision for the community and offers
policy guidance to successfully manage and grow
the multimodal system. The Transportation
Element identifies areas of concern in the existing
transportation system, as well as potential future
issues as the community grows. The Element
identifies projects that will address these concerns
and maps out a strategic approach to funding and
implementing the necessary improvements.
The Transportation Element supports ongoing local
interests like reduced congestion in the core area,
enhanced bike and walkability, and support for on-
going urban development within the community,
and, in conjunction with county and regional plans,
improved access to local and regional jobs, all while
supporting overall citywide objectives spelled out
throughout various elements of the
Comprehensive Plan. It is a powerful tool for
ensuring consistency between day-to-day decisions
and long-range policies and objectives.
The updated Yelm Transportation Element of the
Comprehensive Plan builds on previous plans
conducted in the city including, but not limited to
• 2022 Yelm Transportation Pan
• 2009 Yelm Transportation Plan
2023 City of Yelm and Thuston County Joint
Plan
• 2023 Yelm Local Road Safety Plan/Safety
Action Plan
• 2023 Americans with Disabilities Plan for
Yelm
2021 Supplemental Environmental
Assessment for Yelm Loop Project, Phase 2
City of Yelm
• 2019 Yelm Downtown Transportation
Strategy
• 2045 Thurston County Transportation Plan
• 2050 Thurston Regional Transportation Plan
Transportation Plan
In addition to the Transportation Element of this
Comprehensive Plan, the City also maintains a
separate Transportation Plan, which was last
updated in 2022. The technical material created to
support this new Transportation Element provides
updates to much of the material included in a
typical transportation plan and may, in the future,
be referenced to update the City's Transportation
Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan, and this Transportation
Element specifically, will adopt by reference future
updates to the City's Transportation Plan as they
occur.
Goal 1: Create a transportation system
that is compatible with neighboring cities,
Thurston County, Washington State, and
other transportation providers.
Policy 1.1 Encourage the public to participate in
transportation -related decisions.
Policy 1.2 Coordinate the planning, construction,
and operations of transportation facilities and
programs.
Policy 1.3 Coordinate with local partners
including the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Intercity
Transit, Yelm School District, and the Washington
State Department of Transportation to address
local transportation issues.
Policy 1.4 Cooperate with the City of Yelm and
neighboring jurisdictions, Pierce County, Joint Base
Lewis-McChord, TRPC, and the Washington State
Department of Transportation to address regional
transportation issues.
59 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 1.5 Support and participate in the
Thurston Regional Planning Council 2045 Regional
Transportation Plan.
Policy 1.6 Coordinate the planning and operation
of Yelm's transportation system to provide efficient
and varied means of transportation.
Policy 1.7 Support the creation of a community
transfer site and support the expansion of transit
service within Yelm, its UGA, and to surrounding
communities and employment centers.
Policy 1.8 Support the development of a regional
park-and-ride lot system.
Policy 1.9 Preserve the existing railroad rights-of-
way within Yelm's Urban Growth Area and
connections to the national rail network.
Policy 1.10 Coordinate with service providers on
the location of major utility and transportation
corridors and the construction of roadway
improvements.
Policy 1.11 For planning purposes, adopt the
Washington State Department of Transportation
Urban LOS D standard or better within the urban
growth boundary. Refer to the County
Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8, "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 Classify Yelm's streets according to
federal, state, regional, and local guidelines.
Policy 2.3 Ensure adequate and safe access to
property through a system of public and private
roads.
Policy 2.4 Apply design standards, guidelines,
and endorsed criteria that result in attractive and
functional transportation facilities.
Policy 2.5 Utilize transportation system
management strategies to efficiently operate
transportation facilities. These could include:
• Signal interconnection systems, signal
coordination and synchronization, and other
signal systems to ease traffic flow;
• Roundabouts. If a signal intersection is
considered, an analysis must be performed to
confirm that it outperforms a roundabout for
safety and mobility operations;
• Turn lanes and pockets to allow turning
vehicles to move out of through traffic lanes;
• Access control for arterials and major
collectors to minimize disruptions in traffic
flow; and
• Non -motorized infrastructure
City of Yelm 60 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 2.6 Ensure mobility for all residents,
including the elderly and persons with disabilities
by providing an accessible and affordable
transportation system within Yelm and its Urban
Growth Area. Evaluate and prioritize ADA
compliance on the multimodal transportation
system.
Policy 2.7 Maintain the transportation system at
a level that is comparable with the design
standards applied to new facilities.
Policy 2.8 Limit and provide access to the street
network in a manner consistent with the function
and purpose of each roadway.
Policy 2.9 Permit construction of private roads to
assist with access to private properties.
Policy2.10 Manage the demand for
transportation systems through strategies
mandated by state law.
Policy2.11 Include emergency service providers in
review of roadway designs to ensure safe
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
Policy 3.3 Ensure that transportation system
improvements are compatible with adjacent land
uses and minimize potential conflicts.
Policy 3.4 Allow major land use changes only
when those proposals accompany specific
documentation or proposed plans showing how
the transportation system can adequately support
the needs of existing and proposed development.
Policy 3.5 Retain existing public rights-of-way.
Policy 3.6 Support the Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) and greenhouse gas emission reduction
goals set forth in the Cliamte chapter.
Goal 4: Responsibly fund needed
transportation system improvements with
public and private sector participation.
Policy 4.1 Implement transportation planning
and development in the Urban Growth Area as a
joint exercise of responsibility between Yelm, the
County and the State.
Policy 4.2 Use a standardized, well documented,
and objective process to establish clear priorities
for transportation expenditures within Yelm and its
Urban Growth Area, such as development of the
six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
61 Comprehensive Plan
Policy 4.3 Ensure that any transportation
improvements or strategies that are required to
mitigate impacts are constructed or financed
concurrent with a development project.
Policy 4.4 Share the responsibility of mitigating
transportation development impacts between the
public and private sector.
Policy 4.5 Cooperate with private investors to
provide for the recovery of facility
improvement costs which are attributable to other
development projects.
Policy 4.6 Identify opportunities for developer
funding of streets, sidewalks and bicycle lanes to
mitigate multimodal transportation impacts where
specified and required.
Goal 5: Encourage safe and active school
transportation to improve community
health, economic, and environmental
outcomes.
Policy S.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.
Policy5.4 Support Yelm Community Schools
efforts on funding support for safety 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
encouragement programs.
Goal 6: Improve infrastructure around
schools that results in safe multimodal
Citv of Yelm 62 Comprehensive Plan
transportation including vehicular,
pedestrian, bicycle, and bus transit access.
Policy 6.1 Work to increase the safety of the
transportation system with appropriate design and,
in the longterm, consistently update and maintain
the city's Safety Action Plan.
Policy 6.2 Support the state's "Target Zero" plan
goal of zero deaths and disabling injuries.
Policy 6.3 Encourage travel by means other than
the automobile and provide for the safety of
pedestrians and bicyclists throughout Yelm and its
Urban Growth Area.
Policy 6.4 Design transportation infrastructure to
encourage safe user behavior.
Goal 7: Reduce transportation congestion
and environmental impacts.
Policy 7.1 Encourage the use of alternative forms
of transportation.
Policy 7.2 Provide for park -and -pool facilities
that increase vanpool and carpool options in
development regulations.
Policy 7.3 Connect urban and rural bicycle and
pedestrian pathways with parks and open spaces
to encourage more active transportation and use
of natural areas.
Goal 8: Consider freight mobility needs in
local and regional planning.
Policy 8.1 Ensure that transportation plans and
funding strategies explicitly consider the need to
move goods and services within and between local
communities, and between the Thurston Region
and other markets.
Goal 9: Integrate transportation
considerations into land use decisions, and
vice versa.
Policy 9.1 Provide for increased densities in
urban neighborhoods and activity centers near
transportation corridors in development
regulations.
Policy 9.2 Development regulations should allow
for more compact forms of development to ensure
that future land -use patterns will be efficient to
serve with transit, freight or other transportation
infrastructure.
Policy 9.3 As new annexation and/or
development occurs on the east side of the city
near Canal and Grove Streets, consider
reclassification of Grove Street between Flume
Road and 103rd Avenue as a Major Collector
facility.
Policy 9.4 Development review should evaluate
the connectivity of subdivisions to existing,
proposed or planned bicycle facilities.
Goal 10: Work toward an integrated,
multimodal transportation system that
supports adopted land use plans, reduces
overall need to drive and increases travel
choices.
Policy 10.1 Pursue adoption of a Complete Streets
Policy to help provide quality choices appropriate
to existing and future land uses including walking,
bicycling, transit and motor vehicles including
freight.
Policy 10.2 Ensure that development of activity
center, employment centers, schools and parks
accommodate multiple modes of travel and safe,
efficient connections among those modes of travel.
Policy 10.3 Promote public awareness on the
rights and responsibilities of drivers, bicyclists, and
walkers and ways these modes can travel together
safely and efficiently.
Policy10.4 Promote and enhance public
awareness on the relationship between
transportation and land use and how they
influence each other.
City of Yelm 63 Comprehensive Plan
Poiicy10.5 Further refine multi -modal Level of
Service (LOS) standards to define desired,
acceptable and unacceptable performance for the
transportation system:
• Vehicular LOS— Maintain LOS Cor LOS D,
based on current code. Consider exception
areas based on multimodal transportation
system improvement needs and financial
resources.
• Pedestrian LOS—provide a minimum of
Level of Stress 2 for the pedestrian system
consistent with the Pedestrian Plan.
• Bicycle LOS — provide a minimum of Level of
Stress 2 for the bicycle network consistent
with the Bicycle Plan.
• Transit LOS — partner with local and
regional agencies to provide a minimum of
LOS Acceptable.
EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
INVENTORY
This chapter documents existing transportation
facilities and services within the City of Yelm. The
Transportation Element focuses on active
transportation, public transportation, and vehicle
performance. The information in this chapter was
used to determine short-term project needs and a
long-term multimodal improvement strategy for
the city. A complete description of the existing
transportation network is available in the
Transportation Technical Report, which is included
in Appendix A.
IJ YELM PRAIRIE
- LINE TRAIL
RAINIER 5,8 Miles
III,[of! ¢epxl
CHEHALIS 8 Miles
WESTERN TRAIL d6,aao."")
TENINO 14.2 Miles
?6,daa RaPsl
HERNS, IRELAND 4,598 Miles
0E. you k...? 0. JIM, 241a, L M VIE-
enimetl Into ] 0"116 lC W d..1E1p 6,111
FofnSi llul:�nd.
Active Transportation
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities form the basis of
what is commonly called the "active" or human -
powered transportation system. In its entirely,
active transportation includes walking, traveling
with a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, bicycling,
or using another wheeled device such as a
skateboard or scooter. Full or partially -human
powered vehicles, commonly referred to as
micromobility devices, may also use the pedestrian
and bicycle network where permitted. These
devices can include electric bicycles (i.e. e -bikes)
and electric scooters and can be either individually
owned or rented through a mobile app or kiosk to
be picked up and dropped off in the public right of
way. These vehicles are meant for short distance
trips as a viable alternative to using a personal
vehicle.
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities primarily serve
short trips to activity centers or essential
destinations such as schools, parks, and other
amenities located in the downtown business area
and commercial corridors. The City of Yelm
supports walking and bicycling through maintaining
City of Yelm 64 Comprehensive Plan
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.
Pedestrian Facilities
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. Figure 7-1
illustrates the locations of existing pedestrian
facilities within the city.
To assess the existing performance of the
pedestrian network a level of stress (LTS) analysis
was performed. This analysis identified a level of
stress for each facility, on a scale of LTS 1 through
LTS 4. The results are provided in Figure 7-2.
For additional information on the performance of
the existing pedestrian network, see the
Transportation Technical Report.
Bicycle Facilities
The bicycle system in Yelm consists of striped
bicycle lanes, wide roadway shoulders, shared -lane
roadways (vehicles and bikes share the same travel
way), and multi -use trails. Figure 7-3 illustrates the
locations of the existing bicycle and multi -use path
facilities within the city.
To assess the existing performance of the bicycle
network a level of stress (LTS) analysis was
performed. This analysis identified a level of stress
for each facility, on a scale of LTS 1 through LTS 4.
The results are provided in Figure 7-4.
City of Yelm 65 Comprehensive Plan
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A key component of this system is the existing
Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail that connects the city to
communities in southern Thurston County, and the
Prairie Line Trail. As shown below, as it comes into
the city the Yelm to Tenino Trail follows the west
side of SR 507 and ends at the intersection with
Yelm Avenue in the heart of the city.
YELM-RAI NIER-TENINO TRAIL ADJACENT TO SR 507 IN YELM
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
Surface Transportation Program grant. The grant
enabled acquisition of the railroad right of way
from SR 510 to the Town of Roy in Pierce County.
The City of Yelm won a Recreation and
Conservation (RCQ) grant to convert the railroad to
a shared use path from the Centralia Power Canal
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.
Public input 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
performance of the existing bicycle network, see
the Transportation Technical Report.
PRAIRIE LINE TRAIL NORTH OF YELM AVENUE
City of Yelm 70 Comprehensive Plan
Public Transit System
Fixed Route Bus Service
Intercity Transit (IT) Intercity Transit (IT) provides
free -fare transit service for the citizens of the City
of Yelm. Service in Yelm is limited to a single route
of the Intercity regional transit system that
connects the city to Olympia. Intercity route 94
travels the length of Yelm Avenue (SR 510/SR 507)
and in a loop along Walmart Boulevard, 103rd
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)
Route 94 runs seven days per week with service
every 30 minutes. Table 1 provides a summary of
ridership on Route 94 by year and day of the week.
Data presented includes total boarding, total
alighting, and route total in Yelm for the years 2019
through 2024.
Yea r
Boarding/Alighting
Weekday
Saturday
Sunday
Totals
2,165
30,056
2019
Boarding
25,186
2,705
Alighting
22,830
2,607
2,100
27,537
Total
48,016
5,312
4,265
57,593
2020
Boarding
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
2021
Boarding
19,609
3,070
2,863
25,542
Alighting
19.480
3,059
2,881
25,420
Total
39,089
6,129
5,744
50,962
2022
Boarding
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
2023
Boarding
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
2024
Boarding
48,900
7,129
6,009
62,038
Alighting
47,465
7,076
55�
60,507
Total
96,365
14,205
11,975
122,545
City of Yelm 71
Comprehensive Plan
Existing Traffic Operations
Operations Analysis
The table below shows the level of Service Criteria
for stop controlled intersections and signalized
intersections.
Table 7-2: Level of Service Criteria for intersections
Levet
of
Service
Signalized/Roundabout
Intersection Average
Control Delay
(seconds/vehicle)
Stop-Controtted
Intersection
Average Control
Delay
(seconds/vehicle)
In its 2021 Transportation Plan, the city of Yelm
adopted minimum levels of service for road
facilities under its jurisdiction as follows:
• In all residential zones, LOS C
• In all commercial and light industrial zones,
LOS D
• In the urban core on Yelm Avenue between
4th Street and Solberg Street, LOS F is
recognized as a minimum level of service
where mitigation to create traffic
diversions, bypasses, and alternate routes
and modes of transportation are authorized
and being planned, funded, implemented,
and can result in improved LOS.
By adopting minimum LOS standards for the City's
roadways, Yelm has committed to transportation
system performance target that must be
maintained as new development occurs. As new
developments are proposed and impacts assessed,
developers and/or the city must mitigate
'The LOS analysis was conducted for the study intersections
using the software program SIDRA for roundabout controlled
transportation impacts to ensure that LOS does not
fall below the standard. As set forth in the GMA,
Yelm has incorporated these LOS standards into its
Unified Development Code (Section 18.16.030) for
purposes of Concurrency Management.
It should also be noted that SR 510/Yelm
Avenue/SR 507 is recognized as a regional strategy
corridor within the City of Yelm and adding vehicle
capacity should be avoided where possible.
WSDOT has adopted LOS D as the standard for
urban portions of SR 507 and SR 510.
2024 Existing Conditions Analysis Results
An operations analysis was conducted for 22
intersections throughout the City and Urban
Growth Area. In this analysis, the following three
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
or WSDOT standards during the PM peak hour:
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103rd Avenue SE—
operates at LOS F for side street traffic
• Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE—
operates
E—
operates at LOS F for side street
• Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
Road SE/High School Driveway—operates at
LOS E for side street
All other intersections in the study area currently
operate at LOS D or better. Figure 7-3 and Table 7-3
summarize the results of existing intersection LOS
within the Yelm UGA. The operational analysis
worksheets are provided in Appendix C.
Level of Service Criteria for Intersections 2024
Existing Conditions Analysis Results
An operations analysis' was conducted for 22
intersections throughout the City and Urban
Growth Area. In this analysis, the following three
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
or WSDOT standards during the PM peak hour:
intersections (WSDOT intersections use HCM Delayformu la) and
Sync hro (Version 12) for all other intersections in the study area.
City of Yelm 72 Comprehensive Plan
• Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103rd Avenue SE —
operates at LOS F for side street traffic
• Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE —
operates at LOS F for side street
• Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
Road SE/High School Driveway — operates at
LOS E for side street
All other intersections in the study area currently
operate at LOS D or better. Figure 7-3 and Table 7-3
summarize the results of existing intersection LOS
within the Yelm UGA. The operational analysis
worksheets are provided in Appendix C.
Table 7-3: Existing PM Peak Hour Level of Service Summary
#
Intersection
Traffic
Control
Roundabout
Peak Hour
Delay2024 Existing Conditions PM
LOS
A 6.0
1
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Yelm Loop (SR 510 Alt)
2
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View Road SE/High School
Driveway
TWSC
E
40.1
3
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Killion Road SE/Tahoma Blvd SE
Signalized
B
16.2
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
7
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 10311 Avenue SE
TWSC,
F
51.9
8
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Vancil Road SE
Signalized
C
28.6
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
11
I Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Grove Road SE
TWSC
Signalized
C
19.0
12 Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Walmart Boulevard
13 First Street (SR 507) at Mill Road SE
B
13.3
TWSC,
B
14.3
14 First Street (SR 507) at Mosman Avenue
Signalized
B
16.6
15
First Street at Stevens Street
AWSC,
C
20.0
16
103rd Avenue SE at West Road NE
TWSC,
D
31.9
17
103rd Avenue SE at Creek Street SE
TWSC,
C
18.6
18
Coates Avenue NW at Crystal Springs Street NW
TWSC,
C
15.2
19
Stevens Street NW at Edwards Street NW
TWSC'
C
22.4
20
Bald Hill Road SE at Morris Road SE
TWSC'
D
27.9
21
103rd Avenue SE at Grove Road SE
AWSC'
B
12.0
22
103rd Avenue SE at Walmart Boulevard
TWSC,
B
11.9
Note 1: The average deIayfor 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 43, which is
LOS E.
City of Yelm 73 Comprehensive Plan
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FUTURE CONDITIONS
This chapter documents the effect of community
growth on the transportation system and identifies
the need for future multimodal facilities and
services within the city. Included is this
Transportation Element is a discussion of street,
intersection and highway improvement needs and
recommended active transportation system
enhancements.
For a complete description of the long term volume
forecasting and additional information on the
performance of the street network, see the
Transportation Technical Report.
Future Traffic Analysis
2050 Baseline Conditions Analysis Results
An operations analysis' was conducted for 22
intersections throughout the City and Urban
Growth Area. In this analysis, the following eight
intersections currently operate below City of Yelm
or WSDOT standards during the 2050 PM peak
hour:
• Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Mountain View
Road SE/High School Driveway
• Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Longmire Street
• Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103rd Avenue SE
• Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Plaza Drive NE
• Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Grove Road SE
• First Street N at Stevens Street NW
• 103rd Avenue SE at West Road NE
• 103rd Avenue SE at Creek Street SE
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 The LOS analysis was conducted for the study intersections
using the software program SIDRA for roundabout controlled
City of Ye] m
that currently acts as the eastern portion of the
Yelm Loop.
2050 With Improvements Analysis Results
• The City of Yelm has an active list of
roadway and intersection improvements
that it maintains, based on previous long-
range planning and recent analysis work.
This list of projects is documented and
described in the Capital Facilities chapter of
the Comprehensive Plan and have been
added to the 2050 intersection analysis as
appropriate. Two additional improvements
that are expected to be constructed
through developer activity have also been
included:
• Yelm Avenue at Longmire Road. This
location is currently going through an
Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) effort
to identify the appropriate control
improvements. Traffic signal control and
roundabout control are being evaluated.
This improvement is currently being funded
through developer mitigation fees
• Yelm Avenue at Grove Road SE. This
intersection was included in the evaluation
documented in the 2013 EIS for the vacant
properties in the vicinity of Walmart. The
EIS identified roundabout control as a
required mitigation improvement and is
expected to be funded and constructed to
support the land use growth assumed in the
traffic volume forecasts. This location was
also identified in the City's safety plan as a
priority location, with roundabout control
the recommended countermeasure.
intersections (WSDOT intersections use HCM Delayformula) and
Synchro (Version 12) for alt other intersections in the study area.
75 Comprehensive Plan
These improvements directly address two of the
eight locations projected to operate below the
level of service standard. The remaining six
intersections from that list do not have an
identified improvement at this time. All six
locations will be significantly impacted by the
completion of the Yelm Loop project. This
improvement is accounted for in the traffic volume
forecasts but the exact impact is difficult to predict.
Therefore, it is recommended that these six
locations be reevaluated after completion of the
Yelm Loop project, to confirm the volume impact
and identify, as needed, appropriate
improvements. The city is currently pursuing grant
funds to conduct a corridor study of Yelm Avenue
between lst Street and 1701h 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
and the portions of the Yelm Loop Trail that have
been constructed. Additional connections would
also be provided to the Phase 2 trail portion of this
highway project at planned intersection
connections including Rhoton Road and Wilkensen
Road.
The pedestrian plan includes the following
facilities:
• New sidewalks built as identified, consistent
with the city's design standards for the
classification of the street
• New paved multi -use trails that will be
shared with bicycle traffic
• Planned and funded paved multi -use trails.
City of Yelm 76 Comprehensive Plan
Table: 7-4: 2050 With Improvements PM Peak Hour Level of Service Summary
City of Yelm 77 Comprehensive Plan
/0
Baseline
Conditions
PM Peak 2050 PIVI Peak Hour with
Hour
Improvements
Traffic
Delay
#
Intersection
Control LOS/•
. •
•
1
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Yelm
Roundabout A
6.6 None needed
A
6.6
Loop (SR 510 Alt)
Re -analyze intersection
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at
during the five-year
21
Mountain View Road SE/High
TWSC,
F
300+
implementation report
School Driveway
process after Yelm Loop
opening
3
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at Killion
Signalized
C
24.2
None needed
C
24.2
Road SE/Tahoma Blvd SE
4
Yelm Avenue (SR 510) at
TWSC,
F
59.2
Pending results of ICE°
A
6.6
Longmire Street
5
Yelm Avenue (SR 510/SR 507) at
Signalized
D
54.6
None needed
D
54.6
First Street (SR 507)
6
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Clark
Signalized
B
12.9
None needed
B
12.9
Road SE
Re -analyze intersection
during the five-year
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at 103'
7
TWSC,
F
138.9
implementation report
—
—
Avenue SE
process after Yelm Loop
opening
8
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Vancil
Signalized
D
43.2
None needed
D
43.2
Road SE
Re -analyze intersection
during the five-year
9
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at NE.
TWSC'
F
239.1
implementation report
—
Plaza Drive NE
processafterYelm Loop
opening
10
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Creek
Roundabout
B
12.6
None needed
B
12.6
Street SE/Bald Hill Road SE
11
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at Grove
TWSC,
F
66.8
Build roundabout
A
4.8
Road SE
City of Yelm 77 Comprehensive Plan
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.
City of Yelm 78 Comprehensive Plan
0• Baseline
Conditions•
PM Peak Hour with
Hour
Improvements
Traffic
Delay
#
Intersection
Control
LOS
.- -
•
Yelm Avenue (SR 507) at
12
Roundabout
B
14.9 None needed
B
14.9
Walmart Boulevard
First Street (SR 507) at Mill Road
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
Re -analyze intersection
during the five-year
15
First Street at Stevens Street
AWSCi
E
41.6
implementation report
process after Yelm Loop
opening
Re -analyze intersection
103`d Avenue SE at West Road
during the five-year
16
TWSC'
F
210.8
implementation report
—
SE
process after Yelm Loop
opening
Re -analyze intersection
103`' Avenue SE at Creek Street
during the five-year
17
TWSC,
F
85.6
implementation report
SE
process after Yelm Loop
opening
Coates Avenue NW at Crystal
18
TWSC'
B
13.7
None needed
B
13.7
Springs Street NW
Stevens Street NW at Edwards
19
TWSC'
C
15.3
None needed
C
15.3
Street NW
20
Bald Hill Road at Morris Road SES
TWSC'
D
34.3
Roundabout
A
6.4
103`d Avenue SE at Grove Road
21
AWSC'
C
22.0
None needed
C
22.0
SE
103`d Avenue SE at Walmart
22
Rounda bout
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.
City of Yelm 78 Comprehensive Plan
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
alignment of 170' Street south of Ylem Avenue.
City of Yelm 79 Comprehensive Plan
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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
and the portions of the Yelm Loop Trail that have
been constructed. Additional connections would
also be provided to the Phase 2 trail portion of this
highway project at planned intersection
connections including Rhoton Road and Wilkensen
Road.
The pedestrian plan includes the following
facilities:
• New sidewalks built as identified, consistent
with the city's design standards for the
classification of the street
• New paved multi -use trails that will be
shared with bicycle traffic
• Planned and funded paved multi -use trails
The pedestrian plan does not address specific
deficiencies in relation to the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Consistent with Policy 2.6,
the City's current ADA Transition Plan identifies a
process for determining and prioritizing ADA
improvements to the sidewalk system which
includes the pavement condition and slope of the
sidewalk, the presence and condition of curb
ramps, and crossing protection. The Plan commits
the city to gradually bringing the pedestrian system
into compliance with ADA through a regular and
on-going improvement program. The choice of
improvements should consider and coordinate with
the recommendations of the Pedestrian Plan as
both new and improved sidewalks facilities are
constructed.
Bicycle Plan
Figure 7- 6 presents the recommended bicycle plan
for the City of Yelm. This plan also builds on the
deficiencies identified in the bicycle system's
existing conditions analysis focusing primarily on:
• Filling system gaps to provide for a
continuous trip
• Offering opportunities for looped trips by
providing alternative bicycle -focused routes
• Addressing areas with poor Levels of Traffic
Stress
• Serving key destinations within the
community including schools and parks
Another key consideration in the development of
the plan has been to take maximum advantage of
the substantial trail system that exists or is pending
construction within the city, including the Yelm-
Tenino Trail, the Prairie Loop Trail and the new SR
510 Yelm Loop. Opportunities to connect with the
loop have been identified at each of the key
intersections that are planned to be constructed
with the project including Rhoton Road and
Wilkensen Road, in addition to the existing
intersection at Cullens Road.
The bicycle plan consists of a variety of facilities
including:
• Existing and proposed on -street bicycle
lanes
• Existing and proposed paved multi -use trails
• Planned and funded paved multi -use trails
The bicycle plan also recommends that
consideration be given to the designation of shared
use streets where appropriate and to the
development of on -street bicycle facilities in
conjunction with new development for major new
arterial and collector roads consistent with the
City's Development Guide.
City of Yelm 82 Comprehensive Plan
V h
N in F e E E
AV
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
and funding strategies for constructing the project
list.
City of Yelm 84 Comprehensive Plan
11 A
Transportation Technical Report
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Economic Development
The objective of the economic development
chapter is to encourage the location of jobs, goods,
and services for the residents of Yelm and Yelm's
service area as an urban center serving southeast
Thurston and south Pierce counties.
Goal 1: Create a healthy economic base for
the community by supporting clean
industry, tourism, higher education,
vocational education, and retail services.
Policy 1.1 Support the development of retail and
commercial services to meet the needs of the
community.
Policy 1.2 Support clean industry by providing
large parcels suitable for development and
supporting infrastructure.
Policy 1.3 Support actions to preserve the charm
and improve the character of Yelm's historic
Central Business District.
Policy 1.4 Encourage new commercial services to
locate in existing commercially zoned areas.
Policy 1.5 Encourage the location of higher
education and vocational education institutions in
Yelm, focused on the areas of interest in Yelm, such
as:
• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Forestry
Policy 1.6 Market Yelm's attractions to tourists:
such as its agricultural setting, views of Mount
Rainier, location at the head of the proposed
regional railway right-of-way trail, fishing, hiking,
bicycling, horseback riding, and day -trip proximity
to Mount Rainier, ocean, and theme parks.
Policy 1.7 Support the development of a survey
of the strengths and weaknesses of the local
economy and develop strategies to address the
results.
Policy 1.8 Support the development of a
summary of the state of the local economy.
Policyl.9 Join with the Thurston Economic
Development Council to identify potential
businesses to locate in Yelm's industrial areas.
Policy 1.10 Join with the Thurston Economic
Development Council to promote cottage
industries within the community.
Policy 1.11 Coordinate with State run Universities
and Community Colleges to promote Yelm as a
satellite location for a State education center.
City of Yelm 87 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 2: Coordinate economic development
efforts to attract and retain businesses and
jobs.
Policy 2.1 Support efforts by the Thurston
Economic Development Council and Yelm Chamber
of Commerce to develop an intergovernmental
collaboration and coordination panel focused on
sustainability and aligned with economic
development organizations.
Policy 2.2 Support regional efforts to establish
and update a matrix of development processes and
publish a white paper as the guidepost for
comprehensive plan updates and local land use
issues.
Policy 2.3 Coordinate with other permitting
jurisdictions to advocate for permitting vision,
clarity, and predictability.
Policy 2.4 Support regional efforts to create a
community -wide vision and action plan for
coordinated and efficient governance that enlists
multiple organizations in the implementation of
defined community priorities and goals.
Policy 2.5 Encourage the creation of a City
economic development effort to include marketing
to attract new businesses that are consistent with
the community's vision, to support retaining
existing businesses, and to support small
businesses.
Policy 2.6 Explore opportunities to defer or delay
system development charges to encourage new
business and facilitate revitalization in the City.
Policy 2.7 Explore incentive opportunities to
encourage infill development within the City.
Goal 3: Foster industry clusters to create
jobs and increase revenue circulation
locally.
Policy 3.1 Support efforts to create local
opportunities for educational funding.
Policy 3.2 Support efforts to encourage the
Washington State Legislature to create business
tax incentives/credits.
Goal 4: Create an innovation culture to
encourage entrepreneurship.
Policy 4.1 Support regional efforts to explore
public-private partnerships for creation of a
community artist's center as a place for arts to
exist and interact.
Policy 4.2 Support efforts to evaluate the
potential for dedicating a public building within the
Central Business District for use as a South County
telework center, perhaps co -located with a small
business incubator, library, or other appropriate
use.
Policy 4.3 Support private efforts to recruit
artists and entertainers to create vital urban places
that make the community an exciting place to live
and attract young innovators.
Policy 4.4 Evaluate zoning changes in residential
districts to allow small scale commercial
development as a special use when it will enhance
the character and livability of individual
neighborhoods by:
• Promoting walkability to conveniences
• Developing a sense of place within the
neighborhood
• Reducing the need to drive and park at more
remote commercial locations
Goal 5: Provide robust infrastructure to
support economic development.
Policy 5.1 Support/preserve long-term
investment in multimodal transportation.
Policy5.2 Build capacity in telecommunications
and fiber networks for commercial & industrial
properties/business parks and employment
centers.
City of Yelm 88 Comprehensive Plan
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
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
Council's efforts to implement the Sustainable
Economy action plan.
City of Yelm 89 Comprehensive Plan
r
91 PARKS AND RECREATION
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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;
• Continuing to support youth and adult sport
activity needs, building new facilities in
cooperation with schools and other public
and private partners; and
• Accommodating community needs for
gathering spaces that also provide capacity
for events that bring in attendees from
other areas of the region - as much as
possible - regional and state user needs for
special events in park and recreation
facilities.
Policy 1.6. Continue efforts toward developing,
maintaining and improving current park areas,
facilities and programs according to their current
master plans including:
• Cochrane Memorial Park;
• Longmire Community Park;
• Yelm City Park;
• Yelm Dog Park;
• Yelm Skate Park;
• Yelm Sidewalk and Bikeways Program; and
• Thurston Regional Trails Plan.
Policy 1.7 Create a unified system of open space
lands for public use and enjoyment which
integrates critical area, habitat buffers, wastewater
reuse or recycling areas, habitat restoration or
enhancement areas, and public lands.
Policy 1.8 Prioritize available funds for parks and
open space lands to:
• Maintain existing park and trail areas;
• Add land to existing and identify new park
or open space areas;
• Construct identified facilities within existing
park areas;
• Acquire additional parks land to create
green space parks which provide new parks,
paths and trails, supporting outdoor family
activities and recreation with covered space
for gathering; and
• Explore opportunity of a Yelm gateway,
such as a trail overpass over Yelm Avenue,
or another opportunity that will connect the
Prairie Line Trail, and create a more
walkable downtown and attract visitors to
the Central Business District to enhance
economic development.
Policy 1.9 Include park features that promote
arts, culture, and education.
City of Yelm 92 Comprehensive Plan
Goal 2: Acquire and develop additional
park and open space lands to meet the
needs of the community.
Policy 2.1. Acquire land and develop new park,
trail, and recreation facilities which may include the
following community priorities:
a. Land for athletic fields and play areas;
b. Community recreation facilities that can
accommodate facilities such as a swimming
pool, gym, meeting areas, and multiuse
spaces;
c. Neighborhood parks and a special use park;
and
Policy 2.3 Require park, trails, and community
recreation facilities to:
a. Accommodate the physically handicapped
and the elderly;
b. Provide adequate parking at each facility;
c. Considers the long-term maintenance of the
facility;
d. Design landscaping and amenities that allows
easy surveillance from street edges and
surrounding properties, and
e. Provide incentives for developments that
provide additional parks, trails, or
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.
Citv of Yelm 93 Comprehensive Plan