Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on Wednesday, Aug. 13, to review a proposed multifamily residential development at 1525 Palomino Drive SE.
According to Caleb Perkins, of RJ Development, the project aims to subdivide an approximately 1.36-acre, undeveloped parcel into six separate lots, each accommodating either a three-story triplex or a two-story fourplex.
He said the initiative is designed to provide market-rate housing options in response to the ongoing demand for diverse and affordable living spaces in Thurston County and Olympia.
Associate Planner Jackson Ewing noted the site, zoned Professional Office/Residential Multi-Family (PO/RM), is situated at the boundary between Olympia and Tumwater, but falls entirely within the jurisdiction of Olympia.
Because the property was recently part of a three-lot short plat recorded in June 2021, Ewing said any further subdivision within five years requires a preliminary long plat process, including a public hearing. This five-year period expires in June 2026, after which a standard short plat could be pursued.
He reviewed the site plan and narrative, confirming the proposed lot sizes appear to meet the minimum requirements for triplex and fourplex development.
Ewing emphasized the need for compliance with tree preservation requirements, noting the previous tree tract applies to a different lot, so the project must provide its tract. Specifically, 30 tree units per acre must be preserved, with 75% of those tree units located in a dedicated soil and vegetation protection tract.
Ewing also said there is a requirement for a 5-foot visual screen along the southern property line, per city landscaping and screening codes. He pointed out the codes do not require subdivision; the applicant could develop the site as a single parcel with multiple buildings, which would alter some requirements, such as reducing the tree tract preservation threshold to 50%.
Olympia's Engineering Plan Examiner Zulaika Kim confirmed water and sewer stubs are available at the site, installed during a previous development along Palomino Drive. The project would need to extend the utilities to serve each lot.
Sewer connection charges would be calculated based on the number of units, whether the site is subdivided or developed as a single parcel.
Kim said since the project would create more than 5,000 square feet of new or replaced hard surface, a stormwater scoping meeting is required before application.
For solid waste, if the site is subdivided, each parcel would have curbside cart collection. If developed as a single parcel with multiple buildings, the city may require a dumpster or compactor with appropriate access for collection vehicles.
Kim noted frontage improvement has already been completed along Palomino Drive. She said if the site is subdivided and a new local access street is created, there may be a need for a right-of-way dedication for that street.
However, if the project is developed as a single parcel with multiple multifamily buildings, the city would only require the necessary curb cuts with access ramps on either side of the driveway and a private access road.
Kim noted Palomino Drive is a relatively new street and any pavement cuts within five years of its construction would be subject to restoration requirements and possible no-cut fees.
Both Kim and Ewing offered to send detailed code references and notes to guide the applicant through the planning and application process.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
chrispc2u
A link of the location to google maps would have been useful.
Friday, August 15, 2025 Report this
BobJacobs
The land in question is not indicated on the map.
Bob Jacobs
Friday, August 15, 2025 Report this
Virge13
It’s hard to see exactly where the location is.
Sunday, August 17, 2025 Report this
Olywelcomesall
Looks like a good location for this middle density style development. Just off Yelm Hwy, across from Briggs YMCA and Village. Bus line a few blocks away. Hope the apartments are truly affordable for the average Olympia wage earner. We have plenty of housing being built, it’s just not affordable housing.
Monday, August 18, 2025 Report this