Olympia City Council approves updated land use chapter for 2045 Comprehensive Plan 

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, in turn introducing several changes to guide the city’s long-term development strategy.  

Community Planning and Economic Development Senior Planner David Ginter presented the chapter during a council meeting on Monday, Nov. 10. He said the update aims to simplify planning, improve accessibility, and guide the city’s growth over the next two decades.  

One major change consolidates the city’s three lowest density residential designations — Low Density, Medium Density and Mixed Residential — into a single Urban Residential category. Ginther said the update better reflects existing current development patterns, with zoning districts remaining unchanged and no proposed rezones.  

The chapter allows small-scale commercial uses in residential neighborhoods, such as corner stores, child care facilities and other local services. The regulations include safeguards to ensure compatibility with surrounding homes, while fostering social cohesion and providing easy access for residents to meet their basic needs and amenities.  

The chapter also incorporates recommendations from city advisory groups, including policies related to residential infill, environmental justice, mobility and accessibility, adaptive reuse of buildings and equitable access to green space.  

Housing-related goals have been moved to a separate housing chapter.  

During public comment, Olympia resident Judy Bardin raised concerns about the updated chapter, saying it decreases livability for current residents.  

She criticized Policy 6.2 for removing considerations of livability and character from the design review process, replacing them with a “streamlined review process to allow for sufficient housing.” 

Bardin also raised concerns about Policy 6.4, which no longer requires multi-family housing to reduce in size near lower-density neighborhoods. She said it now results in tall buildings dwarfing single-story houses.  

She also pointed to Policy 20.3, which encourages higher densities near neighborhood centers to support transit and businesses. Bardin called the approach “backward,” arguing neighborhoods should serve residents first, not transit systems or commercial interests.  

During the discussion, council members acknowledged Bardin’s concerns.  

In response to Bardin’s concerns, Councilman Jim Cooper said the comprehensive plan is intended to provide flexibility rather than rigid rules, allowing gradual and achievable outcomes over time.  

Councilman Robert Vanderpool also explained that zoning changes aim to make development more equitable for both market and non-market housing providers, such as Habitat for Humanity, cooperatives and land trusts.  

He added the city’s existing code “has evolved over the years, creating barriers that require incremental adjustments,” and allowing flexible uses so that properties can respond to community needs.