Tumwater City Council adopts development code updates 

The Tumwater City Council adopted four minor development code updates, including amendments regarding accessory dwelling units, child care centers and signage. 

The council endorsed an ordinance that packages the four sets of code updates at a meeting on May 5.

Community Development Director Brad Medrud provided an overview of the updates. 

The updates clarify language regarding accessory dwelling units, as well as reflect new legislative requirements pertaining to “essential public facilities,” specifically “opioid treatment facilities” and “improvements to high-capacity transportation systems.” 

The updates also allow child care centers as permitted uses in all zoning districts, except for light industrial and airport-related zones, where the centers would be conditional uses. 

The updates also deal with signage on multi-building complexes or multi-tenant buildings facing Interstate 5. The new rules clarify when increases for signage space on the buildings may be approved. 

Before the council’s approval, the updates underwent a review by the Tumwater Planning Commission, which recommended it for approval on April 14.

Mendrud addressed other code changes proposed by the council members and the mayor in previous meetings, saying the council would have a meeting with Community Development Deputy Director Sharon Lumbantobing in August to check in on a work program, as well as initiate discussions on next year’s work.