Thursday, October 1, 2026
A proposed 24-unit residential development on Tumwater Boulevard is one step closer to being built.
Tumwater Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir approved requests related to the project from developer Tenino Land Company LLC. The city released the decisions on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The rulings allow Tenino Land Company LLC to deviate from certain development standards, as well as secure a preliminary binding site plan for the 10.65-acre property.
The development would be located between Dennis Street and Tumwater Boulevard. Two wetland areas occupy much of the space, restricting the development to the southwest portion of the site.
Due to the condition of the land, the developer requested a planned unit development in order to reduce the buffer zone of one of the wetlands from the standard 150 feet to 110 feet.
In exchange, city staff determined the developer needed two points of public benefit, which can be met through dedicated open space and habitat enhancements in the wetland buffers. The enhancements include the removal of invasive species, planting of native vegetation and installation of wildlife boxes.
Four-foot tall rail fencing would be constructed along the buffer zone prior to construction. Wetland buffer signs must also be installed every 50 feet.
At a public hearing on Sept. 24, community members spoke about the project’s potential impact on the wetlands.
In response, Scheibmeir wrote the applicant demonstrated to city staff that the project’s proposed stormwater system would mimic natural conditions to avoid significant impact on the wetlands.
The project also drew objections from the Port of Olympia, which operates Olympia Regional Airport. Director of Operations Warren Hendrickson argued the project conflicts with state aviation guidelines on allowed uses for areas near the airport.
City staff considers the units as single-family housing, which Hendrickson said is prohibited under the guidelines. In Scheibmeir’s decision, he said the guidelines were non-controlling.
Hendrickson also requested an avigation easement (air space rights), which the examiner stated was not presented to the city in advance of the hearing.
“It is surprising for the airport to suggest this controversial, complex easement without consultation with the city and without advance notice to the applicant,” Scheibmeir wrote.
Scheibmeir likewise dismissed the airport's suggestion to shift the project away from the path of its runway and closer to the wetlands, calling it “surprisingly unrealistic.”
The decision allows Tenino Land Company to proceed, but the project must still satisfy dozens of conditions, including road improvements, fire protection standards, cultural resource studies and other requirements.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
BobJacobs
How can this project be "Dennis Street and Tumwater Boulevard"? These two streets meet at right angles. There is no "between".
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Report this
JasonS
Dennis St and Tumwater Blvd don't meet at all, BobJacobs. That's how the project can be in between.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
This development sucks and is contributing to the wholesale destruction of Tumwater. We will become Federal Way soon enough. If you don't understand what I mean, look at an aerial photo of Federal Way.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Report this