Olympia Hearing Examiner Approves Bank Shoreline Permits - April 14, 2026

On the evening of April 14, 2026, City Hearing Examiner Mark Scheidemeyer convened a public hearing to consider a shoreline substantial development permit and a shoreline conditional use permit for Washington Federal Bank. The project proposes demolishing an existing 5,500 sq ft vacant office building at 406 Water Street SW (corner of Water and Fourth Avenue) and constructing a 2,400 sq ft bank with a drive‑through lane and parking. The site lies within shoreline jurisdiction due to its proximity to West Bay/Percival Landing, though separated by a street. The hearing included testimony from city staff, the applicant, and one member of the public.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luke Viscusey (public attendee) – Asked about the proposed building height and whether it complies with shoreline height restrictions. City staff confirmed the one‑story building is 23 ft tall, well below the 35‑ft or 90‑ft limits applicable in the area. No other public comments or opposition were presented.

Discussion Items

• City Staff Presentation (Casey Mock, Planner) – Reviewed the project’s compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program, historic preservation requirements, engineering standards, and other city codes. Key points:
  • The non‑water‑oriented bank use is appropriate because the site is functionally separated from the shoreline by a street and will not harm the shoreline environment.
  • A cultural resources assessment identified the site as a potential archaeological area; the applicant must obtain a permit from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) prior to engineering permits, and coordinate with tribes for monitoring/trenching.
  • Traffic analysis showed only a net increase of one daily trip compared to the prior office use (39 vs. 40 trips), so no additional traffic mitigation was required.
  • Additional lighting was recommended by a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) review in response to a neighboring property owner’s concerns about alley safety; the lighting is shielded from the shoreline by the building.
  • Parking is not required for a branch under 3,000 sq ft; the applicant chose to provide a few spaces, with on‑street parking available nearby.
• Applicant Representatives (Michael Winnick and Joe Beretta) – Expressed appreciation for the city’s assistance and confirmed they will work with DAHP on the cultural permit. Emphasized eagerness to build a “beautiful building” on the corner.
• Hearing Examiner Questions – Explored traffic impacts, lighting, archaeological findings, and parking balance. Staff responses confirmed no significant impacts and that conditions address potential issues.

Key Outcomes

• Decision – Hearing Examiner Mark Scheidemeyer approved both the shoreline substantial development permit and the shoreline conditional use permit, finding the project consistent with all applicable regulations and complementary to the downtown and shoreline environment.
• Conditions of Approval – Recommended by staff and adopted: comply with DAHP permit (including tribal consultation), implement lighting per CPTED recommendations, replace damaged sidewalks/ramps, provide bike parking, install a tree in each parking lot island, meet tree density or pay in‑lieu fee, submit bonds for vegetation and maintenance, pay impact fees, and follow allowed construction hours.
• Next Steps – The shoreline conditional use permit requires final approval from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The applicant must also obtain engineering permits before construction.