The Olympia Planning Commission met on September 22, 2026, to conduct a public hearing on the Preliminary 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and receive a briefing on proposed amendments to the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO). The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. and adjourned at 8:32 p.m. The commission unanimously recommended the CFP with considerations and scheduled a public hearing on the CAO for October 5, 2026.
Staff introduced the revised plan, noting the six-year total of $412.6 million (up from $396.6 million originally, a 6% increase) and a revised first-year budget of $82.3 million (up from $70.3 million). Commissioners discussed ongoing concerns: Vice Chair Daniel Garcia highlighted the declining cable tax without a replacement and the need for more mobility and pedestrian/cyclist safety projects. Commissioner Jessica Grubb expressed concern about a projected 25% decline in Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) revenues, which accounts for 20% of the transportation budget. Commissioner Zainab Nejati noted that the Waste Resources facility (currently $51 million) has only a 10% contingency and a high likelihood of cost growth. Chair Greg Quetin raised deferred maintenance issues, especially for transportation, where the pavement condition index (PCI) is 66 against a goal of 75, with only $2.86 million per year invested versus an estimated $16 million needed. Commissioner Jessica Grubb added that property value declines may affect general obligation bonds for fire stations. Concerns about grant funding uncertainties and the difficulty of raising the PCI also emerged. Commissioner Nejati moved to recommend the plan as proposed with considerations to be documented in a comment letter; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Jason Taellious and passed unanimously.
Current Planning Manager Kernan Lien presented proposed amendments driven by best available science (BAS). Key changes include: adopting Option 1 for wetland buffers (based on mitigation measures and habitat corridors); maintaining current stream buffers (consistent with site-potential tree height of 196-235 feet); adding provisions for functionally disconnected buffers and non-conforming structures (limited to hard surfaces); consolidating geologically hazardous area reviews as administrative; adjusting trail disturbance thresholds; and requiring hydrogeologic reports for underground injection controls deeper than 20 feet in wellhead protection areas. Commissioners asked clarifying questions: Commissioner Nejati questioned whether a pipe under a road could make a buffer functionally connected; Commissioner Raphael Garcia asked about the basis for the 4,000-square-foot threshold for Category IV wetlands; Commissioner Jason Taellious inquired about fencing requirements; and Commissioner Grubb noted that GIS wetland data is not fully up-to-date. The briefing was informational; a public hearing is set for October 5, 2026, with potential deliberations on October 19, 2026.
Hello, this meeting is now called to order. Welcome to the September 21st, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. We'll begin with the roll call. Casey, will you please call the roll? Uh Chair Queen. Here. Vice Chair Daniel Garcia. Here. Commissioner Berger. Here. Commissioner Rafael Garcia here. Commissioner Grubb. Yeah. Commissioner Ibrahimovich. Here. Commissioner Nanjati. Here. Commissioner Taylor's present. And we have quorum, Chair. Great. Thank you, Casey. What was that? I'm here to call in it. My apologies, uh, Commissioner Sarov. Thanks. Sorry about that. Last and not to be called. Uh okay. Our first order of business is approval of tonight's agenda. Do I have a motion and can the motion maker please state their name? This is Jason, so moved. Seconded. It's been moved by Jason and seconded by Daniel to approve the agenda for the September 21st Planning Commission meeting. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed saying nay. Any abstentions? Okay. The agenda has been approved as submitted. Moving on to approval of the minutes from the August 17th, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. Is there a motion? So moved a second. Jessica. Sorry, who made the first motion? I said so moved and just got a second. Great. It has been moved by Daniel and seconded by Jessica to approve the minutes from the August 17th, 2026 Planning Commission meeting. All those in favor say aye. Any opposed, say nay. Any abstentions?