Thurston County to open public hearing on ordinance allowing surplus county land for affordable housing

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners set a public hearing to consider amending county code to allow surplus county property to be disposed of for affordable housing and other public-benefit housing uses.

The change would modify the county’s existing property-disposal rules in County Code 2.1.04 to permit sale or transfer of surplus parcels at less-than-appraised rates when there is a public benefit, Rick Thomas, capital projects planning manager, told the board. "This would give the commissioners the opportunity to use surplus property for affordable housing and other types of public benefit," Thomas said.

The amendment follows a change in state law, Thomas said, and would create the local legal framework required before the county could designate specific surplus parcels for housing. He told the board a public hearing would be scheduled and that, if the ordinance amendment is approved, the county could then consider surplusing one parcel the board has been discussing. The county will continue to consider any disposals case-by-case; the code change would only enable discounted transfers when the board finds a public benefit.

Commissioners referenced a specific local request: Homes First has asked to use two properties it has used for about 20 years, and staff said that process would follow the code change if the board approves it after the hearing. Commissioner Emily Clouse asked for clarity and noted she would be watching for public input from Homes First and others.

No formal vote on the ordinance was recorded at the agenda-setting meeting; staff said the public hearing will be scheduled and brought back to the board for action at a later business meeting.

If approved later, the amendment would allow the board to consider transfers at rates below appraised value (for example, at cost or for a nominal dollar) when it determines a demonstrable public benefit such as affordable housing.