Lacey public works standards update proposes street‑tree separation, private street flexibility and septic‑connection threshold

City staff presented proposed amendments to Lacey’s Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards at the July 8 work session, focusing on tree‑planting separation requirements, a new allowance for SPR committee modification of private residential street standards, and a financial threshold for mandatory sewer connection when on‑site septic systems fail.

The amendments aim to reduce maintenance conflicts between street trees and utilities on increasingly smaller lots and to give flexibility on private streets in cottage‑style or environmentally constrained developments. Staff said the current trend toward smaller, front‑loaded lots and the proliferation of step (step‑tank) sewer systems leave little room in the planter strip for street trees without repeated root‑related damage to sidewalks, water and sewer boxes, and other infrastructure.

Street trees and separation: Project manager Joey Etter told the council the draft chapter introduces minimum separation distances between street trees and utilities/driveways to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and infrastructure damage. Staff acknowledged that root barriers and selective tree species help but are not foolproof. Council members pressed staff on alternatives, including planting trees elsewhere in developments (tree tracks, private yards, parks) and incentives to preserve canopy off the public right‑of‑way.

Private residential streets: The proposed amendment would permit the SPR (Streets, Parks & Recreation or similar review) committee to modify public‑right‑of‑way standards for private streets — for example, in cottage developments or where a development abuts wetlands or other constrained open space — allowing meandering sidewalks or reduced planter strips where pedestrian connectivity is provided by other means.

Septic‑to‑sewer connection threshold: Staff proposed a financial test to allow property owners with failing on‑site septic systems to repair or replace their septic system instead of being required to connect to city sewer when the cost of extension and connection would exceed 15% of the assessed value of the land and improvements. That 15% exemption would not apply in shoreline jurisdiction areas; staff said shoreline properties remain required to connect. Staff cited examples: a duplex on Carpenter Road whose sewer extension and connection costs were estimated at roughly $100,000; typical septic repairs were cited at about $35,000–$45,000.

Funding context and utilities rebates: Staff noted connection fees and available lot rebates are applied in cost calculations; the 15% test includes both construction and connection fees. Councilors additionally asked about the city fund that offsets connection costs (ULID/connection subsidies); staff said that fund has been largely expended and is likely two years away from restoration, and that the city has a prioritized list of basins for future investments.

Why it matters: Council members framed the amendments as balancing goals: protecting infrastructure and containing long‑term maintenance costs while pursuing tree canopy and affordable housing objectives. Staff recommended adopting the spacing standards to reduce infrastructure conflicts, then bringing a “phase two” package to the council that would explore incentives, off‑site tree planting or other canopy preservation measures during the comprehensive plan and development‑regulation update.

Next steps: Staff will return with the formal ordinance/resolution and Lacey Municipal Code (LMC) amendments to adopt the Development Guidelines concurrently with the LMC language that moves chapter 1 into the code, avoiding a regulatory gap.

Ending note: Council members urged staff to craft mitigation and incentive measures to preserve canopy in other ways and to explore accelerating the comp plan/regulation work so private development and public‑right‑of‑way standards are coordinated.