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Public comments probe housing changes in Thurston 2045; Grand Mound, ADUs and transit‑adjacent rural housing debated
Summary
Planning staff described multiple housing code updates in Thurston 2045. Public commenters urged constraints on ADU size and location, opposed residential uses in commercial arterial zones, and several speakers advocated for transit‑adjacent rural affordable housing.
County staff described a comprehensive rewrite of the housing chapter and multiple code changes to address housing needs and new state law requirements.
Maya Tippel, senior planner, said the housing chapter is a "full repeal and replace" and will show housing projections by income level, a land‑capacity analysis, assessments of racially disparate impacts, and policy changes including a rural 5% growth target and options for Grand Mound. Tippel said the code packet includes two Grand Mound options to address low‑income housing deficits and an option to allow two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within the Grand Mound urban growth area.
Charlotte Persons, representing Black Hills Audubon Society, urged limits on detached ADUs in rural areas because they can spread development and increase resource use. "Please add a requirement that the detached ADUs must be a maximum of 30 feet from the main residence," Persons said, and she asked that ADU size be limited to 800 square feet rather than the 1,000 square feet proposed in the draft for detached units.
A representative of Conco Companies, Darren (last name not provided in testimony), said his firm supports residential density options in residential zones but opposes requiring residential components in properties zoned commercial arterial in Grand Mound. "We would oppose residential components in those commercial arterial zoned properties," he said, citing safety and compatibility concerns.
One commenter speaking from a rural area urged the county to adopt and fund policy 2.8.6 (transit‑adjacent rural housing), arguing such a policy would reduce vehicle miles traveled and support equitable access to jobs and services. That speaker recommended a joint working group with transit agencies, monitoring metrics for ridership and vehicle‑mile reductions, and coordination with transit providers to operationalize transit‑oriented rural housing.
No final approvals occurred at the hearing; the public record remains open for written comment. Staff said the draft contains multiple options for Grand Mound and ADU rules that commissioners and the public can weigh in on during the review process.
