Public hearing on Thurston 2045 draws wide comment on ADUs, rural clustering, BESS rules, farmland and housing

The Thurston 2045 comprehensive plan update drew a broad cross-section of public testimony on Nov. 4 as the Board of County Commissioners closed a lengthy third public hearing and signaled it will hold follow-up work sessions before a final decision scheduled for Dec. 16.

Planning Director Ashley Arai summarized the multi-year process and engagement to date, noting more than 60 community events and extensive Planning Commission review. "Since 2022, the CPED team has hosted over 60 community engagement opportunities," Arai said, and the plan remains open to revision before final adoption.

Key themes from public testimony

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): Mixed views. Realtor Jessica Grubb urged the county to allow larger detached ADUs and fewer location restrictions, arguing the draft cap of 800 square feet and a 100-foot proximity requirement for attached units will block viable housing. "The proposed limit of 800 square feet is unnecessarily restrictive," Grubb said, and she asked the board to permit placement where wells, septic and other site constraints make sense.

Opposing many of the same…