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Thurston County panel backs 'support' language for 5% rural growth aim, directs ADU and conservation policy changes
Summary
County commissioners directed staff to adopt language that 'supports a sustainable development pattern' aiming to limit new rural growth to 5%, and instructed staff to draft rural detached ADU and conservation subdivision code language for final action on Dec. 16. The board also directed reductions to barriers for cluster developments and delayed new battery‑storage rules for more review.
Thurston County commissioners on Dec. 2 directed staff to revise the county’s comprehensive plan language so it “support[s] a sustainable development pattern that reduces the share of new growth in rural areas to 5% and focus[es] future development within urban areas,” and they instructed staff to prepare implementing code language before final action on Dec. 16.
The board’s vote followed a lengthy staff presentation and legal briefing that, according to staff, advised using the word “support” rather than “establish” to avoid triggering immediate, state‑level challenges that could require the county to enact zoning changes before it has completed implementing steps. Vice Chair Wayne moved the direction and the board voted to incorporate the softened language into the draft…
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