Hearing examiner signals approval for Vmont Place subdivision in Yelm, ties build to gopher conservation and traffic fixes

Hearing Examiner Mark Shipmire announced he will approve the preliminary plat for Vmont Place, a proposed 150‑lot subdivision on 19.2 acres at 9410 Mountain View Road in Yelm, saying he will issue written findings and conditions shortly.

Shipmire, who opened the April 2 hearing by telling participants that "this is not a popularity contest," described his role as a fact‑finder applying Yelm’s land‑use rules. He said he had reviewed the staff report and public comments and would set conditions in his written decision to address issues raised in testimony.

City planning staff, represented by Andrew Kohler, told the hearing the applicant had agreed to a key limitation: "the preliminary plat will be approved while prohibiting any site‑disturbing activities until a habitat conservation plan is formally adopted," because the site is known to host a population of mazama pocket gophers. Kohler said the city is drafting an HCP for the species and expects that work to continue into 2027; the city and applicant agreed the plat may be approved now but cleared for…