Tumwater planning commission schedules June 23 hearing on building demolition ordinance

The Tumwater Planning Commission voted at its June 9 meeting to schedule a public hearing for June 23 on a proposed ordinance that clarifies demolition rules, including a new definition of “foundation.”

Staff said the revised draft adds a definition of foundation drawn from the International Building Code so the ordinance will explicitly cover demolition of both buildings and their foundations. "We did add a definition for foundation as defined by the International Building Code," said Mr. McKenna, the commission's newly introduced associate planner.

The change does not create a blanket requirement to remove every foundation, staff and commissioners emphasized. Commissioners discussed that the city would retain discretion to permit leaving foundation elements in place when appropriate — for example when piling or subsurface elements would not affect future use or when the site will be rebuilt — and that such decisions would be reflected in permit conditions.

Staff pointed to the permit process and a written demolition work schedule requirement in Section 155.035(F), which covers project logistics such as street closures, dates for building moving, how the site will be addressed after demolition, removal or retention of foundations, final grading and erosion control. The commission heard that any plan to leave foundation elements would need to be identified and permitted as part of that schedule.

Commissioner Roundsley moved and Commissioner Nelson seconded a motion to set a public hearing on the draft ordinance for June 23, 2026; the motion passed by voice vote, with no recorded oppositions in the transcript. Staff said the item will return to the commission for the public hearing and a subsequent recommendation to the council.

The hearing will give residents and stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the draft ordinance before the commission forwards its recommendation to the City Council.