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Olivia council adopts administrative policy to clarify treatment of nonconforming structures
Summary
Council adopted a new administrative policy governing nonconforming structures, clarifying when repairs and limited horizontal expansion are allowed while preventing increased encroachment into required setbacks or creation of new variances.
The Olivia City Council voted to adopt an administrative policy that clarifies how the city will handle nonconforming structures — for example, older garages that sit partially within setback areas.
Staff explained the policy allows property owners to repair nonconforming structures and, in some limited cases, enlarge them horizontally provided the work does not increase the existing deviation into setback or create a new zoning variance. "You can fix it but you can't make it bigger…you can't increase that deviation," a staff member explained while clarifying the policy permits modest horizontal extensions that do not change the structure’s nonconforming status.
A motion to approve the policy was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. Councilors said the policy will provide a more consistent and predictable administrative process for residents and staff handling nonconforming building requests.
Staff will implement the policy administratively and incorporate guidance into planning materials for applicants.
