The City of Olympia is preparing changes to its housing-related municipal code this Spring to allow greater density. In 2024, the state Legislature adopted new requirements for denser housing and required all cities in our state to update their local code to comply with these new requirements. The Journal of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater (aka the Daily JOLT) published a good, in-depth analysis of the proposed changes. The Olympian also published an article with the details on February 26.
The changes proposed by the City go beyond the minimum requirements of the state law in several respects. For example, the City proposes allowing denser housing (up to 6 units) across a larger area around frequent transit stops than is required by law. This applies to the South Capitol Neighborhood because we are served by frequent transit service. There are several other important changes proposed that residents should know about.
As a Recognized Neighborhood Association we have the ability to meet with City officials and discuss these proposed amendments before they are finalized by the City Council. The neighborhood association board of directors has scheduled a meeting with Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner of the City of Olympia on March 19, 6:30 pm in the Lincoln Elementary School cafeteria to have this discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend, learn, ask questions and provide comments to the city during this meeting.
We hope to see you there.
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 
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