While updating their comprehensive plan in 2025, the Olympia City Council discussed allowing small businesses to provide residents with options for goods and services in their neighborhoods. The council placed this on the Community Development Department’s workplan in 2026.
City staff will be drafting proposed amendments to city code based on input they receive from a survey on small-scale commercial uses in residential neighborhoods and any written comments they receive.
The survey consists of seven questions and a comment box. The questions are:
- What types of businesses should be allowed?
- What should business building size be limited to?
- Should building size be limited based on the kind of business?
- Should drive-throughs/drive-ins be allowed?
- How much off-street parking should be allowed?
- What should hours of operation be limited to?
- What name should be used for this type of land use/business?
(Note: you must be registered and sign in to Engage Olympia to take the survey)
Additional information about this topic on the city’s website
Link to survey on Small-Scale Commercial Uses in Residential Neighborhoods
If you have comments or suggestions you would like to share on this topic, please consider taking the survey or providing written comments to Senior Planner David Ginther. You can email him at dginther@ci.olympia.wa.us or send a letter via U.S. mail to:
David Ginther
City of Olympia Community Development Department
PO Box 1967, Olympia WA 98507-1967
The survey closes on Tues, Sept 15, 2026.
The South Capitol Neighborhood Association also will be holding a community forum on this topic and on home-based businesses on Weds, Oct 21, 2026 6:30 pm at the Lincoln Elementary cafeteria.
South Capitol Neighborhood Association 