09/04/2026 - We Need Your Input - Small Scale Commercial Uses in Residential Neighborhoods

Small Scale Commercial Uses Input Requested

As part of the 2025 update to the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan, the Olympia City Council discussed allowing a limited range of small businesses within residential neighborhoods. The goal is to support small-scale commercial uses that provide convenient goods and services to nearby residents. The Comprehensive Plan currently recommends that these businesses be allowed through a conditional use permit, which would regulate the type of business, its size and scale, and apply design standards to reduce impacts on surrounding properties. The City Council added this set of amendments to the Community Development Department's 2026 Work Plan.

City staff will draft the proposed amendments using initial community input gathered through an online questionnaire and written comments. We want to hear your thoughts on what types of businesses should be allowed, how large they should be, and what requirements are needed to minimize impacts within residential neighborhoods. This community guidance will shape the first draft of the amendments. The draft will be shared with the community before it is presented to the Planning Commission.

Please participate in the online questionnaire available on the project webpage on the Engage Olympia website. The survey closes on September 15.

Send an email to [email protected] to request to be on the Parties of Record email list or to provide written comments. Letters may be sent to: David Ginther, City of Olympia, Community Development, PO Box 1967, Olympia WA 98507-1967.

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