Development

Olympia City Council Approves Critical Areas Ordinance Update

Friday, September 18, 2026

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Olympia City Council approved a Critical Areas Ordinance update on September 17, 2026. The change reflects current Best Available Science to protect natural resources under the city's Comprehensive Plan.

The ordinance update, identified as SEPA #202603924, amends Olympia Municipal Code 18. 32. It requires developers to follow updated environmental standards for critical areas like wetlands and wildlife habitats. Comments on the update were due by October 1, 2026.

This change affects future development projects in Olympia, including housing and commercial sites. Developers must now comply with the new standards when applying for permits.

📄 Source: WA Ecology SEPA — Thurston County — https://data.wa.gov/resource/mmcb-z6jf.json?countyname=THURSTON

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Olympia City Council approved a Critical Areas Ordinance update on September 17, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The change reflects current Best Available Science to protect natural resourcesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ordinance update is identified as SEPA #202603924No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ordinance update amends Olympia Municipal Code 18. 32“Amending Olympia Municipal Code 18.32 critical areas to reflect current Best Available Science (BAS) as part of the Olympia 20245 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update.”
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The ordinance requires developers to follow updated environmental standards for critical areasNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ordinance includes updated environmental standards for wetlandsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The ordinance includes updated environmental standards for wildlife habitatsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Comments on the update were due by October 1, 2026“Comments due: 2026-10-01”
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The change affects future development projects in OlympiaNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The change affects future housing development projects in OlympiaNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The change affects future commercial development projects in OlympiaNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Developers must comply with the new standards when applying for permitsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.