CITY OF TUMWATER
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
FAQs by Department
Executive Department
Community Development
Development Review Division
Planning & Facilities Division
Finance/Court
Fire Department
Administrative Services Department (Human Resources & Information Technology)
City Attorney's Office
Old Town Center
Police Department
Public Works
Utility Billing
Executive Department
Q. When are City Council meetings?
A. The first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Council chambers at City Hall.
Q. Where is City Hall? How do I find it?
A. The address is 555 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98501. Tumwater Boulevard exit on I-5.
Q. How can I talk with the Mayor?
A. Call 360-754-4120 and talk with staff in the Mayor’s office; If the Mayor is unavailable, they may be able to refer you to other staff who are knowledgeable about your concerns
Q. What’s Tumwater’s population?
A. 17,570
Q. When was Tumwater incorporated?
A. 1869
Q. How can I leave a message for the Mayor or a Councilmember?
A. Call 360-754-4120. During business hours a staff person will take the message or transfer your call to voicemail; after business hours, the voicemail system offers a menu to "walk" you through the system to leave your message.
Q. Does each Councilmember represent a certain area in the city?
A. No.
Q. I have something to say to the Council; how do I do that?
A. If you want to address an issue that is scheduled for public hearing, plan to attend the Council meeting and speak during the hearing; if you want to speak regarding another issue, speak up during the "Public Comment" period held early during every Council meeting.
Q. I’d like to volunteer on one of the citizen boards; how do I do that?
A. Call Executive Department at 360-754-4120 and request that information packet. A staff person will also talk with you regarding your areas of interest or expertise.
Executive Dept.
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Finance Department
Q. What services does the Finance Department offer?
A. Accounting, Audit, Accounts Payable, Budget, Capital Improvement Program, Cash Management, Equipment Rental and Replacement Program, Financial Reporting, Maintenance of Grant Records, Municipal Court, Payroll, Purchasing, Risk management Services, Utility Billing (water, sewer and storm sewer).
Q. How are my property taxes calculated?
A. Your property taxes are calculated by multiplying your home's assessed value by the tax "rate." The Thurston County Assessor's Office determines your property's value, which is based on true-market value. the tax rate is the total of all property taxes levied by all the taxing districts--School District, State, Library, County, Port, Emergency Management Service (911), Conservation Futures, Public Utility District, and the City. The City's share of the property tax rate is about 20% of the total property taxes you pay. All of the districts
that levy property taxes are subject to limits. The City's tax levy increase cannot exceed 1% per year without a vote of citizens.
Q. How much of my property taxes actually goes to the City?
A. Approximately 20%.
Q. How much of my sales tax is returned to the City?
A. You pay 8.5 percent (general sales tax) on every dollar, except food purchases. Less than one cent of the tax received on every dollar is returned to the City.
Finance Dept.
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Utility Billing
Q. When is my payment due?
A. Your monthly bill is due by the 25th of the month unless the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, then the next business day.
Q. What if I did not receive my bill in the mail?
A. Your account is billed every month. If you do not receive your bill, you should call our office immediately. You are responsible for the bill whether it is received or not.
Q. What happens if my water is turned off for non-payment?
A. Service will be restored upon payment of the bill, including a $15.00 late fee.
Q. Can I turn my meter on or off?
A. No. A City employee will do this for you at no cost. The water meter is the property of the City and damages to the meter could be charged to you. Call the Water Department at 360-754-4150.
Q. What if I feel my bill is too high?
A. You can easily check for an error in the meter reading used to calculate your bill. Simply read you water meter to see if the reading if higher or lower than the reading on your bill. If it is lower, call Customer Service immediately and we will make the necessary adjustments. If the reading is higher, you should check for a leak in your house plumbing or service line.
Q. How do I check for a leak?
A.
1) Turn off all water in and outside of your house. Do not turn off the master valve.
2) Record the reading on your meter.
3) Do not use any water in your home for 2 hours.
4) Recheck the meter every 20 minutes for 2 hours. The reading should be identical to the reading taken earlier. If it is higher, you have a leak. It is your responsibility to have it repaired.
Note: Continuously running toilets can be a silent culprit. Check the overflow pipes in the toilet tanks to be sure water isn't draining. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank, don't flush and check the bowl in about 15 minutes. If any of the coloring appears in the bowl, you probably have leaking water.
Q. What are the City's responsibilities for water line repairs?
A. The City is responsible for the main line and meter up to the point of the customer's service line connection to the meter.
Q. Does the City issue an adjustment for leaks?
A. Adjustments are made one time only. If you should discover a leak, contact utility billing immediately and the matter will be investigated.
Q. Do I have any other responsibilities as a City water user?
A. Yes, you are required to keep your water meter clear and accessible for reading and maintenance purposes. This includes those meters located in utility easements. Contact Customer Service if you need information on where to find your meter.
Finance Dept.
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Administrative Services (Personnel)
Q. Are you taking applications for police officer or firefighter?
A. Please visit the Employment web page for current information.
Q. How do I find out what positions are open?
A. You may access our local cable channel, Channel 26 or view our Employment web page. Most openings are also advertised in the local newspaper, The Olympian.
Q. What is the connection between cable television services and the City?
The City of Tumwater is permitted by federal law to enter into agreements that allow cable television companies to use the city streets and right of ways for distributing cables and other necessary equipment. In return for this use of the streets and right of ways, companies are required to pay a fee to the City and to operate a cable system that offers specific features, meets technical standards and provides adequate customer service to the residents of the City.
Q. Who do I call if I am having a problem with my cable television service?
In most cases, the quickest response will come from calling the cable company at the phone number on your monthly bill. If you are not satisfied by the service you received after you have contacted the company, the City may be able to help you resolve matters. Call the Human Resources Department at 360-754-4122.
Q. Does the City broadcast Channel 26 on the AT&T Broadband cable system?
The City, as part of its present agreement with Comcast Broadband, requires the broadcast of Tumwater TV (Channel 26) over the local Comcast cable system. The channel is operated by Thurston Community Television through a contract with the City of Tumwater. The channel is limited to governmental and educational programming of interest to Tumwater residents. Questions about Tumwater TV can be addressed to the Human Resources Department at 360-754-4122.
Administrative Services
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Old Town Center
Q. What days and hours does the Old Town Center operate?
A. The center operates Monday through Friday as a senior center from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and as a youth center (for grades 3-12) after 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the center is open for youth from 2:30 - 8:00 p.m. On Fridays, the center is open until 9 p.m. for grades 3-6, and 11:00 p.m. for grades 7-12.
Q. What activities are scheduled for seniors?
A. We have a broad range of activities, including art lessons, choir, senior jam, pinochle, and social events. We also serve lunch on weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $2. For current events and monthly lunch menu, visit the Parks & Recreation page and click on Old Town Center. Or call the Parks & Recreation office: 360-754-4160.
Q. What activities are scheduled for youth?
A. The Old Town Center (OTC) offers a free, drop-in program, open to all youth. The OTC has a basketball court, pool tables, foosball tables, homework tutoring, air hockey, Playstation 2 & X-Box 360, computer access, and a nutritious snack every day! In addition to these free play options, activities are scheduled each afternoon for a wide variety of youth interests. The OTC also offers field trips and community service opportunities. Activities are fully supervised by adult program leaders. Check the Parks & Recreation page for current information and a monthly activity calendar.
Q. Can I rent the center?
A. The center is available for rental on Saturdays and Sundays. Call 360-754-4160 for further information.
Old Town Center
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City Attorney's Office
Q. When can I talk to the prosecutor about my case?
A. The prosecutor or city attorney will meet with you at a pre-trial hearing. A pre-trial hearing is set after you have entered a plea of not guilty at your arraignment. The prosecutor is present at all stages of criminal proceedings. At the pre-trial, you and/or your attorney will have the opportunity to meet privately with the prosecutor in hopes of resolving the case without a trial. If that cannot be done, then you can proceed to either a trial by jury or a bench trial (or trial to the judge).
Q. Can the city attorney advise me on civil matters?
A. No. The city attorney is the attorney for the government of the City of Tumwater, not all its citizens. Private legal matters should be directed to civil practice attorneys. They are listed under specific practice areas under "attorneys" in the yellow page section of the phone book.
Q. I’m a victim of domestic violence. How do I get a no contact order? Do I have to testify?
A. The municipal court judge can enter a no contact order at the time of the defendant’s arraignment or at the time of the defendant’s arrest. These are temporary orders and will expire at the next court hearing. You may appear at the arraignment, but you are not required to be there. You can also get protection orders at Thurston County District or Superior Court or other similar court in your area. These orders (civil protection order) are also temporary and you must re-appear to have the protection last longer. A civil protection order can also be issued on behalf of any minor children. You may have to testify at trial if the defendant has entered a plea of not guilty and requests a trial. It is important that you keep the city attorney’s office advised of a contact address and phone number.
City Attorney's Office
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Police Department
Q. Where is the Police Department located?
A. In City Hall, 555 Israel Road SW. Department phone number 360-754-4200.
Q. How do I report a crime or suspicious activity?
A. If a crime or suspicious activity is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the incident just occurred within a few minutes, call 9-1-1. If the incident occurred past that time, call the Police Department at 360-754-4200 or Dispatch at 360-704-2740.
Q. Does the Police Department accept people riding along with officers?
A. Yes, the person riding must be at least 18 years old, or have permission of the parents in writing on a form provided by the department. The Police Department typically does not accept children younger than 16 as ride-alongs - usually required to live in Tumwater.
Q. Who do I contact about a ticket I received from a Tumwater police officer?
A. Contact the Tumwater Municipal Court at (360) 754-4190. Tumwater Court operates every Monday and Thursday, starting in the morning.
Q. Does the Police Department have a reserve officer program?
A. Not at this time.
Q. Does the Police Department have an Explorer program?
A. Not at this time.
Q. Is the Police Department hiring police officers?
A. The department will hire officers as needed. You may leave an interest card with the Human Resources Department and you will be contacted the next time the department is testing. The city also advertises vacancies in the major regional newspapers and on the
Internet. Please visit the City's Employment page for current information.
Q. Does the Police Department have a website?
A. The Police department may be accessed through the City of Tumwater home page. (www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/police.htm)
Police Dept.
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Public Works Department
Q. Do you have any information on recycling?
A. In the City of Tumwater, garbage collection and curbside recycling are performed by Pacific Disposal. Collection and recycling questions should be directed to Pacific Disposal at 360-923-0111, or Thurston County Solid Waste at 360-786-5136.
Q. Does the city still have a "Spring Cleanup" program?
A. No. This program has not been offered for several years.
Q. What do I do with my Christmas Tree after the holidays?
A. The city offers a street corner Christmas tree recycling program. To protect the equipment used during recycling, all lights, tree stands, and ANY NAILS must be removed. Please do not leave any wreaths as they usually contain some type of wire to hold them in place and this also could harm our equipment.
The City will take your tree for recycling if it is on the curb at the corner nearest your home. For the pick-up start date and more details, see the Christmas Tree Pick-Up page. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Public Works Operations at 360-754-4150. If you live in an apartment complex or mobile home court, please contact your respective managers.
Q. Does Tumwater fluoridate their water?
A. No.
Q. Does Tumwater chlorinate the water?
A. Yes.
Q. Is Tumwater’s water considered to be "hard" or "soft"?
A. The water in Tumwater is considered to be on the "soft" side.
Q. How often does the city test the water?
A. Bacteriological testing is done weekly from a variety of sources throughout the city. Testing for chemicals, or VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) is done monthly at production and monitoring wells.
Q. What should the water pressure be in a residence?
A. Between 40 and 80 psi. Over 80 psi, a pressure reducing valve is suggested.
Q. How do I know if I need a pressure reducing valve?
A. The city provides a courtesy pressure check upon request. Call the Public Works Operations & Maintenance Division at 360-754-4150.
Q. My water looks cloudy – Is it okay to drink?
A. If your water looks cloudy the most likely cause is air in the water system that gets charged into the water supply but does not affect water quality. If you draw a glass of water that is cloudy and it clears after a minute or so, the problem is air in the water. Try running your faucet wide open for a minute or two to see if this clears up the problem. If not, call Public Works Operations & Maintenance at 360-754-4150.
Q. Who do I call to report . . .
A. For all of the above, please call the Public Works Operations & Maintenance Division at 360-754-4150. This number functions 24-hours per day. If you have an emergency and must call after normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), this number will be answered by a voice mail system.
Press "1" at the voice mail prompt. This will then forward your call to the on-call "duty" person.
Q. Who do I call about dead animals on the street?
A. You may report dead animals to Thurston County Animal Services directly at 360-352-2510 and leave a message.
Q. Who do I call about speeding cars on my street?
A. Contact the Tumwater Police Department at 360-754-4200 to report speeding.
Q. Who do I call regarding line of sight obstructions for street signs and/or intersections, such as overhanging limbs, tall grass, overgrown shrubbery?
A. Report these problems to the Public Works Operations & Maintenance Division at 360-754-4150. Be as specific as possible regarding the location or address of the problem. Field personnel will be dispatched to evaluate conditions and determine what action should be taken.
Q. Where do I report incidents of illegal dumping of garbage?
A. On private property, report incidents to Community Development at 360-754-4180. On public property, or in the roadway, call Public Works Operations & Maintenance at 360-754-4150. In a city park, contact Parks at 360-754-4160.
Q. If I have concerns regarding a "dangerous" tree, who do I call?
A. "Dangerous" tree questions and concerns should be directed to the city’s Community Development Department at 360-754-4180.
Q. What if I observe someone dumping materials into a storm drain?
A. Dumping into storm drains is prohibited. If you observe, or have knowledge of such activity, please call the City’s Public Works Department at 360-754-4140, or the Department of Ecology at 360-407-6300.
Q. I’m getting ready to landscape or construct improvements around my home. Who do I call to find out where the water, sewer, power, gas, telephone and cable television lines are?
A. You should call the Utilities Underground Location Center at 1-800-424-5555 to request "locates" for your property. You will need to call 48 hours in advance. The One-Call center will then notify the city and all other utility providers of your request.
Q. What are all those different colored lines painted on the street and in my yard?
A. Those are utility locating marks. Red paint marks electrical lines, yellow paint indicates gas or oil lines, orange paint indicates telephone or cable television lines, blue paint indicates water lines and green paint indicates sewer lines. Pink paint is used for survey marks. White paint indicates the locate area.
Public Works Dept.
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Fire Department
Q. How can I arrange to have my school group visit a fire station?
A. Please make reservations at least seven days in advance. Call 360-754-4170 for further information and reservations.
Q. Does the Fire Department offer first aid and CPR training to the public?
A. No. Information on local CPR and First Aid classes can be obtained by calling the Fire Department at 360-754-4170. Disaster First Aid training for groups of seniors can be arranged by calling Thurston County Medic One at 360-704-2780.
Q. Our business or organization needs to develop an evacuation plan; can the Fire Department help?
A. Prevention Services offers their services to businesses, organizations or residents of Tumwater needing assistance with an emergency evacuation plan. Our Assistant Fire Chief in charge of Prevention can come to your facility to provide a fire prevention and survival presentation. Please contact Jim McGarva, Assistant Fire Chief, at 360-754-4170.
Q. Our business or organization would like to conduct a fire drill; can the Fire Department come to our facility?
A. Along with the Prevention Services assisting you with your evacuation plan, they can also provide guidance in planning and executing fire drills. Our Prevention Chief can be available to assist with the actual fire drill and critique your facility's response to the alarms. Call 360-754-4170.
Q. I live in the Tumwater city limits; can I burn my leaves and brush?
A. Outdoor burning is banned in the city limits of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater. For air quality/indoor burning restrictions, contact the Olympic Air Pollution Control Authority at 360-556-1044.
Q. I live outside the Tumwater city limits; can I burn my leaves and brush?
A. If you live in Thurston County Fire Protection District #15, Munn Lake, you are allowed to burn one 4x4 pile of natural vegetation only, during periods with no burn bans in effect. Contact the Tumwater Fire Department at 360-754-4170 to see if you reside in this district or not. If you live outside Fire District #15, you will need to contact your local fire department for regulations specific to your district.
Q. I have a group of children interested in touring a fire station; who do I contact?
A. Due to limited staffing, public tours of our fire stations are available to groups of 10 or more. You must make reservations at least seven days in advance. Call 360-754-4170 for further information and reservations.
Q. My neighborhood, business and/or civic group is interested in a presentation about emergency preparedness; is some available to help us out?
A. Staff is available to come to your community center, home and/or facility to present information about emergency preparedness. The focus will be on earthquakes, since the Pacific Northwest is due for a major 8.0 or greater magnitude earthquake. Please call 360-754-4170 for assistance.
Q. We are a close knit neighborhood and we are interested in getting organized, as a neighborhood, in case of a disaster. Can someone meet with us to discuss these preparations?
A. Staff is available to come to your neighborhood meeting during the day or in the evening to assist you in preparing for a disaster. Please call 360-754-4170 for assistance.
Q. Do you offer courtesy safety inspections for my home or business?
A. Yes. Please call 360-754-4170 for assistance.
Q. Do you offer blood pressure checks?
A. Yes, the Fire Department offers routine free blood pressure checks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the headquarters fire station at 311 Israel Rd SW.
Fire Department
Community Development Department - Development Review Division
Q. What is Community Development - Development Review Division?
A. The Development Review division operates a one-stop permit center where individuals can obtain nearly every type of permit that the city issues. Handouts are available from the permit counter for most types of permits that explain the nature of the permit and what information needs to be provided. Knowledgeable staff is also available to answer your questions or direct you to the person with the most expertise to assist you with your project.
Q. Where are you located and when are you open?
A. The permit center is located in the main lobby of Tumwater City Hall at 555 Israel Road SW. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We can be reached by telephone at (360) 754-4180.
Q. Why do I have to obtain permits, and why are there so many regulations?
A. Permits are the way the City of Tumwater regulates land use and construction. The City has adopted ordinances requiring individuals to obtain development approvals prior to developing land, and building permits prior to constructing, remodeling, or demolishing buildings and other structures. Almost all of these regulations are mandated by State laws such as the Subdivision Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Act, the Growth Management Act, and the State Building Code Act.
These City ordinances and state regulations exist to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Land development reviews are to ensure that development is consistent with the City's comprehensive plan, and otherwise to establish and sustain an appropriate quality of life for citizens of the community. City and state building codes are comprised of building, fire, plumbing, mechanical (heating and air-conditioning), electrical,
dangerous building, and sign regulations. These codes are to ensure that construction in the City is safe. The safety of building occupants is the primary reason for construction codes.
Q. When do I have to obtain a building permit?
A. Most residential, commercial, and industrial projects require a building permit. In addition to construction of new buildings, a building permit is also required for most remodel or repair work, as well as for additions, demolition, and relocation of buildings.
For example, a building permit is required if you are:
Building or installing:
• a new structure
• patio or deck greater than 30 inches above grade
• patio, deck or roof cover
• chimneys
• garage
• ventilation, heating or air conditioning supply or exhaust
• fence over 6 feet high
• tool or storage shed over 120 square feet in area
• swimming pool
Adding to or changing:
• rooms
• dormers, bay windows or other wall openings
• water heater or any other parts of the plumbing
• furnaces or any other parts of the heating and gas system
• circuits or any other parts of the electrical system
• walls to a porch
• garage to a livable area
Replacing or repairing:
• roofing
• termite work (replacing siding, foundation, etc.)
• porches
• existing stone, brick or concrete
• wall covering (excluding wallpaper)
If you are in doubt as to whether or not a permit is required on work you are proposing or have related questions, please call the Community Development permit center at 360-754-4180.
Q. When don't I need a permit?
A. A building permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting, or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less above grade; and in several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be sure to check before building.
To determine if your project needs a permit, call 360-754-4180.
Q. What if I don't get a permit?
A. If a permit is required, but not obtained prior to beginning work, it is a violation of the Tumwater Municipal Code. In addition to being subject to fines and penalties, you will be required to obtain permits for the work and it must pass inspection, or you'll have to return the structure or site to its original condition.
Furthermore, there are legal and financial liabilities that you face when you don't obtain a permit. Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house. Any fire and homeowner's insurance you have may be invalidated if you complete work without a permit. For example, if there were a fire in your house, the insurance company might use the illegal work as a reason not to pay your claim.
In most cases, permit fees for work started without a permit are twice the normal fee. If work is covered, it will be necessary to uncover work to allow inspection. This often means destroying portions of the completed work, and adds to the cost of your project.
Q. What about permits for electrical work?
A. Permits are required for most electrical work. However, the City of Tumwater (at this time) does not issue permits for nor inspect electrical improvements. Permits and inspections for electrical improvements are provided by the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries.
Q. How long does it take to get a permit?
A. Permit issuance periods vary. Many projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip won't be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for additional review. Several factors can affect processing times. The main influences are:
• type of permit
• submittal of all requested information
• completeness and clarity of plans and specifications
• availability of key people (owner, architect, engineer, etc.)
• applications volume at the time of submittal
Q. Do I have to call in advance for an inspection of my work?
A. Yes. In order for the City to adequately serve it customers we ask that you request your inspection 1 day in advance. The City has installed an inspection request line at 360-754-4189 available 24 hours a day.
When requesting an inspection please provide the following information:
• address of the project
• building permit number
• name of person requesting the inspection
• type of inspection needed (such as: framing, plumbing, insulation, etc.)
• date you are requesting the inspection for
• any additional information you feel is necessary
Q. When requesting an inspection may I request a specific time to meet the inspector?
A. Yes. You will need to contact the inspector directly to arrange a specific time. You should still call the inspection into the inspection request line prior to contacting the inspector.
Q. Do I need to be present when the inspector is at my project?
A. No, unless you are adding to or remodeling an existing structure that is occupied. The City inspector will not enter an occupied structure unless a responsible adult is available.
Q. Do I need to hire an architect to design my house or addition?
A. No. State law does not require the services of an architect for residential construction. However, the building official has the authority to require use of a licensed architect or engineer for structures of unusual shape or construction.
Q. How many sets of plans and specifications do I need to submit with my application for a building permit?
A. Three. For residential buildings, one plan will be returned to the applicant, one kept in the City building file as required by law, and one sent to the county assessor.
Q. Do I have to put panic hardware on the front door of my retail store?
A. No, not in most cases. Occupancy Group M (stores) buildings may have lockable front entrances. Even dead bolt locks could be used, provided there is a sign stating "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED DURING BUSINESS HOURS" placed adjacent to the door and readily visible.
Q. Why do I need two toilet rooms in my office when I have only six employees?
A. Washington State amendments to the Uniform Plumbing Code, (Chapter 29, Section 2902.3) states: Separate facilities shall be provided for each sex when the number of employees exceeds four.
Q. What are the hours of construction?
A. Noise restrictions establish limitations on construction activity. General construction noise is only permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays. No noise from development activity or heavy equipment is allowed on Sundays except for minor repair or remodeling work done by residents at their dwelling.
Q. What if I have a permit but never called for an inspection?
A. Generally, permits expire after 180 days, if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of city codes. If this is your case, call 360-754-4180. We'll help you to reactivate the permit or apply for another with as little inconvenience as possible. Our interest is in seeing your project completed …including the final inspection.
Community Development Department - Development Review Division
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Community Development Department - Planning & Facilities Division
Q. What is, and where can I obtain, Tumwater’s Comprehensive Plan?
A. Tumwater’s Comprehensive Plan is made up of several "elements" or plans. These include the Land Use Plan, Housing Plan, Parks & Recreation Plan, Capital Facilities Plan, Joint Plan, Transportation Plan, Economic Development Plan, Conservation Plan, Utilities Plan, and Lands for Public Purposes/Essential Public Facilities Plan. Also included as part of the Comprehensive Plan, but under separate cover, is the Tumwater Shoreline Master Program which includes the Deschutes Riparian Plan, Deschutes River Special Area Management Plan for Tumwater Valley, New Market Historic District Master Plan and the Shoreline Master Program for the Thurston Region. These plans can be explained and ordered, for a fee, by calling Tumwater’s Planning and Facilities Department at 360-754-4210.
Q. What is the purpose/focus of the Planning and Facilities Department at Tumwater?
A. The Long Range Planning division provides the required implementation of all comprehensive planning efforts, Zoning Code text and map amendments and tracking/ monitoring of the Growth management legislation.
Q. What are the hours of the Henderson House Museum and the Crosby House?
A. As of October 1, 2011, the Henderson House Museum is closed to the public for tours and services. Visit the Henderson House Museum page for additional information.
The Crosby House is open on Thursdays, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. for tours. Admission is free.
Q. How can I find out what the zoning is for my property?
A. Zoning maps are available for $20 at the Tumwater Development Services Department at City Hall. You can inquire about the zoning for a specific property by contacting the Development Review Division at 360-754-4180 or ccarlson@ci.tumwater.wa.us. Please have the property’s tax lot number or address ready.
Q. How can I apply to change the zoning or comprehensive plan designation for my property?
A. The best approach is to contact one of the planners in the Planning and Facilities Division at 754-4210 or tsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us. A planner can help you determine if a zone change would require a simultaneous comprehensive plan change, as is often the case. He/she also can tell you if a zone change is necessary - there may be another way to accomplish your goal for your property.
Proposed changes to the comprehensive plan are considered no more than once per year, as required by state law. The deadline for comprehensive plan amendment applications is the first Monday in December of each year. The public can apply only for comprehensive plan map amendments. Changes to the text of the comprehensive plan must be initiated by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Applications for changes in zoning or comprehensive plan designation are available at City Hall. Fees for processing the applications are set by City Council resolution.
Q. How can I comment on a proposed City project or change in regulations?
A. Public comment is welcome at all regular meetings of the Tumwater City Council and its advisory boards, either in person or in writing. If you would like information on a proposal prior to a meeting, contact the Planning and Facilities Division at 360-754-4210 or tsmith@ci.tumwater.wa.us. Regular meeting schedules are also available by contacting Planning and Facilities.
Community Development - Planning and Facilities Division
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Updated: January 16, 2013
