Washington State law requires cities to complete a major update to their Comprehensive Plan every ten years to ensure it reflects current community needs, population forecasts, and state requirements.

Tumwater’s current 20-year Comprehensive Plan (2026-2036) was adopted by the City Council on December 16, 2026.  The next ten year update is expected to start in 2034.

In addition to major updates, Tumwater may consider smaller changes each year through an annual Comprehensive Plan amendment process. This allows Tumwater to respond to changing conditions, new state laws, and community priorities.

The annual amendment process allows property owners, residents, agencies, and City staff to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan.

Amendments may include:

• Text changes (policies or goals)
• Map changes (land use designations that affect allowed uses and development, typically with a simultaneous change to the City’s Zoning Map)

Before applying for a comprehensive plan amendment, applicants are encouraged to contact Community Development staff at (360) 754-4180 to discuss their proposal.

Because the process includes staff review, public notice, public hearings, and decisions by both the Planning Commission and City Council, amendments often take a year or longer to complete.

• City Council and Planning Commission
• Property owners
• Citizens
• Government agencies

The City Council determines which requests will move forward for review.

• Tumwater Comprehensive Plan amendments:

First Monday in December (TMC 18.60.025(A)(5)) (submitted to Tumwater Community Development Department/Long Range Planning Division).

• Tumwater Thurston County Joint Plan amendments (Urban Growth Area):

First Monday in August each year (submitted to Thurston County).

Please refer to the City Fee Schedule for current application fees related to Comprehensive Plan amendments.

Step 1 – Apply

Submit an application using the forms below, explaining the proposed change and rationale.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application

Rezone Application

Step 2 – City Council Preliminary Docket Review

The City Council reviews all requests and selects which will proceed for consideration as part of the final docket.  Not all proposals are advanced.

Step 3 – Staff Review and Public Notice

Tumwater staff evaluate proposals on the final docket using state and local criteria and provide opportunities for public input.

Step 4 – Planning Commission Review and Hearing

The Planning Commission reviews the staff recommendation for the amendments in the final docket, holds a public hearing, and makes a recommendation to the City Council.

Step 5 – City Council Consideration and Decision

The City Council considers the recommendation and public input before making a final decision.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposed amendments are reviewed for consistency with state law and TMC 18.60. In general, Tumwater staff evaluate whether a proposal:

• Is consistent with the Washington State Growth Management Act.
• Aligns with the Comprehensive Plan and County-Wide Planning Policies, and related plans.
• Responds to changing community needs or conditions.
• Provides a clear public benefit.