The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is addressing issues with overnight and extended parking on Deschutes Parkway that are raising concerns about public health, safety and the environment. A rulemaking process is required before the agency can adopt enforceable restrictions on parking.

Immediate actions

DES and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) are taking a number of immediate actions:

• WSP is conducting frequent site visits in the area.
• DES and WSP are providing people information on where waste can be dumped at no cost in Thurston County, resources for shelter, housing and social services, and options for legally parking RVs in the area.
• DES and WSP are responding on a case-by-case basis to investigate reports of sewage dumping.

Rulemaking effort

The agency has filed a formal notice (CR 101) to conduct rulemaking to adopt enforceable restrictions on parking on the Capitol Campus, with a focus on Deschutes Parkway. DES is committed to a robust process that includes stakeholder input and to finding a solution that is sustainable, defensible and fair.

The agency is seeking input on:

• Parking along Deschutes Parkway, and possible hours for parking restrictions.
• Should there be allowable exceptions to any restrictions enacted?
• Other roadways on the campus where DES should consider parking restrictions.

Please send your thoughts via this feedback form.

People also may mail feedback to:

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
Rulemaking Coordinator
PO Box 41401
Olympia, WA 98504-1401

What’s next

Before formally proposing a rule DES will share a discussion draft for feedback and hold workshops.

Workshops

Dec. 18: State agencies

Dec. 19: Neighboring jursidictions

Dec. 19: Capitol Campus safety partners

TBA: Affected parkers

TBA: Community groups

TBA: Organizers of permitted Capitol Campus events  

TBA: Capitol Campus neighbors

TBA: General public workshop(s)

Following the workshops, a rule will be formally proposed (CR 102).

Once filed, there will be a formal public comment period on the proposed rule, including at least one public hearing in Olympia, prior to rule adoption.

More information

DES Policy and Rules Manager Jack Zeigler, (360) 407-9209, jack.zeigler@des.wa.gov.