Overnight and extended parking on Deschutes Parkway

New parking hours were put into effect along Deschutes Parkway in May, 2021. There is no parking between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. along paved areas of the roadway. A grass and gravel area along Percival Creek remains closed to parking.

Ongoing actions by DES and WSP include:

  • Washington State Patrol (WSP) will focus on education, including verbal and written warnings when possible, before issuing parking infractions.
  • Engagement to educate people about other applicable campus rules.
  • Responding on a case-by-case basis to investigate reports of sewage dumping, abandoned vehicles, and other issues. When applicable, this includes providing people information on where waste can be dumped at no cost in Thurston County as well as resources for shelter, housing and social services.

    Rulemaking history

    • DES 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 on Nov. 6, 2019. At that time, DES was addressing issues with overnight and extended parking on Deschutes Parkway affecting public health, safety and the environment. Overnight and extended parking is not currently occurring.
    • DES filed a proposed rule (CR-102) with the state Office of the Code Reviser on Dec. 2, 2020.
    • Rule updates were adopted Feb. 19, 2021.
    • Signs were posted and full implementation moved forward May 3, 2021.

     

    In this phase, DES will consider options leading to a draft rule. This includes stakeholder engagement, consider options for draft rule, develop a draft rule.

    Phase 5

    Rulemaking: DES concluded the rulemaking effort with rule adoption on Feb. 19, 2021. The agency 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 on Nov. 6, 2019. DES filed a proposed rule (CR-102) with the state Office of the Code Reviser on Dec. 2, 2020. Learn more

    Implementation: DES refined its implementation plans following rule adoption, and began outreach April 26 to share information about upcoming actions.

    Phase 4

    Rulemaking: DES held a public comment period from Dec. 2, 2020 to Jan. 8, 2021. DES considered comments received online as well as at the public hearing prior to rule adoption.

    Implementation: DES also sought comments on an implementation framework in December and January. The information DES received was helpful in refining implementation plans. Implementation is separate from the rule update, which focuses on clarifying DES authority and definitions.

    Phase 3

    Rulemaking began Nov. 6, 2019 and was paused after Phases 1 and 2 in March 2020 when resources were diverted to support the state pandemic response. Rulemaking restarted in September 2020.

    DES received a great deal of information and feedback during Phases 1 and 2. We would like to thank everyone for sharing their perspectives and information.

    During Phase 3, the information was processed through our decision-making framework, which includes:

    • A rule that aligns with DES’s responsibilities regarding stewardship of the Capitol Campus in alignment with the campus purpose and use (defined in RCW, WAC, Campus Master Plan).
    • Rule development allows for consideration of a variety of time-limited and permitted parking times that support the campus purpose/use and fall within DES statutory authority.
    • Parking regulation enforcement by WSP needs to be considered in the context of an implementation plan coordinated with regional partners.

    DES also engaged a Community Sounding Board to gain detailed feedback during Phase 3. Interest categories on the Sounding Board are: Regional coordination, issues affecting unhoused individuals, safety and security, public health, campus business use, campus events, recreational use, historic preservation, campus neighbors.

    Phase 3 highlights

    • Sept. 24: Community Sounding Board Meeting 1 – Meeting Summary

    • Nov. 18: Community Sounding Board Meeting 2 – Meeting Summary

    • Nov. 18-Dec. 1: Comment period to collect stakeholder and public feedback on draft rule and implementation plan

     

    Phase 2 highlights

    January 2020

    Jan. 3-10: Engagement and listening sessions with affected parkers.
    Jan. 8: Listening session with Housing Action Team.
    Jan. 8: Listening session with Greater Regional Outreach Workers League (GROWL).
    Jan. 30 and March 9: Listening sessions with campus event permit holders.

    February 2020 (to date)

    Feb. 10: Listening session with neighborhood associations.

    Feb. 18: Listening session with campus tenants

    Feb. 20: Listening session with historic preservation organizations

    March 4: Listening session with business organizations

    Phase 1 highlights

    November-January 10: DES sought initial public comments via an online feedback form. View a summary of the comments.

    In December: DES held initial listening sessions with:

    DES commitments

    • A robust process that includes stakeholder input and to finding a sustainable and fair solution
    • A regional approach that involves working with partners, including nearby jurisdictions
    • Drafting an implementation plan along with the rule in coordination with regional and community partners
    • Fulfilling our commitment for stewardship of the Capitol Campus in a way that meets priorities set forth in state law (RCW and WAC) and principles identified in the campus master plan.

    Contact us

    Jack Zeigler

    DES Policy and Rules Manager