Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Community Housing Code
SEPA Determination
July 5, 2024 - A SEPA Determination on Nonsignificance (DNS) has been issued for this project. For more information about SEPA, please refer to the Department of Ecology's website.
Washington State Government has mandated that jurisdictions allow Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Community Housing, an alternative to total confinement for sex offenders. Offenders may be placed in LRA Community Housing if the courts determine they no longer meet the definition of ‘sexually violent predator’.
The new code will outline the requirements and standards for LRA Community Housing facilities owned and operated by a private provider. Scroll down for draft code language, public comment, and related documents being considered.
This code update is A-30 on the 2024-2025 Development Code Docket. The regulations will be added to Thurston County Code Title 20 (Zoning), Title 21 (Lacey UGA), Title 22 (Tumwater UGA), and Title 23 (Olympia UGA).
Project Background
In Washington state, there are two types of facilities into which courts can place individuals: secure community transition facilities operated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and LRA Community Housing operated by a private provider. In 2021, the state changed the law, Chapter 71.09 RCW, to allow privately-operated facilities. LRA Community Housing Code Update outlines the requirements and standards for facilities owned and operated by a private provider.
Secure Community Transition Facilities (SCTF) vs. LRA Housing
- Secure Community Transition Facilities
- Operated by DSHS.
- 24-hour intensive staffing and supervision.
- Provides sex offender treatment services.
- Can be larger facilities, like McNeil Island.
- LRA Community Housing
- Operated by contracted private provider.
- Fewer residents than SCTF.
- May offer 24-hour staffing and trained escorts.
- Facility must adhere to DSHS requirements and state law despite being privately operated.
What county government can do:
- Require notification of nearby businesses and residences when a request to change building use to LRA Community Housing has been submitted for review.
- Provide an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the building use change by written comment or verbally at a public hearing.
- Require that the building meet current building codes, water and sanitation, and food handling requirements.
What county government can't do:
- Deny the building use change request based on it being LRA Community Housing, per Washington State Law.
To comment on the LRA Housing Washington State Law contact your representative: https://leg.wa.gov/House/Representatives/Pages/default.aspx.
Public Participation
Thank you for your interest in the LRA Community Housing Code Update. The Planning Commission's public hearing concluded on June 5, 2024. Comments received after June 5, 2024 will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners as part of their review.
LRA Housing Code Update Comment Form
Sentiment Analysis of Public Comments
Project Timeline
April 17, 2024 - Work Session #1 - Meeting Minutes | YouTube Video
May 1, 2024 - Work Session #2 - Meeting Minutes | YouTube Video
June 5, 2024 - Public Hearing and Work Session #3 - Meeting Minutes | YouTube Video
June 26, 2024 - Work Session #4 - Meeting Minutes | YouTube Video
August 7, 2024 - Informational Briefing
Document Center
8/7/2024 Staff Memo and PowerPoint