City Council Work Session June 09, 2026

The Tumwater, WA City Council Work Session on June 9, 2026, focused primarily on the topic of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and code enforcement issues within the city. Council members discussed whether to develop local regulations for BESS or rely solely on state codes, with a consensus leaning toward creating tailored local ordinances to address zoning, safety setbacks, fire safety, screening, fencing, and decommissioning requirements. The council emphasized the importance of fire department involvement and environmental considerations such as electronic recycling. Additionally, the session included a detailed presentation on the current status of code enforcement, highlighting that most violations are resolved voluntarily, but there is a need for increased staffing and centralized leadership to improve coordination and enforcement effectiveness. The city plans to propose budget enhancements for legal and abatement costs and potentially add a dedicated code enforcement officer. The discussion also covered common code enforcement issues like overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, and parking violations, with an emphasis on education and community engagement as primary tools before enforcement actions.