The Olympia City Council Study Session on July 29, 2025, focused on key issues surrounding zoning regulations and rental housing policies. Council members discussed the importance of zoning as a protective measure for land, particularly in relation to manufactured housing communities.

One significant topic was the state's recent cap on rent increases, which limits them to no more than 5%. Council member Gilman raised concerns about proposed policies that suggested increases over 7%, prompting staff to clarify that they would not pursue these policies further since state laws already provide stronger protections.

The discussion also highlighted the need for clearer communication regarding rent increase notices. New state requirements mandate that landlords provide detailed information about rent increases, which aims to address tenant concerns effectively. Additionally, the council considered the necessity of providing tenants with a document outlining their rights under Olympia's rental housing code.

Council member Vanderpool inquired about the legality of placing manufactured homes outside designated parks. Staff confirmed that manufactured homes are permitted in all residential zoning types within the city. However, there was a call for further exploration of zoning for manufactured home communities, as this was a priority for residents who participated in community meetings.

Staff expressed concerns about their capacity to undertake rezoning efforts, citing issues such as infrastructure and climate risks. They sought direction from the council on whether to continue exploring manufactured home preservation through zoning amendments or to provide a more detailed briefing on the topic in the future.

As the meeting concluded, staff requested guidance on updating the current rental housing code to align with state legislation and whether to refer the matter to a committee for further discussion. The council's decisions in these areas will significantly impact local housing policies and the protection of residents' rights in Olympia.