Utilities

The Utilities Element addresses water, sewer, surface water, electric power, natural gas, telecommunications, and hazardous liquid pipelines. The Element supports the continued provision of adequate utility services to support existing and future development. In addition, the Element provides policies for regional coordination of utility needs and support for resource efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy.

2044 Update: Utilities Element Topics

EV charging station

Below is a list of study issues, confirmed by the Planning Commission and City Council at a joint meeting in July 2023. The draft will incorporate revisions that address issues in the following list:

Strengthen policies about resource conservation (e.g., electricity, water)
Strengthen policies about renewable energy
Support installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (including for bikes and motor vehicles) in public rights-of-way and at City-owned facilities and parks
Support exploring ways to make it easier for residential and commercial property owners to install EV charging stations (e.g., through code amendments, partnering with PSE, etc.)
Consider the impacts of climate change and fisheries protection on regional water resources
Strengthen or add policies about utility resilience
Ensure that utility infrastructure can accommodate substantial infill development in the future
Support access to internet service to underserved areas
Support projects to increase electric grid reliability and resiliency
Add policy about reuse of materials/products, recycling, and compost
Revise policy regarding the Houghton Transfer Station to reflect the updated situation and focus on ensuring adequate mitigation if the site is selected (see 12/14/2023 Staff Memorandum for more information)