FAQs

FAQs about Permitting and Land Use

Please note: The Permit Assistance Center issues permits for property in unincorporated Thurston County only. For property within a city boundary (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm) in Thurston County, you must contact the city directly.

---

About My Property

• What is the difference between "legal lot" and "taxable lot"?
• What is the zoning on my property and what does it mean?
• What are the setbacks for my property?
• Are there limits for how much land can be covered by structures?
• Can my lot be subdivided?
• What can I build on my property?
• Can I build an accessory dwelling unit or an accessory living quarters on my property?
• How can I find property records, such as the original plans to my house?
• How can I change boundary lines?
• How do I get an address assigned to my property?
• Where can I find information about minimum lot sizes in Thurston County?

---

Critical Areas / Shorelines

• How can I get information about the Critical Areas Ordinance?
• How can I get information about the Shoreline Master Program?

---

Is a Permit Required

• How can I tell whether a permit is required?
• Shed
• Deck
• Fence
• Roof
• Garages & carports
• Pools & hot tubs
• Air conditioner / heat pump
• Concrete slabs/ walks/ driveways/ patios
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing - fixture replacement
• Furnace, gas log, gas insert, wood stove
• Retaining wall
• Shelving and cabinets
• Siding
• Water Heaters
• Docks

---

The Permit Process

• I want to build a house, where do I start?
• Where do I get a permit and which one do I use?
• How do I submit a permit application? Do I need an appointment?
• What is the cost of a permit?
• What is the status of my permit?
• How long does it take to get a permit?
• Will I need a pre-application meeting for a building permit? A land use permit?
• Are there time limits for applications?
• How much time do I have once the permit is issued? Will it expire?
• What can I do if I buy property and find out later that a structure on the property was built without permits, or all of the inspections were not completed on an issued permit?
• How do I apply for a manufactured home permit?
• How do I make changes to my plans?
• Can a building permit be issued prior to the formal issuance of a zoning variance?

---

Building Codes

• What building codes are in effect in the unincorporated areas of the county?
• Where do I get my electrical permit?
• How can I get more information on the energy code?
• Where can I find climatic and geographic design criteria?
• What is an egress window and when is it required?
• What are the standards for hooking up to a Thurston County water and/or sewer system?
• Is it true that a homeowner can perform electrical wiring work?

---

Code Enforcement & Junk Vehicles

• See our code enforcement website.

---

Septic Systems

• Who should I contact if I have septic system questions?
• How do I get my site approved for a septic system?
• What steps are involved in the design review stage? When do I get my septic system permit?
• What if my site is served by a public sewer system?

---

Wells

• What does Thurston County need to know about my water source?
• I need to build a new well.  How do I go about doing this?
• What must I do to connect to an existing well?
• What other things might I be asked to provide?

 

---

Clearing and Grading

• Who should I contact about questions about clearing and grading?
• When do I need a permit?

• Will I Need to Go Through the SEPA Process?

---

Public Right of Way / Access

• Who should I contact about right-of-way questions?
• How do I get permission to connect my driveway to a county road?
• What steps are involved in the review stage?

---

Drainage

• Who should I contact about questions about drainage and erosion control plans?
• What is a drainage and erosion control plan?
• What’s the difference between abbreviated plans and engineered abbreviated plans?
• How do I know whether my project is eligible for an abbreviated plan or an engineered abbreviated plan?
• What kind of information is required on the plans?
• What is a scoping report and when is it required?
• Are there any exemptions to the drainage and erosion control plan requirements?
• When do I submit my plan?

• What should I do if drainage is to be directed to or through a critical area or buffer?

---

Inspections

• How do I schedule a building inspection?
• When do I call?
• Who is responsible for requesting inspections and when should they be scheduled?
• What if I have questions about an inspection notice?
• How long will it take for an inspector to come to my property?
• Do I have to be there?
• What are the requirements for a final inspection?
• Am I required to pay additional fees for re-inspection when correction notices are issued?
• When can I occupy the structure?

---

Fire-Related Issues

• Are sprinkler systems required in new homes?  I hear the 2009 International Residential Code requires them.
• I'm building a home.  Do I need some sort of a fire permit?
• Do I need to install a carbon monoxide alarm?
• What is the role of the Fire Marshal?
• What Fire District Do I Live In?
• Is there a burn ban?
• Is a permit needed to burn yard waste?

Contact Us

Please click here for contact information.