Welcome to the Thurston County Planning Department

Welcome to the Thurston County Planning Department website. The Planning Department's mission is to plan for sustainable land use and development within the unincorporated areas of Thurston County so that residential and business communities can thrive within a healthy environment.

We are pleased to provide the information contained on this website, and hope it helps you understand and participate in the long-range planning process. If you have questions about permitting or building applications, please visit the Permitting Program (external link).

Also be sure to visit the Planning Commission website for meetings and agendas.

Critical Areas Update Regulations that govern land-use in environmentally sensitive areas

Shoreline Master Prog. Update Updates to plans and regulations aimed at protecting shorelines

Transfer of Development Rights
A program to protect rural lands by steering development to urban areas

Climate Change Projects to make Thurston County energy-efficient

Comprehensive Plan
The 20-year planning document that drives land-use decisions

Impact Fee Study
A study of impact fees as a way to finance facilities needed as a result of new development.