Thurston County facilities are now open to the public with restrictions, including maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet at all times and, per the Washington State Secretary of Health’s face covering order wearing a cloth face covering or mask. If you come to county facilities, please be prepared for potentially long wait times or lines due to distancing guidelines. We continue to encourage residents to access county services online, by phone, by email, or through the use of drop boxes located outside of county buildings.
The availability of remote services vary by office and department.

Click here for office and department contact information
Click here for information on COVID-19

FAQs

 

FAQs about Permitting and Land Use

The Building Development Center issues permits for property in unincorporated Thurston County only. If your project is within the boundary of Bucoda, Lacey, Olympia, Rainier, Tenino, Tumwater or Yelm, please contact the city directly.

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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?

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Critical Areas / Shorelines

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

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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

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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?

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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?

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Code Enforcement & Junk Vehicles

• See our code enforcement website.

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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?

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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?

 

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.