Welcome to the Building Development Center

Welcome to the Building Development Center (BDC)

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

The Building Development Center (BDC) is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Please continue to check this website for the most up to date information and hours of operation. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to us all.  Your patience and understanding is appreciated as our County teams serve you in a modified manner. Please be aware:

• Extended wait times may occur for your in-person visit

• Project and application review times may be extended

• Response times to email and phone calls may be extended

Application Information:

The BDC discontinued accepting most application types via email on July 3, 2020.  Application and document types currently accepted via email are listed below.  You will be contacted for credit card payment if your application is complete.  A 2.35 percent credit card transaction fee will apply.

1.    Submit the following applications and requests          to permit@co.thurston.wa.us  

• Minor Permit Applications for Residential Structures

• Time of Transfers

• Refund Requests

• Extension and Withdraw Requests  

2.     Submit the following to EH_Tech@co.thurston.wa.us

• Record Drawing Requests

Alternative options for submitting your application are as follows :

1.     Mail the application to the following address:
        Building Development Center
        2000 Lakeridge Drive SW
        Olympia, WA  98502  

2.     Submit the application to the BDC in person. 

Forms of Payment

The BDC accepts cash, checks, and credit card payments.  If you choose to mail in the application or use the no contact drop box, please include a check payment with your submittal. If the submittal does not include a check, a Permit Technician will contact you for credit card payment.  A 2.35% credit card transaction fee will apply. 

Services Provided Remotely

While we are doing our best to ensure your safety and safety of staff, The County is encouraging staff to continue to telework. Although the BDC is open for in-person service, the County is committed to continue providing service to citizens in a modified manner via phone and email.

Please consider emailing or calling our team for your development and permitting questions. 

1.     Community Planning & Economic Development         Development Services – General development questions         related to zoning, shorelines, critical areas (gopher/prairie,         wetlands, streams, floodplain, steep slopes, oak trees,         etc.).                       

• Email planning@co.thurston.wa.us

• Call (360) 754-3355 ext. 6299  

2.     Environmental Health (EH) Department – Questions related         to septic systems, wells, water systems, record drawings

• Email EH_Tech@co.thurston.wa.us

• Call (360) 867-2673

• Visit https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehadm/index.html for online regulations and general information

3.     Public Works Department, Development Review Section –         Questions related to access, clearing & grading, stormwater         drainage requirements.

• Email DevRev_Tech@co.thurston.wa.us

• Call (360) 867-2050 for information

• Visit https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/publicworks/devrev.html 

4.     Permitting – For general permitting questions

• Email permit@co.thurston.wa.us

• Call (360) 754-3355 ext. 7288

• Permit Status – Click on check permit status in the quick tool box located near the bottom of this page  

5.     Plans Examiner Questions- Questions related to residential         and non-residential building code requirements 

• Call (360)754-3355 ext. 7289

• Email building@co.thurston.wa.us  

6.     Building Inspections

• Call (360) 754-3355 ext. 5489

• Inspections are being conducted by the following methods. An Inspector will call you to determine what program or method you have available and set an appointment.      
    In Person; Skype; Facetime; Zoom; Duo inspections; Video   Submissions  

7.     Compliance 

• To report a potential code violation visit https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/enforce/enforce-form.aspx or for general compliance information email compliance@co.thurston.wa.us 

• To report a potential violation regarding garbage, illegal dumping, failing septic system, improper storage of hazard wastes (gasoline, motor oil, etc.) or noise, visit https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health_fpforms/ehadm /complaint.htm

•  To report illegal dumping in storm drains, call (360) 786-5576

• To report smoke or open fires  visit the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency at https://www.orcaa.org/forms-and-applications/complaint-form/