Use the information below to find out which zoning your property is in and which codes apply. Zoning determines what you can build on or do with a property, the setbacks (also called "yard" requirements in code), lot sizes and more.

• To Check Zoning (three steps) 
  1. Open the property information report for a property. (you'll need address or parcel #).
  2. Look for Jurisdiction of Influence (part of zoning despite the name). 
     • Most county-permitted properties show "Same as Permitting Jurisdiction" or "OLYUGA," or "TUMUGA" or "LACUGA."
     • If there is any other UGA listed, use "Same as Permitting Jurisdiction."
     • UGA stands for Urban Growth Area. Which is an area in unincorporated Thurston County.
     • For:
       • SAME AS COUNTY go to Thurston County Code Title 20: Zoning 
       • LACUGA go to Thurston County Code Title 21: Lacey Urban Growth Area
       • TUMUGA go to Thurston County Code Title 22: Tumwater Urban Growth Area
       • OLYUGA go to Thurston County Code Title 23: Olympia Urban Growth Area
  3. Next look for Zoning which can be letters, numbers or words or a combination of any of those (Example: RRR 1/5, Rural Residential/Resource).

• Zoning definitions
  • Jurisdiction of Influence - determines which zoning code applies.
  • UGA is Urban Growth Area -an area that will become part of Olympia, Tumwater or Lacey at some time in the future. Regulations in those areas typically match the city regulations. 
  • Legal lot - a parcel of land developed through laws in effect at the time of the original subdivision. The criteria to determine the legal status of a lot is specified in section 18.04.045 of Title18 of the Thurston County Code.
  • Tax lot / Tax parcel- a parcel which appears on the Thurston County Assessor's map and has been assigned a tax parcel number by the Assessor. Tax parcel numbers are assigned for billing purposes.