Zoning Codes
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)
- Open the property information report for a property. (you'll need address or parcel #).
- 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
- 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.