Thurston County, Washington

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County Contacts
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Thurston County Washington

Community Planning and Economic Development

Report a Code Violation or Junk Vehicle

Thurston County government carefully researches reported code violations. Not all reports turn out to be violations of County Codes. If the County's investigation reveals a violation, the County follows a process outlined in County Code, Title 26, to help property owners understand how to meet codes. This process was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

How to Report a Possible Violation

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Step 1 Check Jurisdiction

Thurston county codes only apply in unincorporated Thurston County. Choose one of the following ways to look up the property's jurisdiction. 

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Step 2 Types of Issues We Investigate

Check the list of issues we manage. We can only respond to these issues. We provided contact information for some other issues we don't respond to.

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Step 3 How Reporting Works & How it May Affect You

  • Public Disclosure of your information is possible. If you report a code violation to the county, any information you provide about yourself may become available through the public records disclosure process. The state legislature's Public Records Act requires the County to keep this information and make it available unless certain conditions apply. Read the state law for exceptions. 
  • How Alleged Violations Become an Enforcement Action. Every case is different. Thurston County compliance staff conduct property research and perform field surveys to aid in determining if a violation exists. 
  • Role of Code Compliance Staff
    Compliance staff are dedicated to helping educate and inform all Thurston County citizens, and work with landowners to bring their property into compliance with current standards.

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Step 4 Fill out & submit the reporting form

Click to open a form, and then fill it out and submit it.

How to Respond if You are Contacted by Compliance Staff

  • Don't freak out. Many landowners are unaware that certain activities or persistent property conditions may violate local Ordinances intended to protect the health and safety of our community. 
  • If you receive a letter from the county please read through it, then email or call the number provided.
  • The county's role is to review the matter with you to determine if the alleged condition(s) exist.
  • If so, you will be provided useful information and reference materials that will help you understand the why and how of meeting code. Compliance may be easier than you think.
  • Code compliance in Thurston County is deliberately designed to provide an easy step-by-step process to understand and follow.
  • Start working through those steps.
  • If you need help, contact your compliance coordinator.