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Thurston County, Washington

County Closed

Thurston County offices are closed Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents Day. County offices will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18.

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Community Planning and Economic Development

How to Prepare Your Application Packet 

Step 1  Find out if you need a permit. Some projects don’t.

Step 2   Get a Critical Areas Determination (CAD) to find out where to site your project to avoid protected areas.

Step 3  Read the Application Instructions for the Type of Project Your want to Build 

  • Many projects require multiple forms. Find the right forms for your project on the Applications & Forms page.
  • Forms ask many detailed questions about the property & project.
  • You may find many answers to questions about the property by using the links on Look Up Your Property webpage.

Step 4  Prepare Your Site Plan

  • What it is: A site plan is a scale drawing of the project property and all existing and planned buildings, driveways, concrete areas, septic, well, yard, garden & other project work.
  • When you need it: Draw your site plan AFTER you have the critical area / environmental reports (if you need them) to avoid putting your project in the critical / environmental area or its buffer.
  • Your forms provide instructions. Learn more site plan requirements
  • What can keep your project on track: Site plan must show that your project avoids any critical/environmental areas on site and must be clear, easy to ready, legible, identify which buildings, structures or elements will be new, and which were already there. Very important that it's clear in order to avoid delays in processing your packet.

Step 5  Estimate your fees. 

  • Fees are determined by what you want to build or do. 
  • Go to Fee Information to learn about and estimate fees for your project before submitting an application packet. 
  • County staff can help you estimate fees, but actual fees are calculated when we see your complete application, plan, drawings, any expert reports, etc.

Step 6  Submit completed application packet & pay fees.

  • Find details at Where & How To Submit Applications.
    • Most application packets must be submitted in person or mailed to the County's Building Development Center. Some can be emailed. 
  • Fees due at the time you submit your packet. Pay by cash, check (to Thurston County) or credit card (transaction fees apply).  
  • Incomplete application packets not accepted. If something is missing, staff will let you know.