Environmental Health Codes, Regulations, and Hearing Requests

Public Health Codes, Policies, Procedures, & More

The rules and regulations of the Thurston County Board of Health were developed to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Referred to as the "Sanitary Code," it comes under the jurisdiction of the Public Health and Social Services Department and is regulated and enforced by the Environmental Health Division.

Environmental Health Codes and Regulations

Article I - General Provisions Sanitary Code
- Correction of violations, administrative hearings, appeals, penalties, and fees; (effective 06/14/2022)
Article II - Food Service
- Regulates food establishments, including permits, inspections, food worker cards, and temporary food workers and events; (effective 11/08/2011)
Article III - Drinking Water Supplies
- Public Water Supplies - including plans, construction, and maintenance; (effective 01/01/2014)
Article IV - Sewage Disposal
- Sewage disposal - including design, installation, maintenance, and failures; (effective 11/14/2017)
- Sewage disposal - including design, installation, maintenance, and failures; (effective 1/1/2024)
Article V - Solid Waste Handling
- Unlawful garbage dumping, waste facility permits, and other solid waste handling; (effective 08/02/2004)
Article VI - Nonpoint Source Pollution
- Prevention of pollution entering any water body from land or water-based activities; (effective 01/31/1994)
Article VII - Water Recreation Facilities
- Regulations for public swimming pools, spas, etc. including permits, inspections, and operator's certification; (effective 11/01/2005)
Article VIII - Smoking and Vaping
- Smoking or vaping in public places and in places of employment; (effective 01/01/2021)
Fees - Environmental Health Fee Schedule
- Environmental Health 2024 Fee Schedule - Appendix A of Article 1 (effective 1/1/2024)

Administrative Hearings may be convened for the following reasons:

An appeal of an order, requirement, permit, decision or determination made by the health officer.
An appeal of a Notice of Violation or order issued by the health officer to enforce the Thurston County Sanitary Code.
A hearing request made under Thurston County Code 10.92 for an order regarding contaminated property associated with illegal drug manufacturing or storage.
A hearing request to review a waiver or variance application.
Other appropriate reasons set forth in Article I or in Washington State laws and regulations administered by the health officer.

Contact the Environmental Health division at 360-867-2685 or Environmental_Health@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.

Thurston County, Washington

Public Health and Social Services

Environmental Health Codes, Regulations, and Hearing Requests

Environmental Health Codes and Regulations

Article I - General Provisions Sanitary Code

Article II - Food Service

Article III - Drinking Water Supplies

Article IV - Sewage Disposal

​Article V - Solid Waste Handling

​Article VI - Nonpoint Source Pollution

Article VII - Water Recreation Facilities

Article VIII - Smoking and Vaping

Administrative Hearings may be convened for the following reasons:

Article V - Solid Waste Handling

Article VI - Nonpoint Source Pollution