CONTACT:   Ana Rodriguez, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development Department, or e-mail Ana.Rodriguez@co.thurston.wa.us

County Advisory Group Seeks Input on Permit Review Process Update
The Planning Commission to host public hearing on Weds., July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Atrium.

OLYMPIA –Thurston County’s volunteer advisory group, the Planning Commission, is inviting the community to review and weigh in on proposed changes to the county’s building and development permit review process. 

The Planning Commission is considering amendments to permit review timelines, appeals, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) categorical exemption thresholds and clerical errors in Thurston County Code Titles 17, 18, and 20-25. Find proposed changes at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/community-planning-and-economic-development/community-planning/list-plans-programs-codes/minor-amendments.

• What: Public Hearing on Permit Review Process Annual Update (Development Code Docket item A-31)
• When: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. 
  Where: County Atrium Building, Room 110, 3000 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 or online at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning-commission
• Written Comments due July 2, 2025, by noon for those who can’t attend the hearing but wish to comment. Use this online form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PJ78LWK
• Hearing details posted a week prior at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning-commission

The Permit Review Process Annual Update is priority eight of twelve projects on the 2024-2025 Development Code Docket – the official list of staff projects approved and prioritized by the Board of County Commissioners (Board). After the hearing, the Planning Commission will send their recommendation and public comments to the Board for review.

The Permit Review Process Update serves as a project to give staff the flexibility to rapidly respond to emerging issues, inconsistencies, or redundancies in CPED’s application review process. It supports consistent and reliable public service by allowing timely updates to elements such as Board of County Commissioners’ appeals procedures, SEPA exemptions, and other permit-related provisions identified by staff.

Disability Accommodations: Request disability accommodations at least three days prior to the meeting by calling the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at 360-786-5440. People with speech or hearing disabilities contact Washington Relay at 711 or 800-833-6388.