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Thurston County Washington

October 17, 2025 – Intake Appointments and Critical Areas Ordinance Admin Manual

October 17, 2025
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Intake Appointments Requirement Expanded

Effective November 1, 2025, CPED is rescinding the previous intake appointment policy (CPED.CD.04) and replacing it with an expanded policy (CPED.CD.06 – Planning Application Intake Requirement Expanded). This updated policy broadens the intake appointment requirement to include additional project types and ensures a consistent, efficient, and high-quality experience for applicants.

An intake appointment is required for any application that meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Type II application
  • Type III application
  • Requires SEPA review
  • Requires a Presubmission Conference

Applications not meeting these criteria may continue to be submitted through standard intake procedures.

Why This Change?

This expanded requirement enhances the intake process by allowing staff to dedicate focused time to complex applications. These appointments help ensure completeness prior to formal submittal, reducing delays and resubmittals while improving overall customer service.


By implementing scheduled appointments, CPED aims to:

  • Streamline application processing
  • Reduce counter wait times
  • Improve accuracy and completeness reviews
  • Enhance the overall applicant experience

Appointment Availability

Appointments will be available on the following days:

📅 Mondays

  • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (1.5 hours)
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (1.5 hours)

📅 Wednesday

  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (1.5 hours)

📅 Thursdays

  • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (1.5 hours)
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (1.5 hours)

Flexibility & Future Adjustments

We understand that demand may vary, and we are committed to remaining flexible. If additional time slots are needed, we will expand hours or adjust scheduling to better accommodate applicants while maintaining efficiency.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit scheduling page. If you are experiencing technical issues with scheduling, please contact Community Development at planning@co.thurston.co.us.

 

CPED Releases Update to Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) Administrative Procedures Manual

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) is excited to announce the release of the Critical Areas Ordinance Administrative Procedures Manual—a comprehensive new resource designed to enhance clarity, consistency, and transparency in implementing the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), as established in Thurston County Code (TCC) Title 24.

Updated October 1, 2025, the manual outlines key administrative procedures for interpreting and implementing the CAO, which regulates land development in and around environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, geologic hazard zones, and fish and wildlife habitats within unincorporated Thurston County.

“This manual serves as both a staff guide and a community resource,” said Ashley Arai, Director of CPED. “It reflects our commitment to ensuring that environmental protection and property development can move forward with predictability, fairness, and sound science.”

 

What is the purpose and use of the manual?

The Administrative Procedures Manual supports CPED’s role in building and land-use permit decisions by helping to interpret the technical and legal provisions of the CAO. It is structured to:

  • Provide clear administrative guidance,
  • Clarify when professional or third-party analysis is needed,
  • Offer detailed procedures for appeals, code interpretations, and recordation requirements.

The manual also provides guidance on using County mapping resources, such as wetland and geologic hazard layers, and explains the criteria and procedures for waiving special reporting requirements.

 

Where can I review the manual?

The Critical Areas Ordinance Administrative Procedures Manual is available for public review and can be accessed:

The manual will be periodically updated to reflect evolving interpretations, legal requirements, and policy decisions.

 

Public Inquiries and Feedback

Community members, consultants, and applicants with questions about the manual or feedback for future updates are encouraged to contact the CPED department directly at Planning@co.thurston.wa.us.

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