Building Development Center Hours

Starting July 1, 2026, the permit counter at the Building Development Center will update walk-in service hours to 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Services are still available with an appointment. Starting June 22, 2026, customers can schedule permit service appointments in advance for July using the online scheduling tool.

These changes will allow us to provide more dedicated customer service, reduce wait times, and better support customers as we transition to a new permitting system in Fall of 2026.

Appointments available include:

• Application and permit intake.
• Permit issuance.
• Revisions.
• Record drawings.

For more information on the services we offer and how to schedule an appointment, go to the Permit Office Hours and Services page.

New Online Permitting System Coming in September

Thurston County is launching a new online permitting system to apply for, track, and manage permits all in one place. The new system will allow customers to submit applications, upload documents, and check their permit status online. Over time, this will improve consistency, transparency, and efficiency for customers and staff. The new system will go live September, 2026.

Know Before You Buy

Buying property is a big investment. Before you buy, understand how the property is regulated, what’s been permitted in the past, and what environmental constraints may apply. Learn what to look for and how to find information about a property in our Know Before You Buy: A Property Land Use and Permitting Guide.

The document walks you through:

Past building and land use permits. Reviewing permit history reveals whether previous improvements were permitted, protecting you from unexpected expenses.

Septic systems records. Verifying septic documentation could help plan for annual inspections and maintenance, avoid costly emergency replacements, and ensure safe wastewater disposal.

Zoning and development standards. Understanding these rules clarifies what you can build or modify.

Critical areas. Identifying critical areas and mandatory buffers shows how much of the property is actually usable for development.

Mechanical Permit Inspections

Starting this July, inspections for systems like water heaters and HVAC units will transition back to in-person visits. While virtual inspections served as a helpful temporary solution during the pandemic, building departments have found that being on-site is the most reliable way to verify safety. In-person visits allow inspectors to carefully check critical details—like proper venting, secure connections, and correct clearances—that are difficult to confirm through a screen. This shift is all about prioritizing your safety and giving you peace of mind that everything meets current building codes. This requirement will apply to all permits submitted on or after July 1, 2026. When these permits are issued, applicants will receive specific guidance on the inspection scheduling process, along with answers to common questions on typical issues encountered during the process.

Board of County Commissioners Adopt CPED's 2026-2027 Work Plan

Official Comprehensive Plan & Development Code Dockets

On May 5, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a two-year work plan for updating the county's long-range growth policies and land use rules: the 2026-2027 Official Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Development Code Dockets.

• Comprehensive Plan Docket: The Comprehensive Plan is Thurston County's 20-year roadmap for growth—it shapes where homes, jobs, parks, and roads go, and how we protect natural areas. A Comprehensive Plan amendment updates that big-picture vision. 

• Development Code Docket: The Development Code puts the plan into action—things like zoning districts, building requirements, and land use standards. A Development Code amendment tweaks those rules to better align with the community roadmap, state and federal requirements, and on-the-ground realities.

What's on the Work Plan?

• Nisqually Watershed Plan: A regional effort to protect water quality, flood resilience, and salmon habitat in the Nisqually River area.
• Climate Program and Code Updates: Policies aimed at reducing emissions and helping communities prepare for extreme heat, smoke, and flooding.
• Grand Mound 193rd Ave: A proposal to evaluate growth options along a key rural street, balancing new jobs and services with neighborhood character.
• Joint Codes and Plans: Aligning our urban area development regulations with our north city partners to better focus growth in the areas right outside city limits.
• Capital Improvement Program: Aligning county work on roads, parks, and facilities with community priorities.
• Critical Areas Ordinance: Updating rules for wetlands, steep slopes prone to landslides, and wildlife habitat to strengthen protections and simplify the permitting process.
• Rural Zoning and Subdivision Updates: Clarifying what’s allowed on rural lands to support farming and rural lifestyles.
• Shoreline Master Program: Finalizing regulations for lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound shorelines to balance recreation, responsible development, and shoreline protection.
• Transfer of Development Rights: Updating the voluntary tool to help preserve farmland and open space by letting landowners sell development potential to other areas.
• Permit Process Improvements: Streamlining reviews and appeals to reduce delays for homeowners, builders, and small businesses.

Each project will follow its own timeline for analysis, community input and public hearings, and Board of County Commissioners decisions. Some items may be completed within the 2026-27 cycle and others could take longer. Details about each project are available on the docket webpage.

Find Out What's Possible On Your Property

How It Works

1. Planning staff spends 30 minutes reviewing your concept, checking zoning rules, site history, and any environmental or safety considerations (like slopes, drainage, or protected areas).
2. We have a 30-minute call or meeting to walk through what's feasible, where your project might fit best on the site, what permits you'll likely need, and any hurdles to watch for.
3. You'll receive a simple written summary highlighting key takeaways and next steps.

Why Do It?

Catching potential issues early—like siting the project too close to the road or property line or critical area constraints—helps you avoid costly revisions later and ensures your project starts on solid and safe ground.

“At NW Permit Solutions, we’ve found Thurston County’s Concept Review process to be an invaluable resource for both our team and our clients. The opportunity to collaborate with County staff early in the development process helps identify potential issues upfront, improves the quality and completeness of permit submittals, and creates a smoother, more efficient review experience overall. More importantly, the process helps foster a collaborative relationship where the County feels like part of the project team working toward successful outcomes, rather than another obstacle to navigate.” -Chris Arnold, President, NW Permit Solutions, Inc.

To Schedule

Submit the Concept Review Application, property information sheet, and $120 + a 5% technology fee:

• In person at the Thurston County Permitting Desk, Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. 
• Over the phone: (360) 786-5490
• Online: ThurstonPermits.org

Leaving Staff: A Fond Farewell

Maya Teeple - Senior Planner After ten amazing years with Thurston County, Maya is heading off to her next adventure—and we couldn’t be more grateful. From leading two Comprehensive Plan Updates and shaping vital code amendments, to guiding land use appeals and collaborating with Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Maya’s work has helped build safer, more resilient communities across the county. She’s also been an incredible mentor, guiding new planners with patience, wisdom, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in this community. We’re going to miss her, but the smart policies, protected natural spaces and rural communities, and stronger teams she helped build will continue to impact Thurston County for generations. Thank you for everything, Maya!

New Staff: A Warm Welcome

A warm welcome to our new staff members you might see at or around the Building Development Center!

Emily McCartan - Stormwater Program Coordinator Emily grew up in Thurston County and is excited to be joining the stormwater team taking care of her home waters. She has previously worked in stormwater, salmon recovery, and watershed planning at the Department of Ecology, Long Live the Kings, and the Nisqually River Foundation, among others. Outside of work, she’s usually reading, hiking, or working on a craft project.

Erika Smith-Erickson - Permit Technician Erika has more than eight years of experience in community planning and development in Thurston County, with a recent focus on housing policy and long-range planning. Erika’s looking forward to bringing her experience to Thurston County through a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach focused on effective public service. Outside of work, Erika lives an active outdoor lifestyle, prioritizes spending time with her loved ones and pets, practices yoga, and has an iced coffee obsession.