Permit Applications & Forms
Before you fill out any forms look up your project property to see if it has critical areas or HCP soils (or other environmental regulations), and check its zoning. You need that information to fill out most forms. Find out by going to Find Out What You Can Do with a Property. Incomplete application packets not accepted, so include required drawings, plans and reports. Staff will let you know if something is missing. If you're not sure which form/s to use ask your project experts, or contact us.
Building & Construction Forms
Use These Forms
Master Application
Residential Building Permit Application
Impervious Surface Worksheet
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
FAQ for ADUs
Septic rules for ADUs
Fire rules for ADUs
Guide to Accessory Buildings
See related construction illustrations on Inspection Drawings page
Project May Also Need
Septic, Sewer, Water & Wells permits and info
Stormwater & Erosion Control Plan
Permits for grading, road access, or easements
About ADUs
Accessory Dwelling Unit are places someone can live. Includes a kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom. On the same lot as a single-family home, but smaller in size, and can be attached or separate from main home.
How ADUs Differ from Similar Buildings
Family Member Unit -For a relative. Must be manufactured or modular housing unit.
Guest House - Not a residence. For occasional use only. No kitchen. Can't be rented. Short stays only.
Tiny Home –Not allowed for residential uses unless designed in a certain way and in a certain locations (RV Park). See Tiny Home section.
Use These Forms
Master Application
Adult Family Home Inspection Application Coversheet
Adult Family Home Initial Inspection Checklist
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Adult Family Homes
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Drawing of Adult Family Home Grab Bars Specs
See related construction illustrations on Inspection Drawings page
About Adult Family Homes
An adult family home has up to six adults not related to the care providers by blood or marriage. Washington Assn. of Building Officials regulates adult family homes with help from Washington Department of Social & Health Services. We enforce them.
Use These Forms
Master Application
Residential Building Permit Application
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Agricultural Buildings
Guidance regarding agricultural buildings that are exempt from the federal Endangered Species Act regulations in Thurston County per the special federal 4d rule.
See related construction illustrations on Inspection Drawings page
Use These Forms Depending On What you Want to Do
Building Permit Extension Request Form
Building Permit Withdrawal Request Form
Use These Forms
Master Application
Residential Building Permit Application
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Garage Conversion
See related construction illustrations on Inspection Drawings page
Use These Forms
Presubmission Conference Application Form
Non Residential Application
Impervious Surface Worksheet
Guides & Drawings
Guide to the Presubmission Conference Application
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Non-Residential Application
Learn about presubs on the Presubmission Conference web page
Project May Also Need
Permits / Forms for Septic/Well
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
Permits / Forms for Stormwater runoff / erosion control
- Stormwater runoff / erosions control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
- Impervious Surface Worksheet
Permits / Forms for Grading or Easements
- Scoping Review Request
- Guide to the Scoping Review Request
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
Permits / Forms for Driveway
- Encroachment Application Form - any work proposed within the county right-of-way, including new or relocating a driveway that connects to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form - to use an unopened county right-of-way for new driveway or private road.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
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Use These Forms
If you are only wanting to clear and grade a site, use these forms if 7,000+ sf is going to be cleared, or 50+ cubic yards of material is going to be moved. If you're doing another building project, you don't need to fill these out separately because it is part of the project.
- Master Application
- Guide to Submitting the Master Application
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
May Also Need State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) Forms
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Use These Forms
Presubmission Conference Application Form
Master Application
Non Residential Application
Impervious Surface WorksheetGuides & Drawings
Guide to the Presubmission Conference Application
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Non-Residential Application
Learn about presubs on the Presubmission Conference web pageProject May Also Need
Permits / Forms for Septic/Well
- Certificate of Water Availability - COWA Forms
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
Permits / Forms for Stormwater runoff / erosion control
- Stormwater runoff / erosions control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
Permits / Forms for Grading or Easements
- Scoping Review Request
- Guide to the Scoping Review Request
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
Permits / Forms for Driveway
- Encroachment Application Form - if new or relocating a driveway to connect to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form new driveway connecting to county road with unopened right of way.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
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Use These Forms for Demolition of Structures
Master Application
Minor Permit Application
Guides & Drawings for Demolition
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to the Minor Permit ApplicationAbout Demolition of Structures
- Complete a separate form for each structure being demolished.
- Projects in critical areas will require a staff review. Mitigation may be required to repair or restore critical area. See Look Up Your Property to find out if the property needs them.
- Submit a site plan.
- Submit an Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) Notification. Required prior to issuance of the demolition permit.
- Contact Puget Sound Energy to ensure all power and gas is safely disconnected.
Use These forms for Oil Tank Decommissioning
Master Application
Fire Code Permit form for Oil Tank DecommissioningGuides for Oil Tank Decommissioning
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Oil Tank Decommissioning
Use These Forms
Driveway to county road (build new or relocate existing)
- Encroachment Application Form- any work proposed within the county right-of-way, including new or relocating a driveway that connects to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form - to use an unopened county right-of-way for new driveway or private road.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
Use These Forms for Fire Alarms, Sprinkler Systems, Firework Stands / Displays, Propane Tanks & Above/Below Ground Fuel Tanks
Master Permit Application Form
Fire Code Construction / Operation Permit Application Form
Guides & Instructions
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to the Fire Code Construction / Operation Permit
Guide to Big Tent / Membrane Permit
Hood & Duct System Confidence Report
Key Boxes
FDC / Key Box Location Approval Form - Key boxes are required for all new building and remodel applications. Contact the local fire district for purchasing information.
Fire Flow (On-site water for fire fighting)
Guide to Fire Flow
Fire Flow Calculation Worksheet
Fire Alarms
Project must include alarms if required International Building Code Chapter 9. Full coverage NFPA 72 fire alarm system required if you take credit for fire flow.
Fire Alarm Report of Inspection & Testing Maintenance
Sprinkler Systems Also Need
Guide to Limited-Supply Sprinkler System
Fire Flow Calculation Worksheet
Guide to Fire Flow
Automatic Sprinkler System Confidence Report Form
Sprinkler systems are required for:
- Commercial structures per International Building Code Chapter 9. (The Building Code applies to structures other than one and two-family dwellings and townhomes -- i.e., commercial)
- In Olympia, Lacey Tumwater urban growth areas if the building is more than 7,500 square feet
- In the rural area (i.e., outside urban growth areas) if the building is more than 12,000 square feet.
- As a trade-off for fire flow or type of construction.
Fireworks Stands/Displays Also Need
Guide to Fireworks Stand Application
Guide to Fireworks Display Application
Fuel Tank Projects & Oil Tank Decommissioning
Guide to Decommissioning Underground Oil Tank
About Fire Permits & Forms
This Fire Code Construction / Operation Permit Application Form above is used for all fire permit types including but not limited to fire alarms, fuel tanks above and below ground, sprinkler systems, fire work stands and displays, tents, etc. Refer to the Guide to Fire Code Permit Application for details.
- Use These Forms
- Guides, Checklist & Drawings
- Guide to Submitting the Master Application
- Guide to the Manufactured Home Placement Application
- Checklist for Manufactured Home Owners
- Find manufactured home construction drawings on the Inspection Drawings web page
May Also Need
- If on a Well May Also Need
- Well Mandate Form
- Guide to the Well Mandate Form
- Certificate of Water Availability - COWA Forms on the Environmental Health website, scroll down and click on Drinking Water & Well Resources, and then on Drinking Water.
- Affidavit forms for Water Resource Inventory Areas
- Recreating a Well Report Form
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
- If adding a Driveway May Also Need
- Stormwater runoff / erosions control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
- Encroachment Application Form - if new or relocating a driveway to connect to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form new driveway connecting to county road with unopened right of way.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
Changes to / Remodel of Manufactured Home already in Place
This is all managed through the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (LNI) because they regulated manufactured and mobile homes. Contact them at 360-902-5800.
Title Elimination
The title Elimination application process is initiated through Washington State Department of Licensing. Our role is to complete section five of that form. Fee of $50 applies.
- Use These Forms
- Title Elimination Inspection Request - use this if there's no record of a placement permit & you meet one of the options in this form.
- Code Compliance Verification Form
- Engineers Supplemental Mobile Certification List
- Checklist for Manufactured Home Owners
Use These Forms
Master Application
Minor Permit Application
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Completing the Minor Application Form
About Minor Permits
Many minor permits are issued over-the-counter, and generally do not require building plans. A list of the most common items that need permits is below. Other items may also need permits. Please contact us.
Please note: Replacement of forced-air heating units and water heaters don't require permits. (Amended 2018 with Ordinance 15648. See County Code Title).
| Mechanical | Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Absorption BTU | Bathtub | |
| Air Conditioner | Clothes Washer | |
| Boilers | Dishwasher | |
| Compressors | Floor Drain | |
| Furnace, Electric & Gas | Shower | |
| Gas Range, Piping Connection & Wall Heater | Sink | |
| Heat Pump, Duct & Ductless | Toilets & Urinals | |
| Ventilation and Exhaust Fans | Water Heater, (Gas & Elec.) | |
| Woodstove/Insert | Water Pipe Alteration/Repair |
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Use These Forms
Master Application
Minor Permit ApplicationGuides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Minor Permit ApplicationAbout Minor Construction
This includes plumbing, heating equipment, gas appliances, gas piping, replacing windows, replacement of structural sheeting, doors or skylights if you have to modify the frame to do it.
Use These Forms
Presubmission Conference Application Form
Master Application
Non Residential Application
Impervious Surface Worksheet
Guides & Drawings
Guide to the Presubmission Conference Application
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Non-Residential Application
Learn about presubs on the Presubmission Conference web page
Project May Also Need
Land Use Permits / Approvals
- Site Plan Review (Go to the Land-Use Section below)
- Design Review (Go to the Design Review Section below)
Permits / Forms for Septic/Well
- Well Mandate Form
- Guide to the Well Mandate Form
- Certificate of Water Availability - COWA Forms on the Environmental Health website (scroll down and click to open Drinking Water & Well Resources and then see Drinking Water).
- Affidavit forms for Water Resource Inventory Areas
- Recreating a Well Report Form
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
Permits / Forms for Stormwater runoff / erosion control
- Stormwater runoff / erosion control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
Permits / Forms for Grading or Easements
- Scoping Review Request
- Guide to the Scoping Review Request
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
Permits / Forms for Driveway
- Encroachment Application Form - any work proposed within the county right-of-way, including new or relocating a driveway that connects to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form - to use an unopened county right-of-way for new driveway or private road.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
Use These Forms
Presubmission Conference Application Form
Master Application
Non Residential Application
Impervious Surface Worksheet
Guides & Drawings
Guide to the Presubmission Conference Application
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Non-Residential Application
Learn about presubs on the Presubmission Conference web page
Project May Also Need
Permits / Forms for Septic/Well
- Well Mandate Form
- Guide to the Well Mandate Form
- Certificate of Water Availability - COWA Forms on the Environmental Health website, scroll down and click on Drinking Water & Well Resources, and then on Drinking Water.
- Affidavit forms for Water Resource Inventory Areas
- Recreating a Well Report Form
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
Permits / Forms for Stormwater runoff / erosion control
- Stormwater runoff / erosions control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
- Impervious Surface Worksheet
Permits / Forms for Grading or Easements
- Scoping Review Request
- Guide to the Scoping Review Request
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
Permits / Forms for Driveway
- Encroachment Application Form - any work proposed within the county right-of-way, including new or relocating a driveway that connects to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form - to use an unopened county right-of-way for new driveway or private road.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit SA 015c
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
Use These Forms
Master Application
Residential Building Permit Application
Impervious Surface Worksheet
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Single Family Homes & Duplexes
Guide to Residential Energy Code Compliance
Drawing of Truss Design Specs
See related construction illustrations on Inspection Drawings page
If on Raw / Undeveloped Land May Need
Permits / Forms for Septic/Well
- Well Mandate Form
- Guide to the Well Mandate Form
- Certificate of Water Availability - COWA Forms on the Environmental Health website, scroll down and click on Drinking Water & Well Resources, and then on Drinking Water.
- Affidavit forms for Water Resource Inventory Areas
- Recreating a Well Report Form
- Learn more on the Septic, Water & Well web page
Permits / Forms for Stormwater runoff / erosion control
- Stormwater runoff / erosions control plan and drawings. Find info in the county's drainage manual
- Impervious Surface Worksheet
Permits / Forms for Grading or Easements
- Scoping Review Request
- Guide to the Scoping Review Request
- Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
- Find more on the grading, road access, or easements web page
Permits / Forms for Driveway
- Encroachment Application Form - any work proposed within the county right-of-way, including new or relocating a driveway that connects to a county rd.
- Guide to the Encroachment Application
- Right of Way Access Permit Application Form - to use an unopened county right-of-way for new driveway or private road.
- Guide to the Right of Way Access Application
- Vacate the Right of Way Permit
- Guide to the Vacate Right of Way Permit Form
- Variance Request from Roads & Drainage Standards
- Guide to the Variance Request
If Living in an RV on Property During Construction
Site Plan Review Forms & Guides
- Master Application
- Site Plan Review
- Guide to Submitting the Master Application
- Guide to Site Plan Review
Design Plan Review Forms & Guides
Use These Forms
Master Application
Residential Building Permit Application
Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Swimming Pools
Project May Also Need
Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
Guide to the Construction Permit for Grading & Filling
About Tiny Homes
Tiny homes can be built on site as a small home and must meet all county building and development regulations. See construction details in the Guide to Tiny Homes. Start with Find Out What You Can Do with a Property as a first step - because even a tiny home must meet the requirements outlined here.
Park-model RVs are often referred to as Tiny Homes, but are regulated by Washington Department of Labor & Industry (LNI). Visit their website for more details.
Guide
Check out our Guide to Tiny Homes.
RVs
RV-living is heavily regulated by Zoning regulation. Please contact us to discuss option.
Critical & Environmental Area Forms (protected species, habitats, wetlands, shorelines, floods)
- Use These Forms
Master Application
Critical Area Determination Form - Guides & Drawings
Guide to Submitting the Master ApplicationAbout the CAD Report
Go to the CAD Report web page to learn more.
Go to Find Out What You Can Do with a Property web page to see if this report is a good next step for your project.
This report differs from the CARP because it is a report letting you know if a property has critical areas. The CARP is a permit application, not just a report.
- Use These Forms
Master Application
Critical Area Review Permit
About the CARP
Use this permit application if your project requires buffer mitigation or impacts critical areas and buffers.
Go to Find Out What You Can Do with a Property web page to see if this report is a good next step for your project.
Use These Forms
About the Critical Area Farm Conservation Plan Application
- Use this permit application if your new agricultural use impacts critical areas and buffers.
- Read the Farm Plan information handout to see if this application is a good next step for your project.
Use These Forms
- Master Application
- HCP Program Review* (Full Application)
- HCP Mitigation Fee Estimation Form (Final fee calculated by staff.)
- Example 1 - Large Building Site Plan / Minimization Map
- Example 2 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Site Plan / Minimization Map
- Example BMP Answers & Descriptions
- Federal 4D Rule - Development activities that don't need an HCP permit
*The HCP Program Review form was last updated 5.26.23. It may be edited in the future for improvements.
About the HCP
- Watch the county's short HCP video to find out why federal Endangered Species listings led to the HCP.
- Learn more on the county's HCP page.
- The HCP Program Review is federally required under U.S. Fish & Wildlife issued Incidental Take Permit ESPER0043489. This federal permit authorizes the county to issue building permits in unincorporated county areas protected by the federal U.S. Endangered Species Act .
Use These Forms
Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Shoreline Administrative Variance
Guide to the Shoreline Administrative Variance
SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act)
The state of Washington mandates some regulations.
- SEPA Application Checklist (PDF) SEPA Checklist (Word)
- Coversheet for the SEPA Application
- Guide to the SEPA Application Checklist
- Fresh-Water / Lakes Dock Information
JARPA (Joint Aquatic Resources Permit)
County, city, state & federal agencies jointly oversee some types of projects.
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Use These Forms
Master Application
Critical Area Review Permit
Guide to Submitting the Master Application - May also need these forms (for logging & other forest practice activities)
Forest Practice Activities Form
Waiver of Moratorium on Tree Cutting
Release of Moratorium
- About Tree Cutting
Thurston County is authorized by the state of Washington to issue Class IV forest practice permit for some activities like logging and conversion of forested land to other uses, i.e. roads, housing, agriculture, etc. Learn more on the Tree & Forest information web page
Land Use & Property Boundary Change Forms
Main Forms for all Adjustments
- Master Application
- Guide to Submitting the Master Application
- Boundary Line Adjustment Lot Consolidation Application Form
- Boundary Line Adjustment/Consolidation Guide
- Declaration of Boundary Line Adjustment and Covenant Form (legal-sized paper)
- New Legal Descriptions of Parcels Form
- Boundary Line Adjustment Recording Cover Sheet
- Tax Certification Form
- Division of Land
- Division of Land Final Map Application
- Division of Land Guide
- Declaration of Covenant Form - Large Lot (legal sized paper)
- Declaration of Covenant Form - Short Plat (legal sized paper)
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Use These Forms
Innocent Purchaser Form
Innocent Purchaser Form Instructions
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Use These Forms
Legal Lot Determination Form
Legal Lot Determination Instructions
Use These Forms
Site Plan Review Forms & Guides
- Master Application
- Site Plan Review
- Guide to Submitting the Master Application
- Guide to Site Plan Review
May also need presub & link to site plan page.
Septic, Water & Well
Septic & well forms and information are managed by the county's Environmental Health division and maintained on their website. Links below:
Buying or Selling a Property with Well
Septic system and well regulations and permitting is managed by Thurston County's Environmental Health division of Public Health & Social Services.
Zoning, Special Uses & Other Administrative Reviews
- Hearing Examiner Variance Application Form
- Guide to using the Hearing Examiner Variance Application form
- Fee Schedule: 2024 Fees (PDF)
- Appeal of an Administrative Decision
- Appeal and/or Reconsideration of a Hearing Examiner Decision
- Appeal After Reconsideration
- Guide: Guide to Public Hearings (PDF)
- Guide: Rules of Procedure (PDF)
- For more about the Hearing Examiner visit the Hearings Examiner web page.
Use These Forms
Master Application
Presubmission Conference Supplemental Application
Presubmission Conference Guidelines
Guides
Guide to Submitting the Master Application
Guide to Submitting the Presubmission Conference Application
About the Presubmission Conference
The presubmission conference is an opportunity for you to meet with county permitting staff who will review your initial plan and guide you in preparing your application materials. Go to the Presubmission Conference web page to learn more. And, go to Project Feasibility to learn more about feasibility.
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Use These Forms
Master ApplicationComprehensive Plan Amendment Application -Site Specific Land Use
SEPA Forms
- Environmental Checklist for the SEPA application (PDF) SEPA Checklist (Word)
- Coversheet for the SEPA Application
- Guide to the SEPA Application Checklist
About Rezoning Requests
The Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process allows individuals, groups, and County departments to propose changes to the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan. The amendment process provides a way to address new considerations and changing conditions. Find details on the County's Comprehensive Plan Amendment web page.