Public Access is Closed to MOST County Facilities Due to COVID-19.

In response to Governor Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, Thurston County has moved to an essential services model, in effect
through Sunday, May 31, 2020. Courts and other elected offices may operate under different hours or restrictions.

(Solid waste facilities are open. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/2SldUPq)
(For more information on essential functions, visit: https://bit.ly/3dwIBK8)
(For office contacts, visit: https://bit.ly/3bs7bdy)

Building Premit for Accessory Structures

STEP 1:   Research the Project Property (Times vary) 

From gophers and soils to water sources and zones, find out which County codes and inspections may apply to your project. 


STEP 2:   Prepare your Application Packet (Times vary) 

Instructions are on each application. Gather required information. Prepare necessary plans and drawings.

Required forms         Checklist (PDF)   |   Master Application (PDF)  |   Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)     

Optional forms          Driveway Permit (PDF) (If adding a driveway.)   |   Road Access Permit (PDF) (If adding access to an existing road.)   
                                           Engineered Drainage Permit (PDF) (If certain condition apply. Ask staff.)   |   Withdrawals/Extensions/Refunds 

STEP 3:   Submit a Complete Application Packet (1-2 hours)

Bring packet and review fee in person to the County’s Building Development Center. Packet reviewed for completeness while you wait. If your packet is incomplete, we’ll tell you what’s missing.  

County Building Development Center directions   |   Fees

STEP 4:   Application Reviews & On-property Inspections  (8-10 weeks*)

Three County departments separately review applications, plans and drawings. Staff members from each department may conduct on-property inspections before or after permitting. You may be asked to provide additional reports, information, or to revise your plans based on County codes. 

  • Environmental Health Dept., Development Review Dept. & Development Services Dept. all review applications. Each has expertise in different parts of County code.
  • Each department gets a copy of your packet, and starts to work. 
  • Each department may conduct on-property inspections based on code requirements. Some inspections, like gophers, are seasonal.
  • Check the progress of your permit application:   Permit Checker   

.*8-10 weeks is average. Times vary based on specific project. Large projects, and those needing seasonal inspections may take longer. If the County asks for additional information or materials, allow additional processing time.