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 Monday, May 4, 2020. Courts and other elected offices may operate under different hours or restrictions.

(For more information on essential functions, visit: https://bit.ly/3dwIBK8)
(For office contacts, visit: https://bit.ly/3bs7bdy)

Thurston County Amendments & Plan Updates in Progress
Thurston County government updates its codes, development regulations, and related plans as the community grows, and as state and federal laws change. Some updates, called periodic updates, are mandated by the state legislature's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.020). Other updates may be Board-initiated or citizen-initiated. The update process includes input from citizens, analysis by a citizen advisory group called the Planning Commission, and review and approval by Thurston County's elected officials, the Board of County Commissioners. 

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket Items

  • Capital Improvements Plan - update in progress
    A six-year plan of community investment projects for unincorporated areas of Thurston County.

  • Subarea Plans - updates in progress
    Growth plans for the communities of Grand Mound, Nisqually Valley & Rochester. Made in cooperation with each jurisdiction.

  • Asphalt Recycling Policy - updates in progress
    A review of the Asphalt Recycling Policy (E.5) in the Nisqually Subarea Plan.

 

Development Code Docket - on-going, year-round process
A list of proposed changes to the building regulations for unincorporated Thurston County. Requests are accepted year-round.

 

Other Special Projects

  • Habitat Conservation Plan - first-time plan; being developed now
    The County is applying for a federal permit to cover its building permit applicants in response to the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of a gopher and three other animals in the County. The federal permit process requires the County to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).  Until the HCP is complete & approved, the County operates a gopher review process.

  • Shoreline Master Program - update in progress
    Building, land-use and zoning regulations for shorelines within the County's jurisdiction.

  • Voluntary Stewardship Program - on-going
    An alternative approach for counties to protect critical areas in areas that intersect with agricultural activities.