Thurston County facilities are now open to the public with restrictions, including maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet at all times and, per the Washington State Secretary of Health’s face covering order wearing a cloth face covering or mask. If you come to county facilities, please be prepared for potentially long wait times or lines due to distancing guidelines. We continue to encourage residents to access county services online, by phone, by email, or through the use of drop boxes located outside of county buildings.
The availability of remote services vary by office and department.

Click here for office and department contact information
Click here for information on COVID-19

Thurston County Amendments & Plan Updates in Progress
Thurston County government updates land use and development regulations as the community grows, and as state and federal laws change. The state legislature's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.020) requires some changes, while others are requested by citizens. The update process includes input from citizens, analysis by a citizen advisory group called the Planning Commission, and adoption 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.