Thurston County, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC)

Street address

3000 Pacific Ave SE, Suite 100, Olympia, WA 98501

Phone

(360) 786-5490

Permitting@co.thurston.wa.us

Coverage

All unincorporated areas of Thurston County.

Online portal

Thurston County BDC Online Portal (Accela)

Accela

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Thurston County

All structures must be permitted unless exempted by code.

Scope of work

Permit?

Agricultural/deer fences up to eight feet tall

Exempt

Other exemptions determined on case-by-case basis per building code

Exempt

Exempt Agricultural/deer fences up to eight feet tall
Exempt Other exemptions determined on case-by-case basis per building code

Note: Even if exempt from permits, all other requirements (setbacks, codes, critical areas review) must still be met. Contact BDC for specific exemption determination.

Required documents

Property Information Sheet
Residential OR Non-residential Building Permit Application
Two sets of construction drawings (minimum 11x17)
Site plan meeting submittal standards
Washington State Energy Code compliance forms
Contractor registration documentation

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (effective March 15, 2024)
Contractor requirements: Contractor registration required with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Source: Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Varies based on complexity and review department coordination; 2-4 weeks typical for standard residential.

01

Gather required application materials: Property Information Sheet, Residential OR Non-residential Building Permit Application, two sets of construction drawings, and site plan meeting submittal standards.
02

Create an account on the Thurston County BDC online portal (Accela system).
03

Submit complete application package with applicable building permit and review fees (5% technology fee applies).
04

Application is routed to three County Departments for concurrent review: CPED (zoning, critical areas, building code), Environmental Health (septic and water systems), and Public Works, Development Review (access and stormwater).
05

Building permit issued after each department recommends approval.

Typical processing time: Varies based on complexity and review department coordination; 2-4 weeks typical for standard residential.

Source: Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

Included in permit formula above

Permit fee formula

New single-family/two-family houses: $169.09 per sq ft; Remodels: $84.55 per sq ft; Private garages: $66.20 per sq ft; Decks/porches: $59.19 per sq ft; Pole buildings: $42.28 per sq ft

Reinspection fee

$101

Technology fee: 5% of permit/plan review fees. State surcharge: $6.50 residential, $25 commercial.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(360) 786-5490 (phone)

Typical sequence: Required inspections include: footing, foundation, framing, rough mechanical/plumbing/electrical, insulation, final. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.

Source: Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Thurston County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

All structures must be permitted unless exempted by code.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Thurston County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: New single-family/two-family houses: $169.09 per sq ft; Remodels: $84.55 per sq ft; Private garages: $66.20 per sq ft; Decks/porches: $59.19 per sq ft; Pole buildings: $42.28 per sq ft. Plan check fee: Included in permit formula above.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Thurston County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Gather required application materials: Property Information Sheet, Residential OR Non-residential Building Permit Application, two sets of construction drawings, and site plan meeting submittal standards. 2. Create an account on the Thurston County BDC online portal (Accela system). 3. Submit complete application package with applicable building permit and review fees (5% technology fee applies). 4. Application is routed to three County Departments for concurrent review: CPED (zoning, critical areas, building code), Environmental Health (septic and water systems), and Public Works, Development Review (access and stormwater). 5. Building permit issued after each department recommends approval.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Thurston County, WA typically run Varies based on complexity and review department coordination; 2-4 weeks typical for standard residential.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Thurston County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural/deer fences up to eight feet tall; Other exemptions determined on case-by-case basis per building code. Note: Even if exempt from permits, all other requirements (setbacks, codes, critical areas review) must still be met. Contact BDC for specific exemption determination. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Thurston County, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Thurston County, WA via: (360) 786-5490.

last verified April 2026 source Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC) ↗ entry id permits/washington/thurston/unincorporated

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Building Development Center (BDC) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Thurston County