Thurston County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Thurston County.

Department

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

Address

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

Phone

(360) 786-5490

Email

Permitting@co.thurston.wa.us

Website

https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

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)

General Requirements

All structures must be permitted unless exempted by code.

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).

Fees

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

Payment note

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

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 786-5490 (phone)

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

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (effective March 15, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• ADU Ordinance 15952 (Rural Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Critical Areas Review (Wetlands, Streams, Slopes, Floodplain, Gopher Soils, Prairie Soils)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub