Code Complaints & Junk Vehicles
We investigate possible code violations related to building and land use in unincorporated Thurston County and in the Urban Growth Areas of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater. If investigation reveals a violation, we follow the process in county code Title 26 adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
How to Report a Potential Code Violation
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Step 1 Check Jurisdiction Before You Report
- If you have an address check Property Information Report. (Enter address, scroll down to "Jurisdiction" when report opens). Instructions if needed.
- If you don't have an address use the County's online Map.
- Outside our jurisdiction, contact: Lacey 360-491-5642, Olympia 360-753-8487, Tumwater 360-754-4200, Yelm 360-458-3244.
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Step 2 Click on reporting form link to complete & submit complaint
The Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Department responds to these reports:
- Buildings and construction that is unpermitted. Reporting Form
- Buildings that are dangerous or a nuisance. Email building@co.thurston.wa.us.
- Clearing & grading. Reporting Form
- Zoning / Landuse - Logging / Tree Removal
- Critical areas - tampering with or destroying environmentally sensitive areas like creeks, flood areas, high ground water areas, landslide risk areas, streams, steep slopes, wetlands. Reporting Form
- Junk vehicles. Reporting Form / Junk Vehicle Information Sheet
- Shoreline concerns. Reporting Form
- Tenant Inspection Request Form - complete and email to building@co.thurston.wa.us
- Zoning & land-use - concerns about event centers, food processing facilities, property line setbacks, living in an RV, tree removal. Reporting Form
Other Departments Respond to these reports (links provided):
- Abandoned Vehicles in Thurston County Right-of-Ways / Roads - Thurston County Public Works
- Animal control - Animal Services
- Disturbing the Peace - Thurston County Sheriff's Office by calling 911
- Dumping of pollutants or hazardous materials down a Storm Drain - Stormwater Utility
- Garbage / Illegal Dumping / Trash - Environmental Health
- Hazardous Materials Improperly Stored - Environmental Health
- Noise from a Business - Environmental Health
- Road issues in/on county roads (trees, abandoned vehicles, excessive litter, etc.)
- Septic System-related issues - Environmental Health
- Smoke / Open fires - Olympia Regional Clean Air Authority
- Weeds / Noxious & invasive weeds - Noxious Weed Control
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Step 3 How Reporting May Affect You (Your Information May be Disclosed)
- Public Disclosure of your information is possible. If you report a code violation to the county, any information you provide about yourself may become available through the public records disclosure process. The state legislature's Public Records Act requires the County to keep this information and make it available unless certain conditions apply. Read the state law for exceptions.
- How Alleged Violations Become an Enforcement Action. Every case is different. A Thurston County compliance coordinator will investigate the alleged violation. If a violation exists, we follow the compliance action steps outlined in county code Title 26.
- Role of Code Compliance Staff
Compliance staff are dedicated to helping educate and inform community members, and work with landowners to bring their property into compliance with current codes and ordinances.
What to do if you receive a Contact Letter from Compliance Staff
- If you receive a letter from the county compliance office, please read through it, then email or call the number provided.
- Many landowners are unaware that certain activities or persistent property conditions may violate local ordinances intended to protect the health and safety of our community.
- The county's role is to review the matter with you to determine if the alleged condition(s) exist. A site visit may also be conducted to help with making the determination.
- If the alleged conditions exist, we'll give you information to help you understand the why and how of meeting code. Compliance may be easier than you think.
- Check out County Property Regulations (county code online) or go directly to common concerns linked below. Urban Growth Area rules are in the Lacey UGA Codes, Olympia UGA Codes & Tumwater UGA Codes.
- Visit Planning Your Project - What to Know Before You Begin
- Code compliance in Thurston County is designed to provide an easy step-by-step process to understand and follow.
- Start working through those steps outlined in county code Title 26.
- If you need help, contact your compliance coordinator.