Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.
County Contacts
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Thurston County Washington

Community Planning and Economic Development

Set Up or Cancel an Inspection

Directions for scheduling county inspections is below.  When you schedule an inspection, please prepare for inspection, provide access to locked doors or gates, and remove or secure animals, as needed. Virtual Inspections Fact Sheet

Building & Construction Site Inspections 

  • ON-SITE INSPECTION - set up, cancel, reschedule & get results
  • PHOTO/VIDEO INSPECTION
    • Email video/s or digital pictures only if inspection is marked VIRTUAL OK. 
      • How: Take video or photo as explained in Building & Construction Site Inspections.. Multiple vids/pics ok. (Example videos: post hole-1 & post hole-2)
      • When: No need to schedule, send when ready. See required order at Building & Construction Site Inspections.
      • You don't need a 3-digit inspection number. 
      • Results emailed in 3-5 business days, unless on-site inspection needed. 
      • Check your emails/voice mail & reply if inspector has questions.
      • Instructions: Email to building@co.thurston.wa.us with:
        • Subject line: Permit number + video or photo + inspection request (Example: 1812456 photo inspection request). 
        • Message: Include contact name and phone number.
        • Attachments: the video/s or photo/s. 
           
  • VIRTUAL INSPECTION 
    • Video conference using Skype; Facetime; Zoom; Duo is available. 
    • How: Email building@co.thurston.wa.us with:
      • Subject line: Permit number + video conference + inspection request (Example: 1812456 video conf inspection request). 
      • Message: Include what you want inspected, which video conference method you'll use, contact name and phone number. 
      • You don't need a 3-digit inspection number. 
      • Inspector will call you to set the appointment.

 

​Regulated Environmental Areas Inspections (Critical Areas, Habitat Conservation Plan, Shorelines)

  • Critical Areas
    • Prairie Plant Inspections
    • All other Critical Area Inspections
      • Option 1: Hire your own experts to prepare an environmental report detailing the size, location and type.
      • Option 2: Order a county inspection to confirm if & where critical areas are on a property. Our report doesn't detail size and type, but may help you decide if you need to hire experts. See Critical Areas Determination Report. 
      • When: Before any ground-disturbing work and also before siting a project. Codes regulate how far to be from critical areas.
         
  • Habitat Conservation Plan 
    • Generally, no need to schedule an inspection. County staff may do an on-property check for state and federal environmental reporting requirements. 
  • Shorelines
    • Generally, no need to schedule an inspection. County staff may do an on-property check for state and federal environmental reporting requirements.

Septic & Well Inspections

Typically, for inspections, septic installers call in to the Environmental Health division schedule final inspections on septic systems after installation.