Building Safety in Olympia, WA (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
In the City of Olympia, Washington, Olympia Municipal Code § 16.32.140 requires an NFPA 13D automatic sprinkler system in new single family residential units of any size, plus new accessory dwelling units on a sprinklered home's utilities, changes of use, rebuilds and large additions. It amends International Fire Code Section 903.2.8.1 for Group R-3 and lists exceptions, including sheds under 200 square feet.
Olympia WA Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.32.140
903.2.8.1. Group R-3. Automatic Sprinkler System Requirements. A fully automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be designed, installed, tested and maintained per N.F.P.A. ... (National Fire Protection Association) 13D, RCW 18.160 and approval of the Fire Chief. The following Group R3 structures require NFPA 13D sprinkler systems: a. New single family residential units of any size. b. N...
Childcare Center Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a child day care center in a residence must be separate from the family's living quarters, hold state licensing, and file a free Child Care Registration Form with the City before services begin. In R-4, R4CB, RLI, R 4-8, R 6-12 and MR 7-13 districts the center is a conditional use.
Olympia WA Child Day Care Center Use Rules
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.04.060(D)
1. Permitted Use. ... Child day care centers are permitted in the districts specified in Tables 4.01 and 5.01 subject to the following conditions: a. Child day care centers located in residences must be separate from the usual living quarters of the family, or located in the portion of the residence used exclusively for children and their caregivers during the hours the center is in operation. ...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In the City of Olympia, Washington, Olympia Municipal Code § 16.44.060(B)(25) requires apartment buildings and townhomes to have a single station smoke/carbon monoxide alarm in every unit. A strobe goes in a central location in accessible units, and every sleep room needs a low frequency sounder, except in studio apartment units.
Olympia WA Apartment Carbon Monoxide Alarm Rule
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.44.060
24. All systems final acceptance is subject to wiring inspection (by electrical inspector), supervisory tests and proper functioning of all components. No Certificate of Occupancy shall be granted for the structure until satisfactory acceptance tests are accomplished. 25. Apartment buildings and townhomes shall have a single station smoke/carbon monoxide alarm in every unit and strobe centrally...
Building Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, building work needs a permit under the adopted International Building and Residential Codes unless an exemption applies. OMC 16.04.040(A)(1) amends Section 105.2 so one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses with a floor area not greater than 200 square feet are exempt.
Olympia WA Building Permit Requirements and Exemptions
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.04.040(A)(1)
A. International Building Code Amendments. The following sections of the International Building Code (“IBC”), as adopted by this Ordinance, are amended as follows: 1. Amend Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit, item 1 to read: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 ...
Electrical Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, an owner, authorized agent or contractor must first obtain a permit under Olympia Municipal Code § 16.24.080 before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, converting or replacing regulated electrical systems. Class A basic electrical work and residential Class II or III limited energy circuits are exempt, except required fire alarm installations.
Olympia WA Electrical Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.24.080
B. Permits Required. An owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, convert or replace electrical systems or equipment, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause such work to be done, shall first obtain the required permit for the work. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall ...
Plumbing Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, plumbing work follows the current State adopted edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, which OMC 16.04.020(A)(4) adopts for Thurston County's capital city. Permits are issued by the building official, fees are set in OMC 4.36.010, and a permit expires if work does not start within one hundred eighty days.
Olympia WA Plumbing Permits and Adopted Plumbing Code
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.04.020
A. Pursuant to RCW 19.27.031, the City of Olympia hereby adopts the following codes, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, and as thereafter amended by the City of Olympia, for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, removal, demolition, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of buildings and structures, as well as the instal...
Building Inspections
In the City of Olympia, Washington, the final building inspection happens only after the conditions of SEPA, Hearings Examiner, Design Review, Development Engineering, Stormwater and Tree, Soil and Native Vegetation requirements are complied with or bonded for at 125%, and the building is complete. The Building Official then issues the Certificate of Occupancy.
Olympia WA Building Inspections and Final Inspection Rule
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.04.040(A)(3)-(4)
3. Amend Section 110.3.10 Final inspection. The final inspection is to be made after all conditions of SEPA, Hearings Examiner, Design Review, Development Engineering, Stormwater Ordinance, and the Tree, Soil and Native Vegetation Ordinance are either complied with or bonded for at a rate of 125% in addition to finish grading; and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. 4. Amend Sect...
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olympia city rules.
Building Safety in Thurston County →