Environmental Rules in Olympia, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Olympia, Washington, only stormwater, clean groundwater and clean city potable water with chlorine below 0.1 ppm can go into the municipal storm drain system (MS4). Thirteen listed exceptions cover items such as firefighting water and dechlorinated pool discharges. Violations are civil infractions starting at $50, and each day counts separately.
Olympia WA Storm Drain Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 13.16.030
No one may discharge or cause to be discharged any materials of any kind into the MS4, except stormwater, clean groundwater, and clean city potable water with chlorine concentrations less than 0.1 ppm. This prohibition does not include: 1. Water from emergency firefighting activities. 2. Non-stormwater discharges covered by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, provi...
Erosion Control
In the City of Olympia, Washington, Olympia Municipal Code § 13.16.017 adopts the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual by reference, and § 13.16.018 makes the Manual prevail over conflicting ordinances, standards and policies. Violating § 13.16.017 is a civil infraction starting at $50, and each day is a separate infraction.
Erosion Control Requirements in the City of Olympia, Washington
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 13.16.017, 13.16.018
The City of Olympia Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual (“the Manual”), as amended and updated, is adopted by reference as though fully set forth in this chapter. One copy of the Manual must be placed and held in the office of the City Clerk and be available to the public. ... The provisions of the Drainage Design and Erosion Manual adopted in OMC 13.16.017 control and prevail over any p...
Flood Zones
In the City of Olympia, Washington, in Thurston County, a development permit is required before construction or development begins in any area of special flood hazard, and the rule covers fill and manufactured homes. The Building Official reviews applications under Olympia Municipal Code § 16.70.040.
Olympia WA Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.70.040
A. Establishment of Development Permit. 1. Development Permit Required. A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in OMC 16.70.030.B. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in the "Definitions," and for all development including fill and other activities, also as...
Boat Dock Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a residential dock, pier or float must be shared unless the applicant shows why sharing is not feasible. Under Olympia Municipal Code § 18.20.844, only one type of moorage is allowed per waterfront lot, and no fill may be placed water-ward of the Ordinary High Water Mark to build one.
Olympia, WA Residential Dock and Pier Rules
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.20.844
A. Shared residential moorage is required unless the applicant demonstrates why shared moorage is not feasible prior to approval of a residential pier, dock, or float. Considerations include but are not limited to proximity to other docks and willingness of adjoining property owners to participate in shared moorage. B. Where moorage is proposed for new subdivisions of more than two lots, or new...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Olympia, Washington, in Thurston County, new construction and substantial improvement in an AE or A1-30 flood zone must put the lowest floor, including the basement, one foot or more above the base flood elevation. Olympia Municipal Code § 16.70.050(B) sets that one foot of freeboard, and the Building Official administers it.
Olympia WA Flood Elevation and Freeboard Rules
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 16.70.050
a. In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zoned areas where the BFE has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the base flood elevation (BFE). Mechanical equipment and utilities must be waterproof or elevated least one foot above the BFE. .....
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olympia city rules.
Environmental Rules in Thurston County →