Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Thurston County, WA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Thurston County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Thurston County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Sidewalk Repair

In unincorporated Thurston County, owners of urban-frontage property must maintain the sidewalks abutting their land within the right-of-way, not the county.

Thurston County Sidewalk Upkeep Duty

Some Restrictions

Thurston County Code § 13.56.310(C)

C.Maintenance of Landscaping and Sidewalks by Adjacent Property Owners. 1.Urban -- Properties with urban frontage improvements (sidewalks, curbing, street lighting, etc.)... a.Urban property owners shall be required to maintain the Landscaping and sidewalks within the rights-of-way immediately adjacent to their property unless otherwise notified by the county. 2.Rural... a.The county will maint...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Obstruction Rules

Thurston County requires a rights-of-way use permit before any work, fill, or materials are placed in county roads, sidewalks, or other rights-of-way, and expressly defines obstructing debris or building materials left there as regulated "Work."

Thurston County Right-of-Way Obstruction Permit

Significant Restrictions

Thurston County Code § 13.56.030

constructing, repairing, removing or Excavating any Pavement Structural Section, sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, driveway, gutter, ditch, public sewer, water main, conduit, fuel tank, vault, or any other Facility or improvement located over, under, or upon any Road, Trail or other public place, or to place any Facility, building materials, earth, gravel, rock, garbage, debris, or any other material ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

Thurston County requires a rights-of-way permit before anyone builds a driveway, sidewalk, frontage improvement, or utility installation within a county road right-of-way.

Thurston County right-of-way encroachment permit

Significant Restrictions

Thurston County Code § 13.56.080

A. All Persons conducting Work within the rights-of-way shall obtain a Permit as provided for in this Chapter, unless otherwise exempt. ... E. Any Person found to be conducting any Work within the rights-of-way without having first obtained the required Permit(s) shall immediately cease all Work (exclusive of actions required to stabilize the area) and be required to obtain a Permit before Work...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Thurston County ordinances

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