City of Tumwater, WA
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Services for Business
Services for Business in Tumwater
The City of Tumwater is realizing steady, sustainable growth in opportunity for business in every sector – retail, construction, manufacturing, and tourism. City departments, working alongside our economic development and planning partners, look forward to welcoming new business propositions while we continue to support our vibrant existing businesses.
Throughout our City – from the prospering light industry and retail of the Olympia Regional Airport vicinity on the south, to established retailers on the Capitol Boulevard corridor, to the emerging businesses in the Craft District on the historic Olympia Brewing properties – we want to grow your business while we grow Tumwater.
Permitting and Building
The Permitting Division works hard to process applications, issue building permits and address building codes in a timely, responsive way.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) reviews and processes development permit applications, environmental and critical area analysis, and land division by .
The Building Division regulates, oversees and offers guidance on construction projects (renovations and new construction) to ensure they conform to the Tumwater Municipal Code. The division also conducts building and fire code plan reviews and inspections.
Tumwater's technical staff are tested and certified by the International Code Council (ICC).
Contact us
If you have questions or don’t understand a specific building code or fire code requirement, contact the Community Development Department at (360) 754-4180 or by email.
Planning
The Long Range Planning Division maintains the Comprehensive Plan, conducts subarea planning, processes rezones, code amendments, and annexations, and tracks and monitors requirements related to the Washington State Growth Management Act.
The Long Range Planning Division also implements long-term projects that collect public participation, enhance the economic wellbeing of residents, and improve the overall livability and quality of life in the City and Urban Growth Area.
Major Projects Underway
Bush Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan
Long Range Planning Documents
Comprehensive Plan
Zoning Code - Title 18
Zoning Maps
Shoreline Master Program 2019
Appendix A- Environmental Designations
Appendix B - Restoration Plan
Business licenses
The City of Tumwater requires all entities doing business within city limits to be licensed with the City, in accordance with Tumwater Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 5.04. This includes in-home businesses, in-City businesses (owned and operated in the City), out-of-City businesses that have transactions in Tumwater, registered nonprofit businesses, and temporary businesses.
Per Tumwater Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 5.04.070(E):
“Any person or business whose annual value of products, gross proceeds of sales, or gross income of the business in the city is equal to or less than $2,000 and who does not maintain a place of business within the city are exempt from any fees in this chapter. However, they are not exempted from registering or obtaining a business license with the city of Tumwater. The threshold does not apply to regulatory license requirements or activities that require a special permit.”
Special considerations: According to the Tumwater Municipal Code, some businesses are required to acquire an Occupational Permit, TMC 5.06, and Sexually Oriented Businesses are subject to additional regulation, see TMC 5.50.Nonprofit business licenses require additional information. Cannabis growers and retailers are required to get a City of Tumwater business license, and are also subject to additional regulation.
To apply for, renew or close a business license: The City has partnered with the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS).
Visit the Business Licensing Service website for an application or apply in person at:
Business Licensing Service
Department of Revenue
6500 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 705-6741
The Business Licensing Division is available to answer any questions. Contact the City’s Licensing Specialist by email, call (360) 754-4136, or stop by City Hall at 555 Israel Road S.W., Tumwater.
Start a business
The City of Tumwater wants to make it easy for your prospective new business to move from good idea to positive preparation to opening the doors of your enterprise. The City’s Business Startup Training, in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council, is an excellent resource.
Contact the Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation.
Schedule a …
Doing business
As a municipal corporation, the City of Tumwater is governed by laws that provide for fair processes to procure goods and services for public benefit. Requests for Proposals (RFP) are formal solicitations, generally through a bidding process, initiated by the City for procurement of goods or services. Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) are issued for professional services, including architectural design and consultant services.
Public notices to announce opportunities to bid on a project are published in The Olympian and posted on the City’s website under RFP/RFQ/Bid Openings
Our partners
The City of Tumwater’s work on behalf of its businesses and builders, its residents and visitors, is enhanced by partnership with organizations that help us foster and sustain a positive business culture with respect for the historic past, the engaging present, and the promising future of the entire South Sound region.
Thurston Economic Development Council
Thurston Regional Planning Council
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce