Code Enforcement & Compliance 

Our code enforcement officers are responsible for responding to complaints and concerns regarding municipal code violations. This can include things like parking violations, property cleanliness issues, overgrown vegetation, and noise and light violations.

To contact a code enforcement officer, please call our non-emergency dispatch at (360) 704-2740.

FAQs

There is an abandoned vehicle on my property. Can you tow it?
No. We do not have jurisdiction to tow vehicles from private property. Arrangements should be made with private tow companies to remove vehicles.

How do I get a Junk Vehicle Affidavit?
Code Enforcement Officers can provide you with a Junk Vehicle Affidavit. Please call our non-emergency dispatch at (360) 704-2740 and request Code Enforcement.

Can a vehicle park in front of my home?
Yes, as long as they are abiding by all other parking regulations. Please note that private roads, parking lots, and communities may have varying rules as to where and when parking is allowed.

How long can a vehicle be parked on the road?
Apparently inoperable vehicles e.g., missing tires, expired registration, etc., may be parked on public streets for a maximum of 48 hours. Municipal code states that operable vehicles may be parked on public streets for 24 hours, however, we encourage residents to reach out to vehicle owners with their concerns as a courtesy before reporting to Code Enforcement.

My neighbor’s house is unsightly or a health hazard. What should I do?
Code Enforcement can be called to investigate reports of trash, vermin, and overgrown vegetation, etc., on private properties.

I reported an issue, why has no action been taken?
Finding solutions to code enforcement problems is complicated and may take longer than expected. Our officers are required to meet certain communication standards designed to provide residents with adequate time to be notified of and correct violations. Please be assured that all complaints are investigated.

Concealed Pistol License

General Requirements

• To obtain a CPL, you must meet all requirements established by Washington State law. The full list of requirements and disqualifiers can be viewed on the Department of Licensing website.
• The Tumwater Police Department can only process applications for current Tumwater residents.
  • To determine if your address is within the Tumwater city limits, visit the Thurston County GeoData Center website and conduct a “Parcel Search” on your street address.
• New applications for a CPL are accepted by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call (360) 754-4200 to schedule an appointment. Processing time can take between 30 and 60 days.

• To apply, you must bring:
  • A valid, government-issued photo ID (or proof that you’ve lived in the state for at least the last 90 days).
  • Cash, check, credit card, or money order in the amount of $49.25, payable to City of Tumwater.
  • Any applicable military ID or orders listing current station location.

• Renewal CPL applications are accepted at the department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The fee for a renewal is $32. You may only renew your CPL 90 days in advance.
  • To renew by mail, send a completed CPL application, a copy of your current CPL, a copy of your driver’s license, and a check to: Tumwater Police Department, 555 Israel Road SW, Tumwater WA 98501
  • Late CPL renewals are accepted up to 90 days from the date of expiration. The fee for a late renewal is $42.00. Any application submitted after the 90 day window will require new fingerprints and be processed as a new application.
    
    

  You can download a copy of the application in advance by visiting this link: Concealed Pistol Application

  FAQs

  Can I use my expired CPL while waiting for the new one?
  No. An expired CPL is not valid, even within the late renewal window. You may not carry concealed until your background check is completed and you receive your new CPL.

  Can I use fingerprints taken at another agency?
  No, we cannot use prints taken elsewhere.

  Can I apply for my CPL at Tumwater Police if I am not a US citizen?
  No. Permanent and temporary residents must apply for their CPL through the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department.

  Can I have a refund if my application is denied?
  No. We do not refund fees paid for a denied application. Please be sure to read the full list of disqualifiers before applying.

   

Court Order Service

Orders provided to the department by the court or the petitioning party (as directed by the court) will be served by officers between other calls for service. A first attempt at service will by made within 24 hours of receipt. Exact timeframes cannot be given, as urgent calls will take precedence. You will be notified when service has been completed or if officers were unable to make service.

Tumwater Police will only serve documents as directed by the court. Documents that ask the petitioner to arrange service do not meet this requirement. Any uninvolved party over the age of 18 can make service. You may also choose to hire a professional process server or contact the Thurston County Sheriff’s Civil Division.

• Civil Standby – If you are in need of a civil standby, please call our non-emergency dispatch at 360-704-2740. An officer will contact you to arrange a time. A civil standby can be requested only if the courts include the requirement in your order. If you have not been granted a civil standby by the court, we cannot assist.
• Order to Surrender – If you have a received an order to surrender, you may turn in your weapons to the Tumwater Police Department. Please follow these guidelines to complete the process:
• If you would like to turn in your weapons to the department directly, please secure them, unloaded, in your trunk. When you arrive at the department, call our non-emergency dispatch at (360) 704-2740 to request an officer.
• If you are not able to bring your weapons to the department directly, please call our non-emergency dispatch at (360) 704-2740 to speak to an officer and make other arrangements. 
• Officers will take possession of your firearms and provide you with an evidence receipt. It is your responsibility to provide the court with the appropriate surrender paperwork.

Prescription Drop Box

Our prescription drop box is located in the vestibule at the Tumwater Police Department and open 24/7. If you would like to drop off medication, please remember:

• Our drop box is for prescription drugs only. Supplements, vitamins, and other over-the-counter items can be disposed of in your home garbage can.
• We cannot accept any liquids, aerosols, or sharps.
• Please keep medications in their bottles or another sturdy container. Please do not deposit loose pills.
• Labels do not need to be removed - all items will be incinerated and any personal information will be destroyed.

Special Events Permit

A Special Events Permit must be obtained from the Tumwater Police Department by any individual or group that wishes to host an event that may impact roadways in Tumwater. Permits may take up to 30 days to process depending on the size and nature of the event. Fees for a permit are based on the level of service required from the City during the event.

Obtaining a permit:

• Complete the Special Events Permit Form.
• Include a map of the route.
• Attach the event traffic control plan.
• Identify any specific services requested from the City.

You may mail your application or submit in person to:

Tumwater Police Department
555 Israel Road SW
Tumwater, WA  98501

Failure to submit a complete application may result in denial of the use of streets and/or services.

Special Events Permit Form   (Word fill-in)