Concrete Services in Olympia
Olympia is Washington's state capital, on the southern tip of Puget Sound in Thurston County. The city has an established historic core with substantial mid-century housing stock, plus newer development on the surrounding plateaus. Concrete demand spans residential replacement on aging slabs, government and commercial flatwork in the capitol corridor, and steady patio and driveway work across the residential base.
Concrete topics for Olympia homeowners
Popular Concrete Services in Olympia
Downtown fill and king tides
Olympia's downtown is unusual for the region. The city's Shoreline Master Program notes that more than 90% of the Budd Inlet shoreline within the city is armored or otherwise significantly modified, and a large portion of downtown sits directly on fill. Very high seasonal "king tides" can flood Olympia's low-lying areas. Slabs and foundations on filled ground deserve a close look at subgrade and drainage before a pour.
Hillside lots and winter slides
The city says rainfall saturation causes some slopes in Olympia to fail every winter, and slopes steeper than 40% are the most vulnerable. Steep slopes are critical areas covered by the city's tree removal and landslide hazard ordinances, so a retaining wall or patio cut into a hillside lot can need review that a flat lot wouldn't. For older homes in the established neighborhoods, the foundation repair guide covers common problems.
Southern edge of the service area
Olympia is at the southern edge of the area this site covers, so call ahead to confirm scheduling for a free on-site estimate.
Permits in Olympia
Inside city limits, permits come from the Permit Center in Olympia's Community Planning & Development department, through the city's online permit portal; unincorporated areas outside the city are permitted by Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development. Work in the city right-of-way needs a permit, and sidewalk work needs a Right of Way Obstruction Permit. City code also makes property owners responsible for repairing and maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Olympia's exemption for flatwork is narrower than many cities': sidewalks and driveways are exempt only up to 800 square feet, and only if they sit less than 30 inches above grade, aren't over a basement, and aren't part of an accessible route. Under the 2022 Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual, projects with 2,000 square feet or more of new plus replaced hard surface, or 7,000 square feet of land disturbance, must meet Core Requirements 1 through 5. The Shoreline Master Program covers Budd Inlet, Capitol Lake, Chambers, Grass, Ken, and Ward lakes, Black Lake Ditch, and Percival Creek.
Olympia concrete FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace a driveway in Olympia?
It depends on size. Olympia exempts sidewalks and driveways of not more than 800 square feet that are less than 30 inches above grade, aren't over a basement or story below, and aren't part of an accessible route. A larger driveway needs a permit, and any work in the city right-of-way needs a right-of-way permit.
Who has to fix the sidewalk in front of my Olympia house?
The property owner. Olympia city code requires property owners to repair and maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property, and sidewalk work requires a Right of Way Obstruction Permit.
Can I grade or pour in winter in Olympia?
From October 1 through April 30, Olympia's Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual allows clearing, grading, and other soil-disturbing work only if the city is satisfied that silt-laden runoff will be prevented. The city also notes that winter rainfall saturation causes some slopes to fail every year, so hillside work deserves extra planning.
Nearby service areas
We also pour, repair, and replace concrete in the communities around Olympia:
Call (206) 552-9998 for a free on-site estimate in Olympia.
