Mason County government serves about 80,000 residents across 2,250 square miles of southwestern Washington. Whether you need a building permit, want to attend a public meeting, understand property taxes, or simply want to know how local decisions get made, this guide walks you through the structure and function of Mason County’s government.
County Government Structure
Board of Commissioners (The Executive Branch)
Mason County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners, elected county-wide to four-year terms. The board typically has one commissioner up for election every two years (staggered terms ensure continuity).
The Board of Commissioners acts as the executive and legislative branch of county government. They:
- Set the county budget
- Adopt ordinances and regulations
- Approve major contracts and purchases
- Appoint department heads and officials
- Make land use and zoning decisions
- Set policy for all county departments
Current commissioners: Check the Mason County website (masonco.wa.gov) for current commissioner names, districts, and contact information. Commissioner meetings are held weekly in Shelton at the County Courthouse.
County Administrator
The County Administrator is hired by the Board of Commissioners and serves as the chief executive officer of county government. The administrator manages day-to-day operations, implements board policies, oversees the county budget, and supervises department heads. Think of this position as the “CEO” of Mason County.
Major County Departments
Planning and Development Services
This department issues building permits, reviews development applications, enforces building codes, manages shoreline regulations, and oversees land use decisions. If you’re building a house, adding a deck, starting a business, or proposing any development project, you’ll work with this department.
Permits available:
- Building Permits (residential and commercial construction)
- Electrical Permits
- Mechanical Permits
- Plumbing Permits
- Land Use Permits
- Shoreline Permits
- Sign Permits
Processing times vary from 15 days for simple projects to 120 days for complex developments. Online permit applications are available through the county website.
Public Works
Mason County Public Works maintains county roads (over 1,000 miles), manages water and sewer systems, operates solid waste programs, and handles bridge maintenance. If you report a pothole, fallen tree, or debris on a county road, Public Works addresses it.
The department also manages the county’s capital projects—like road improvements and infrastructure upgrades. Major projects are listed on the county website with public comment periods.
Sheriff’s Office
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement to unincorporated areas and contracts with some municipalities. The sheriff is an elected official. The department has divisions for patrol, investigations, jail operations, and civil services (serving legal papers, managing warrants).
Non-emergency dispatch: 360-426-1945
Emergency: 911
Assessor’s Office
The County Assessor determines property values for tax assessment purposes. This is where you appeal property values if you believe your assessment is too high. Assessments happen every year; you have appeal rights if you disagree with the valuation.
Important: A higher assessed value doesn’t always mean higher taxes if the tax rate (levy) decreases county-wide.
Auditor’s Office
The County Auditor is the chief financial officer of Mason County. This office manages county finances, oversees the budget, audits county spending, and manages elections.
Treasurer’s Office
The County Treasurer collects taxes, manages county investments, and processes all county financial transactions. If you pay property taxes, your check goes to the treasurer’s office.
Health and Human Services
This department provides public health services, manages disease prevention programs, operates mental health services, manages child welfare and family support programs, and oversees aging services for seniors.
Parks and Recreation
Mason County Parks and Recreation manages county parks, trails, and recreation facilities. They coordinate with state parks and manage several county parks that provide public access to outdoor spaces.
Courts and the Justice System
Superior Court
Mason County Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits involving more than $10,000, family law (divorce, custody, child support), probate (wills and estates), and other serious legal matters.
The Superior Court has several judges. Court sessions are held in the courthouse in Shelton. Most cases can be observed by the public (some exceptions for sensitive matters involving minors).
District Court
The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims (up to $10,000), and evictions. This is the court most people interact with if they get a ticket or have a minor legal dispute.
Justice Courts
Smaller communities like Shelton have justice courts that handle traffic and parking violations, and low-level infractions.
Property Taxes and How County Services Are Funded
Mason County is funded primarily through property taxes. Your property tax bill supports schools (the largest portion), county services, fire districts, and other local agencies. The tax rate is expressed as a percentage of assessed property value.
How Your Property Tax Dollar is Split
- Schools (~40-45%): Mason County has several school districts (Shelton, Grays Harbor, etc.)
- County Government (~10-15%): Funds road maintenance, sheriff, courts, planning, and other services
- Fire Districts (~10-12%): Each area has a fire district
- Port District (~3-5%): Mason County has several port districts
- Other agencies (~10-15%): City governments, library district, park districts
Tax Levies and Public Approval
Most county services are funded by regular property taxes. Some special services (like park improvements or facility bonds) require a public vote. When you see “proposition” on your ballot, you’re often voting on whether to allow a specific agency to levy additional taxes for specific purposes.
Public Records and Transparency
Accessing Public Records
Washington State has strong public records laws. You can request copies of county documents, meeting minutes, budgets, emails, and other records. Submit requests to the department holding the records. Simple requests are usually free; copies are charged at $0.15 per page.
Response deadline: 5 business days for simple requests; 30 days for complex requests.
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
All county government meetings are public. Meeting agendas are posted on the county website before each meeting. Minutes (records of what was decided) are published afterward. You can attend and observe virtually any county meeting.
Public Meetings and How to Engage
Board of Commissioners Meetings
The Board of Commissioners meets weekly (typically Tuesdays) at the County Courthouse in Shelton. Meetings are usually 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with breaks for lunch. Agendas are posted online 48 hours before each meeting.
You can:
- Attend in person
- Watch online (live stream typically available)
- Submit written comment in advance
- Speak during public comment periods (if time allows; arrive early)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission reviews land use applications, makes recommendations on zoning changes, and holds public hearings on development proposals. These meetings are open to the public and often involve public testimony.
Other Boards and Commissions
Mason County has numerous advisory boards (Parks, Public Health, etc.). Appointments are made by the Board of Commissioners. If you’re interested in serving on a county board, contact the County Administrator’s office.
Common Permits and How to Apply
Building Permit
Purpose: Any new construction or renovation to existing structures requires a building permit.
Where: Planning and Development Services
Cost: Based on project value (typically $100-500 for small projects)
Timeline: 15-30 days for simple projects
Required: Site plans, construction drawings, contractor license
Conditional Use Permit
Purpose: For land uses that are allowed in a zone but require special approval (like a home business or short-term rental).
Where: Planning and Development Services
Cost: $500-1,500
Timeline: 45-60 days (includes planning commission review and potential public hearing)
Variance
Purpose: To get relief from zoning requirements (like building closer to a property line than normally allowed).
Where: Planning and Development Services
Cost: $500-1,000
Timeline: 45-90 days
Note: You must prove hardship. Variances are difficult to obtain but possible.
Plat/Subdivision
Purpose: Dividing property into multiple parcels for sale or development.
Where: Planning and Development Services
Cost: Varies widely ($1,000-5,000+)
Timeline: 60-120 days
Zoning and Land Use
Mason County is divided into zoning districts that determine what you can do with land:
- Residential (R-1, R-2, etc.): Single-family homes, duplexes, or apartments depending on the zone
- Commercial (C-1, C-2): Retail, offices, restaurants
- Industrial (I-1, I-2): Manufacturing, warehouses, heavy industry
- Agricultural (A): Farms, rural residences on larger lots
- Environmental Protection (EP): Wetlands, critical habitat, buffer zones
You can find your zone by address on the county website or by contacting Planning and Development Services. Zoning determines what you can build and what uses are allowed. Before buying property for a specific purpose, verify it’s zoned appropriately.
Recent Policy Changes and Current Issues
Mason County regularly debates issues like:
- Growth and development: Balancing growth with environmental protection
- Infrastructure: Aging water and sewer systems
- Housing: Affordable housing shortages
- Public safety: Jail capacity, law enforcement funding
- Timber and forestry: Economic and environmental balance
For current issues and board positions, check the Mason County website or attend a board meeting.
Contact Information
Main County Government Phone: 360-427-9670
County Commissioners: 360-427-9670 ext. (number varies)
Planning and Development Services: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website for direct number)
Public Works: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)
Assessor’s Office: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)
Auditor’s Office: 360-427-9670 ext. (check website)
County Website: masonco.wa.gov
Mason County is governed by three elected commissioners who serve four-year terms on a staggered schedule, with one seat up for election every two years.
Contact the Planning and Development Services department at the County Courthouse in Shelton. You can apply online or in person. Building permits are required for new construction and major renovations. Typical processing time is 15-30 days.
Contact the Assessor’s Office if you believe your property assessment is incorrect. You can file an appeal (called a “Petition for Equalization”) between January 1 and the last day of February each year. You have the right to be heard before the Board of Equalization.
The Board of Commissioners typically meets weekly (usually Tuesdays) at the County Courthouse in Shelton from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Agendas are posted 48 hours before each meeting. Meetings are open to the public and often available online.
You can find your property’s zoning zone by searching your address on the Mason County website or by calling the Planning and Development Services department. You can also look up your property on the county assessor’s website.
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