Planning and Community Development

Note: Hours for walk-in customers seeking assistance for Public Works, Planning, and Building permits are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please note City Hall is closed to the public on Fridays. Appointments are available and encouraged. Please contact Amber (awarren@cityofpt.us) or Robin (rhill@cityofpt.us) to schedule an appointment. Our customers and partners are encouraged, as always, to self-serve through our website and to call us at (360) 379-5095 if you have any questions. Our secure drop box is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is checked every business day.

The Planning and Community Development Department (PCD) consists of three divisions: Planning, Building, and Code Compliance. Working closely with our colleagues in Public Works, PCD is responsible for developing long-range plans, assisting applicants with land use and building information, reviewing and approving project submittals, performing building inspections, and ensuring code compliance. Together, we help ensure Port Townsend continues to be a great place to live, work and grow. 

Permitting Services
Permits are important to make sure your project is safe and up to City code. Get started on  the right foot as you go through the permit process. 

Building
The Planning and Community Development Building Team works diligently to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare. We perform commercial and residential plan review and inspections of all structures and properties within the City of Port Townsend, which ensures compliance with adopted building codes.

Planning
Planning is a division of the Planning and Community Development Department (PCD). Planners are responsible for both long-range and current planning projects.

Urban Forestry
The City manages the Urban Forest in the right of way with the goals of tree preservation and forest health. Care and pruning under supervision of a certified arborist can help save trees that would otherwise be removed. Permits are required for any tree work in the right of way.

Code Compliance
Code enforcement is a critical component to maintaining the health, safety, and vitality of the City of Port Townsend. The Code Compliance Officer is responsible for responding to concerns and performing pro-active enforcement working with business and property owners to resolve building, land use, nuisance and zoning regulations, to improve the quality of our community for its residents and visitors.

Historic Preservation Materials 
The City of Port Townsend’s Historic Preservation Committee is comprised of local residents who serve as a review board for proposals regarding historically significant resources within the City. They advocate for historic preservation and provide recommendations to the Planning & Community Development Department regarding proposed projects. The committee prepares and proposes revisions to design review guidelines for evaluating development proposals.

Housing Solutions Network - Tiny House on Wheels Webinar
Housing Solutions Network (HSN) was first initiated in 2018 in response to the growing workforce housing crisis in East Jefferson County, Washington. As a grassroots effort brought forth by many community members concerned about affordable housing for the local workforce, HSN works to facilitate connectivity, communication and the co-creation of new strategies to increase the availability of affordable and attainable housing in our region. HSN works alongside local housing champions – both individuals and institutions – by providing support and capacity building to ensure success.