Permitting Services

Permits are important to ensure your project is safe and follows City code. Get started on the right foot as you go through the building permit process.   

Do I need a permit? 
Most likely, yes. The City of Port Townsend has adopted the State of Washington Building Codes, including the International Residential Code and the International Building Code. Both codes list exemptions (see below) but the number of exemptions is limited. If you are building something new, including an addition to an existing building, or repairing, renovating, altering or remodeling an existing building, or changing the use of a building, you are required to obtain a building permit.   

How do I apply for a building permit? 
We now use the Inspections and General Information Portal, an online permitting system that lets you apply and track your permit online. You need to establish an account for the first time to start.  Follow the directions provided at the portal. Paper applications and plans are no longer accepted for building permits.

How much do permits cost? 
it varies by project and situation. Please contact us early in planning your project.  If you have a bid estimate from a contractor, or if you are building something new and have the basic information regarding your project (size, use) a Permit Technician can provide an estimate of permit and plan review costs.   

Construction Hours 
If you are doing construction, please note that the City of Port Townsend restricts construction to the following hours: Monday-Friday, 7 am – 7 pm, Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays 9 am – 7 pm. 

Please be sure to review the resources provided on this website before you start your project and the permit process. 

Codes 
Permits do not exempt anyone from the requirement to follow the applicable codes. This website contains many links to the codes adopted by the City as well as other helpful handouts and tools.   

Common Permits 
Many projects require a permit. Select the right kind of project for a quick reference to commonly required permits. 

Check our resources and applications for common permits 

• Fences 
• Window Replacements 
• Re-roofing permits 
• Accessory Dwelling Units 
• Home Additions & Remodels 
• Decks 

May Not Need a Building Permit 
Some small projects do not need a permit. Unless your property is in or near a critical area (e.g., wetland, steep slope), the following projects usually don’t require a permit. You need a permit for any work on load-bearing supports, changes to the building envelope, and work that reduces egress, light, ventilation, or fire resistance no matter how small the project. 

However, you usually don’t need a permit for normal repairs/alterations including: 

• Patio and concrete slabs on the ground (on grade) under 200 sq. feet 
• Painting or cleaning a building 
• Re-pointing a chimney with mortar 
• Installing kitchen cabinets 
• Replacing/installing carpet, tile and other flooring (non-structural) 
• Paneling or other surface finishes over existing wall and ceiling systems 
• Abatement of hazardous materials (Check instead with ORCAA) 
• Residential one-story detached accessory building such as a greenhouse, tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar building if the projected roof area is less than 200 square feet.   
• Some retaining walls and rockeries that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. 
• Fences that are less than 7 feet high. 

Please note: even if you don’t need a permit, your project must meet all code requirements, design and development standards. Your project also needs to meet setbacks and lot coverage restrictions.