Port Townsend, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Planning and Community Development Director
- Trigger
- New construction, additions, occupancy changes
- Required before occupancy
- Final inspection finding no code violations
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Building Code, locally amended
- Permit expiration
- 365 days if work not started
Summary
Port Townsend requires the building official to inspect every new building, addition, or occupancy change and confirm no code violations before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
After the building official inspects the new building, structure, or addition, or any building or structure where the use or occupancy has changed, and finds no violations of the provisions of the codes adopted by Chapter 16.04 PTMC or other pertinent laws that are enforced by the jurisdiction, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy on a form developed by the City...
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The city adopts the 2021 International Building Code's Chapter 1 administrative provisions (PTMC 16.04.040) to govern permitting and inspections for all construction. PTMC 16.04.070(A) amends IBC Section 111.2: the building official must inspect the completed building, addition, or occupancy change and find no violations of the adopted construction codes before a certificate of occupancy can issue. The director of planning and community development serves as building official (PTMC 16.04.050). Permits lapse if work isn't commenced within 365 days (PTMC 16.04.070(C)), so inspections must track an active permit timeline.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a building before the final inspection and certificate of occupancy issue violates PTMC 16.04; enforcement follows Chapter 1.20 PTMC, including civil penalties, criminal misdemeanor charges, and abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects new buildings in Port Townsend?
When does Port Townsend issue a certificate of occupancy?
What if required inspections aren't completed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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