Accessory Structures in Port Townsend, WA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Port Townsend, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Port Townsend allows up to two accessory dwelling units per single-family lot, each capped at 1,000 square feet, but neither can be rented short-term.
Port Townsend ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.16.020(C)
Two accessory dwelling units (ADU) may be established as an accessory use to a single-family detached, shotgun house, duplex, triplex, or townhome residence provided the following conditions are continuously met: 1. A certificate of occupancy pursuant to the currently adopted city construction codes shall be obtained from the building official and posted within the ADU. The code inspection a...
ADU Impact Fees
Port Townsend exempts permitted accessory dwelling units from system development charges for water and sewer connections entirely.
Port Townsend Waives ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsPTMC 13.03.120(A)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). All ADUs located within the city limits which have been permitted and approved in accordance with PTMC 17.16.020 are exempt from the requirement to pay SDCs pursuant to this chapter. B. Properties Not Connected to the City’s Wastewater System. All properties which are not connected to the city’s wastewater system shall be exempt from the requirement to pay SD...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Port Townsend prohibits both the main house and any accessory dwelling unit from operating as a short-term rental once an ADU is established on the property, per PTMC 17.16.020(C)(2).
Port Townsend Bans Short-Term Rentals in ADUs
Heavy RestrictionsPTMC 17.16.020(C)(2)
C. Accessory Dwelling Units – Limitations on Use. Two accessory dwelling units (ADU) may be established as an accessory use to a single-family detached, shotgun house, duplex, triplex, or townhome residence provided the following conditions are continuously met: 1. A certificate of occupancy pursuant to the currently adopted city construction codes shall be obtained from the building officia...
Shed & Carport Rules
Port Townsend lets accessory structures under 120 square feet and 10 feet tall skip the standard rear setback, as long as they still sit at least five feet from the rear or side property line.
Port Townsend Shed Setback Threshold
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.16.030(B)(1)
1. Outbuildings. The rear setbacks provided in Table 17.16.030 shall not apply to accessory structures smaller than 120 square feet in building coverage and 10 feet in height; provided, that all such accessory structures shall be a minimum of five feet from rear lot and/or property lines. 2. ADUs. The maximum density provisions in Table 17.16.030 shall not apply to accessory dwelling units i...
Tiny Homes
Port Townsend permits tiny houses on wheels as accessory dwelling units in R-I, R-II, and R-III zones, subject to Type I review, a 5-foot fire separation, and residential-style design standards.
Port Townsend tiny house on wheels rules
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.58.040
As of July 1, 2023, tiny houses on wheels are permitted as accessory dwelling units in R-I, R-II, and R-III districts subject to the provisions of PTMC 17.16.020 and the requirements below: A. Review. Tiny houses on wheels shall be subject to a Type I review. B. Entry. To meet egress requirements, a front porch or landing approved by the city is required. C. Separation. A tiny house on...