Business Licensing & Operations in Port Townsend, WA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Port Townsend, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Port Townsend requires a $2,500/year adult business license and confines adult entertainment facilities to the downtown C-III zone with 150-foot separation rules.
Port Townsend Adult Business License & Zoning
Significant RestrictionsPTMC 17.20.020 (Table 17.20.020, Adult entertainment facilities note)
Adult entertainment facilities may be located only in the downtown C-III zoning district, south of Jefferson Street. Within the downtown C-III zoning district, adult entertainment facilities may not be located within 150 feet from any existing school as defined by PTMC 17.08.060, Definitions; day care center; Pope Marine Park, skateboard park or Memorial Field; or another existing adult enterta...
Massage Establishments
Port Townsend requires any massage clinic or center to hold a general city business license under PTMC 5.08.040 before opening: there is no separate massage-specific permit, inspection, or therapist background-check ordinance in city code.
Port Townsend massage business license
Light RestrictionsPTMC 5.08.040
No person, whether subject to the payment of tax or not, shall engage in any business within city limits without first obtaining and being the holder of a valid and current business license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The license required by this chapter is in addition to any other license, permit, or authorization required by any other chapter in this title. (Ord. 3043 § 1 (Exh...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Port Townsend requires a city business license for any tattoo parlor and taxes tattoo services as a retail service, not a general service.
Tattoo parlor rules in Port Townsend
Some RestrictionsPTMC 5.08.040
No person, whether subject to the payment of tax or not, shall engage in any business within city limits without first obtaining and being the holder of a valid and current business license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The license required by this chapter is in addition to any other license, permit, or authorization required by any other chapter in this title. (Ord. 3043 § 1 (Exh...
Secondhand Dealers
Port Townsend adopts the state secondhand dealer and pawnbroker statutes by reference, enforced locally by the police chief.
Secondhand & Pawnbroker Licensing in Port Townsend
Some RestrictionsPTMC 5.28.010
Pursuant to RCW 35.21.180, authorizing adoption of state codes by reference, the city of Port Townsend adopts by this reference, as though fully set forth herein, the following sections of the Revised Code of Washington, as now or hereafter amended, and the same shall be effective upon the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section: 1. 19.60.010, Definitions; 2. 19.60.014, F...
Pawnbrokers
Port Townsend adopts state pawnbroker law by reference and has its police chief enforce recordkeeping, hold periods, and stolen-property reporting.
Pawnbroker Licensing in Port Townsend
Some RestrictionsPTMC 5.28.010
Pursuant to RCW 35.21.180, authorizing adoption of state codes by reference, the city of Port Townsend adopts by this reference... 6. 19.60.050, Retention of property by pawnbrokers – inspection... 11. 19.60.066, Prohibited acts – penalty... Violations... shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $5,000 or imprisonment in jail not to exceed one year, or by both.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Port Townsend bars vehicle repair, detailing, or servicing from qualifying as a home occupation anywhere in the city.
Home Auto Repair Banned in Port Townsend
Heavy RestrictionsPTMC 17.56.050(C)
The following activities are not eligible for a home occupation permit because of their incompatibility with the maintenance of residential neighborhood character: A. Retail activities, except for merchandise crafted on-site or items clearly accessory to a service (e.g., sales of paintings, crafts or art work, and sales of hair care products incident to a beauty salon); B. Stables, kennel...