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Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Port Townsend, WA (2026)

3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Port Townsend, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Sidewalk Repair

Property owners abutting a Port Townsend sidewalk must maintain it and bear the cost of repair, reconstruction, or new construction under city code and RCW 35.69.

Port Townsend Sidewalk Repair Responsibility

Some Restrictions

PTMC 12.12.130

Pursuant to Chapter 35.69 RCW, as now or later amended, the duty, burden and expense of maintaining, repairing sidewalks, reconstructing or constructing sidewalks less than one block in length (collectively referred to as “improvements”) shall devolve upon the property directly abutting the sidewalk...; provided, that such abutting property shall not be charged with any costs of construction or...

Obstruction Rules

Port Townsend orders anyone blocking a sidewalk or right-of-way to remove the obstruction on notice, or the public works director treats it as a nuisance subject to abatement and penalties.

Port Townsend Sidewalk Obstruction Rules

Some Restrictions

PTMC 12.08.030, 12.08.040

Notice to forthwith remove all obstructions, and/or to restore streets, shall be given to the persons liable for the costs of removing or restoring the same, as provided in Chapter 1.20 PTMC. ... All violations of any provision of this chapter ... are declared nuisances and made subject to the administration and enforcement provisions of Chapter 1.20 PTMC, ... including but not limited to abate...

Encroachment Permits

A street use permit is required before anyone establishes a use in or encroaches on the public right-of-way in Port Townsend's commercial districts.

Port Townsend Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit

Some Restrictions

PTMC 12.10.010(A)

No person shall establish a use within or encroach upon any public right-of-way in the historic commercial, commercial, mixed use, marine-related and manufacturing districts of the city without first obtaining a permit from the city pursuant to the process and requirements in this chapter. This chapter provides the exclusive method for obtaining approval of uses that are regulated by this chapt...