Port Townsend, WA Environmental Rules: Defensible Space (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
- Citation
- PTMC 16.04.020(E)
- Enforcing official
- Planning and community development director
- Civil penalty
- $250 per day of violation
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 and 180 days jail
Summary
Port Townsend adopted the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code by reference under PTMC 16.04.020(E), requiring defensible-space vegetation clearance around new construction in wildfire-prone areas, enforced by the planning and community development director.
E. The International Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Code Council, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-55 WAC, and as subsequently amended by this chapter.
F. The Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-56 WAC (including adoption of Appendices A, B and I).
G. The Washington State Energy Code, Commercial Provisions, 2021 Edition, including Appendix chapters, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-11C WAC.
H. The Washington State Energy Code, Residential Provisions, 2021 Edition, including Appendix chapters, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-11R WAC. (Ord. 3315 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 3269 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 3152 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 3093 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 3039 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2947 § 1, 2007).
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
Port Townsend's building code chapter (PTMC 16.04.020) adopts by reference the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in WAC 51-55, alongside the International Fire Code and International Building Code. The WUI Code sets defensible-space, ignition-resistant construction, and fuel-modification standards for development in wildfire-hazard areas. Under PTMC 16.04.050, city code reassigns the 'fire code official' role in these adopted codes to the planning and community development director rather than the fire chief. Enforcement, including stop-work and abatement orders, runs through Chapter 1.20 PTMC per PTMC 16.04.100.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the adopted building/fire codes carry a $250-per-day civil penalty and up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail as a misdemeanor under PTMC 1.20.075, plus abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Port Townsend require defensible space around homes?
Who enforces the wildfire code in Port Townsend?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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