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Port Townsend, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing manual
DOE 2005 Stormwater Manual for Western WA
Trigger threshold
5,000 sq ft or 40% new impervious area
Civil penalty
$250 per day of violation
Enforcing office
Public Works Department director
Citations
PTMC 13.32.010(A) and 13.32.020(E)

Summary

Port Townsend requires construction sites to follow the state stormwater manual's erosion control standards, with temporary sediment control measures required for site prep and larger impervious surfaces.

All developments shall comply with the Department of Ecology's February 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington ("2005 SWMM-WW")... for all clearing and grading activities, for erosion control during construction and for permanent drainage system improvements.

View official code

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

Under PTMC 13.32.010, all developments must comply with the Department of Ecology's 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington for erosion control during construction, alongside the city's engineering design standards. PTMC 13.32.020(E) lets the public works director require temporary erosion and sediment control measures, under Chapter 5 of the engineering design standards, for any site preparation or construction, or whenever new impervious area exceeds 5,000 square feet or 40 percent of the property. Drainage and erosion controls must appear on the approved plan before construction starts.

Violations & Fines

Erosion/stormwater violations under PTMC Title 13 are enforced through PTMC 1.20.075: a $250-per-day civil penalty plus cost recovery, with enhanced daily penalties up to $2,500 for environmental damage, and a stop-work order can halt construction until corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every construction project in Port Townsend need an erosion control plan?
Not automatically. The public works director can require temporary erosion and sediment controls for any site prep or construction, and a full drainage plan is mandatory once new impervious area tops 5,000 sq ft or 40% coverage.
What happens if erosion control is skipped during construction?
The city can issue a stop-work order and assess civil penalties starting at $250 per day under PTMC 1.20.075, plus cost recovery and enhanced penalties for environmental damage.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Port Townsend

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsVehicle Idling RestrictionsSome RestrictionsBoat Dock PermitsSignificant RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsDefensible SpaceSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions

All Port Townsend rules

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