Port Townsend, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Design standard
- DOE 2005 Stormwater Mgmt Manual
- Drainage plan trigger
- 40%+ new impervious coverage
- Administering agency
- Public Works Director
- Enforcement
- Chapter 1.20 PTMC penalties
- Utility established
- PTMC 13.31.020, since 1986
Summary
Port Townsend requires all developments to meet Washington's 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, submit a drainage plan, and keep runoff on natural drainage paths under PTMC 13.32.
All developments shall comply with the Department of Ecology's February 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington ("2005 SWMM-WW"), except for the following: Section 2.6 – Optional guidance, relating to financial liability and off-site analysis and mitigation, city engineering design standards, city stormwater master plan, and adopted drainage basin plans for all clearing and grading activities, for erosion control during construction and for permanent drainage system improvements.
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, every development in Port Townsend must comply with the Department of Ecology's 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, the city's engineering design standards, and its stormwater master plan for clearing, grading, erosion control, and permanent drainage improvements. Surface water must enter and exit a site at its natural, pre-development locations, with no diversion. PTMC 13.32.020 requires a drainage plan for grading permits, subdivisions, rezones, and building permits adding 40 percent or more impervious coverage. The public works director administers the stormwater utility created under PTMC 13.31.020 and enforces the code through Chapter 1.20 PTMC.
Violations & Fines
Violating the stormwater code is a public nuisance under PTMC 13.31.070 and 13.31.080, enforceable through Chapter 1.20 PTMC with correction orders, stop-work orders, abatement, and civil or criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Port Townsend require a stormwater/drainage plan for building permits?
What stormwater design standard applies in Port Townsend?
Who enforces Port Townsend's stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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