Port Townsend, WA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 Intl. Wildland Urban Interface Code
- Citation
- PTMC 16.04.020(E)
- State overlay
- WAC 51-55 amendments apply
- Enforcer
- Planning & Community Development director
- Penalties
- Chapter 1.20 PTMC civil/criminal
Summary
Port Townsend enforces the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, adopted into its building code to set construction standards for structures in wildfire-exposed areas under Washington's Chapter 51-55 WAC amendments.
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
PTMC 16.04.020(E) adopts the 2021 International Wildland Urban Interface Code by reference into the city's building code, layered on the state's Chapter 51-55 WAC amendments. The IWUIC governs construction, material, and site requirements for buildings located in designated wildland-urban interface fire areas, aiming to reduce wildfire ignition risk. The planning and community development director serves as fire code official and enforces the adopted code under PTMC 16.04.050. Violations of Chapter 16.04 are pursued as abatement, civil, or criminal matters under Chapter 1.20 PTMC.
Violations & Fines
Building without IWUIC-compliant wildfire construction features, or ignoring fire code official orders, is a Chapter 16.04 PTMC violation -- enforceable through abatement plus civil or criminal penalties under Chapter 1.20 PTMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Port Townsend regulate wildfire-prone building construction?
Who enforces the wildfire building code in Port Townsend?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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