Port Townsend, WA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Port Townsend, WA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Weekday exempt hours
- 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Weekend/holiday exempt hours
- 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Permit-limited hours near residential
- 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekdays
- Right-of-way work
- barred weekends/holidays, limited exceptions
- Enforcing agency
- Port Townsend Police Department
Summary
Construction noise in Port Townsend is exempt from the noise ordinance only 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends and holidays; outside those windows it's a regular noise violation.
B. The following sound shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter between the hours of:
• 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (other than holidays); and
• 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. “Holidays” are legal holidays as defined by RCW 1.16.050.
1. Sound created by construction activity or equipment, including special construction vehicles (such being any vehicle which is designed and used primarily for grading, paving, earthmoving, and other construction work), and emanating from temporary construction sites; provided, however, that:
a. A city construction permit, where required, shall have been issued prior to such construction, and further, the terms of the permit may limit the hours of construction work on commercial and multifamily projects near residential districts to 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays (other than holidays); or
b. Construction work permitted within city rights-of-way be consistent with the hours specified in the Engineering Design Standards Manual (i.e., prohibited on weekends and holidays with limited exceptions).
2. Sounds originating from residential property relating to temporary projects for the maintenance or repair of homes, grounds or appurtenances, such as created by powered or hand-operated equipment, lawnmowers, powered hand tools, hammers, saws, snow removal equipment and composters or composting equipment.
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 noise code, PTMC 9.09.040(B), exempts construction sound from the noise ordinance only during set windows: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Outside those hours the exemption disappears and construction noise is treated as a regular public disturbance noise under Chapter 9.09 PTMC. For commercial and multifamily projects near residential districts, the city construction permit can tighten allowed hours further, to 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekdays, and work in city rights-of-way must follow the Engineering Design Standards Manual, which bars weekend and holiday work with limited exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Construction noise outside the exempt windows loses its exemption; police give a warning first, then a repeat violation can draw a notice of infraction or criminal citation under Chapter 9.09 PTMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can construction run at night in Port Townsend?
Are Saturday construction hours different from weekdays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
How Port Townsend compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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