Port Townsend, WA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- Police department
- Zone size
- One parking-meter space
- Monthly fee
- $15.00 per space
- Free parking window
- Sundays, holidays, 6pm-9am
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to city council
Summary
Port Townsend lets businesses apply to the police department for a reserved curbside loading zone, sized to one parking-meter space, with a painted yellow curb marking and a monthly fee.
The police department is authorized to grant to qualified applicants a reserved area of city streets along and upon city streets for the purpose of permitting the loading and unloading of vehicles in said zones in the servicing of adjacent places of business. Such loading zones shall be created only upon application of persons operating a business adjacent to the requested zone, and upon payment of the fees, as hereinafter provided.
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 10.16.010, Port Townsend's police department grants curbside loading zones to businesses that apply in writing, describing the location and adjacent business. Each zone is sized to a single parking-meter space (PTMC 10.16.020), with the curb painted yellow and stenciled "Loading Zone No Parking" (PTMC 10.16.040). Parking there is limited to active loading or unloading, except on Sundays, holidays, and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., when anyone may park (PTMC 10.16.050). Operators pay $15.00 per month per space (PTMC 10.16.080), and the chief of police can grant or deny an application after investigating need and feasibility, with a 30-day appeal to the city council (PTMC 10.16.070).
Violations & Fines
Parking in a loading zone for non-loading purposes without exemption violates PTMC 10.16.050, punishable under PTMC 1.01.020's general penalty schedule; painting curb markings without authorization is a separate violation under PTMC 10.16.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business park overnight in its own loading zone?
How much does a curbside loading zone cost in Port Townsend?
Who can apply for a loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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