Port Townsend, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any right-of-way encroachment
- Where it applies
- Commercial, mixed-use, marine, manufacturing zones only
- Excluded
- Residential district encroachments not authorized
- Enforcement
- Nuisance abatement + penalties under Ch. 1.20
Summary
A street use permit is required before anyone establishes a use in or encroaches on the public right-of-way in Port Townsend's commercial districts.
No person shall establish a use within or encroach upon any public right-of-way in the historic commercial, commercial, mixed use, marine-related and manufacturing districts of the city without first obtaining a permit from the city pursuant to the process and requirements in this chapter. This chapter provides the exclusive method for obtaining approval of uses that are regulated by this chapter.
B. Special events occurring within public rights-of-way shall be subject to the requirements of a special event permit (Chapter 17.60 PTMC) and shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
C. Assemblies occurring within public rights-of-way shall be subject to the requirements of assembly regulations (Chapter 9.24 PTMC) and shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
D. Permits for development within rights-of-way are subject to requirement of street development permits (Chapter 12.04 PTMC) and are exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
E. Sales on streets and sidewalks shall be subject to Chapter 5.32 PTMC and shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 3289 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 3017 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009).
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 requires a street use permit before any person establishes a use within, or encroaches upon, a public right-of-way in the city's historic commercial, commercial, mixed use, marine-related, and manufacturing districts. The chapter covers sidewalk cafes, vending structures, streateries, parklets, and similar private uses of street or sidewalk space, and is the exclusive path to approval for uses it regulates. It expressly does not authorize encroachments in residential districts, and separate permits apply to special events, assemblies, and street development work.
Violations & Fines
Violations are declared public nuisances and enforced under PTMC Chapter 1.20, which allows abatement plus criminal and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a sidewalk cafe or sign in the right-of-way in Port Townsend?
Can I get an encroachment permit for a residential property in Port Townsend?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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