Port Townsend, WA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum bonus
- 20% over base zone density
- Approval path
- PUD site plan review + public hearing
- Low-income covenant term
- 40 years minimum
- Rounding rule
- Half-unit or more rounds up
Summary
Port Townsend allows up to a 20% density bonus in planned unit developments that provide affordable housing, public amenities, or resource preservation.
The maximum bonus density allowed is limited to an additional 20 percent over the density allowed in the underlying zone. In zones where a bonus density may be allowed, either the bonus density allowance in these PUD provisions or that allowed in the zone may be utilized in the PUD, but not both. In instances where calculation of the 20 percent bonus density would result in a fractional dwelling unit, any fraction less than one-half shall be disregarded and fractions of one-half or greater shall allow one additional dwelling unit to be considered. Based upon attributes of a proposal and the characteristics of the development site, the city may determine that a bonus density of less than 20 percent is appropriate. In addition to criteria provided in this section, the density shall be compatible with the site’s natural constraints and the character and density of the surrounding area. Compatibility for bonus density shall also be determined by proximity of the site to arterials, transit service, employment and shopping areas and planned amenities.
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 17.32.070, a PUD applicant can earn a bonus density of up to 20% over the underlying zone's allowed density by meeting one or more public-benefit criteria: affordable/low-income housing, open space and natural/cultural resource preservation, public facilities, energy efficiency, recreation facilities, or innovative design. The city planning director reviews the proposal and reports findings to the hearing examiner, who allocates the bonus after a public hearing. Fractional units under one-half are dropped; one-half or more round up to a full unit. A separate, narrower bonus density of 20% (or 1 unit, whichever is greater) applies to affordable housing built by a religious organization under PTMC 17.16.030's residential density table.
Violations & Fines
There's no direct "violation" penalty; a bonus density granted through PUD approval is enforced through the recorded PUD plan and any low-income unit's 40-year affordability covenant, which the city can enforce as a land-use condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra density can a Port Townsend PUD get?
What qualifies a project for the bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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