Port Townsend, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Port Townsend.

Department

Planning and Community Development (PCD) — Building Division

Address

250 Madison Street, Suite 3, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Phone

(360) 379-5095

Email

permittinghelp@cityofpt.us

Website

https://cityofpt.us/planning-community-development/page/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the applicable checklist for your project type (residential, commercial, demolition, mechanical, solar, window replacement, septic, etc.) on the Forms & Documents page.
2. Create an account on the SmartGov portal.
3. Click 'Apply' and select the appropriate category (Planning & Community Development, Public Works, or Land Use Related Permits).
4. Upload all required documents and complete the application through the portal's on-screen prompts.
5. City staff reviews plans for code compliance. A deficiency letter is issued if revisions are needed; respond with corrected materials.
6. Upon permit issuance, an access code is provided for scheduling inspections through the portal.
7. Keep the signed permit and approved plans on-site and accessible during all work and inspections.

Typical processing time: Varies by project type; most applications processed within 2-4 weeks after completeness.

Source: Planning and Community Development (PCD) — Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for most construction and improvement work, including new residential and commercial construction, additions, structural alterations, remodeling affecting structural elements or MEP systems, decks and covered porches, fences over 7 feet, roofing replacements, sheds and accessory structures (see exempt work), mechanical equipment, solar panel installations, and window replacements.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (submitted via portal)
• Site plan showing property lines, existing structures, and proposed work location
• Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections) scaled appropriately
• Energy code compliance documentation (2021 Washington State Energy Code)
• Structural calculations where applicable
• For residential additions or new construction: glazing schedules and prescriptive energy worksheets
• Proof of contractor registration with L&I (if using a contractor)

Permit validity

Applications expire 180 days after filing. An extension of up to 90 additional days may be granted on request before expiration. Issued permits expire 365 days without any building inspections; once any inspection occurs, the permit automatically extends 180 days from that inspection date.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) and 2021 Washington State Energy Code

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply directly for permits.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Contractors must hold a current L&I contractor registration and L&I electrical contractor license (if performing electrical work). Failure to verify contractor L&I registration creates liability exposure.

Fees

Permit fee formula

See 2026 Building Permit Fees schedule (PDF on Forms & Documents page); varies by project valuation and type.

Payment note

Permit technicians can provide fee estimates upon inquiry. Contact permittinghelp@cityofpt.us or call (360) 379-5095.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, greenhouses, playhouses, similar) with a projected roof area under 200 square feet
• Fences under 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls and rockeries not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids
• Routine maintenance and cosmetic work (painting, wallpapering, floor covering, cabinet replacement, non-structural repairs)

Important: Size alone does not exempt a structure — critical areas location, historic district location, or shoreline proximity may still trigger a permit requirement. Exempt work must still comply with all building code standards, other city codes, and applicable setback requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• Building Inspection Hotline: (360) 385-2294 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (walk-in counter hours)

Typical inspection sequence: Common inspection stages for new residential construction include: foundation/pre-pour, framing/rough (structural framing, rough plumbing, mechanical, electrical), insulation, and final inspection. The required inspections list for any given project is generated at permit issuance and may vary. Covering work before inspector approval may require uncovering or redoing completed work.

Remote video inspections may be used for certain inspection types at the city's discretion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) and 2021 Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Permitting Services
• Historic Preservation Materials
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub