HomeMy WebLinkAbout02252026 PC Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 25, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Notice is hereby given that the Port Angeles Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday,
February 25, 2026 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, located at 321
E. 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. In hybrid
meetings, members of the public, Committee members, and City staff have the option to attend the
meeting in person at City Hall or remotely through the Webex virtual meeting platform. For those
planning to attend remotely, learn how to watch the meeting live and participate during the public
comment period by visiting: https://www.cityofpa.us/Live-Virtual-Meetings
For audio only, please call: 1-844-992-4726
Use access code: 2557 481 2669
Webinar password: PC02252026 (72022520 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Once connected, press *3 to raise your virtual hand if you wish to make a comment or public
testimony. You will be notified when it is your turn to speak. This access code will work for the
February 25, 2026 meeting only.
If you are joining the meeting through the Webex link and wish to make a comment or provide
public testimony, please use the “raise your hand” feature in Webex. You will be notified when it
is your turn to speak.
Virtual Webex Meeting Link:
https://cityofpa.webex.com/cityofpa/j.php?MTID=mf5666366a354c4de40956f2f1f994482
The meeting is open to the public.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the January 28, 2026 Meeting
V. ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Discussion: MCA Phase 1 Update Introduction. Staff presentation introducing
future municipal code update regarding certificate of occupancy processes, fire code,
fire alarms, fire zones, automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire inspections, building
moving, and urban services.
VI.STAFF UPDATES
1.Monthly Customer Service Report
2.Monthly Type 0/OTC Report
3.Monthly 5290 Report
4.Monthly Affordable Housing Report
5.Monthly Natural Resources Verbal Report
6.Monthly Land Use and Permitting Verbal Report
7.Monthly Building Report
VII.REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
VIII.PUBLIC COMMENT
IX.ADJOURNMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Port Angeles, Washington
January 28, 2026
This meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting.
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
Chair Steiger called the regular meeting of the Port Angeles Planning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Planning Commission Chair Steiger, Commissioners: Schorr, Stanley, Kiedrowski, Mellema.
Members Absent: Commissioner McMillian (excused)
Staff Present: Community and Economic Development Director Shannen Cartmel, Planning Supervisor Ben
Braudrick, Long Range and Special Projects Administrator Angel Torres, Housing Administrator Jalyn Boado,
Natural Resources and Grant Administrator Courtney Bornsworth, Senior Development Services Specialist Pat
Bartholick, Building Inspector/Licensing Administrator Chris Jackson, and Community Development Technician
Triston Carlstrom
PUBLIC COMMENT
John Ralston, Resident, expressed appreciation for the process of adopting permit-ready plans.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Schorr and seconded by Stanley to:
Approve the October 22, 2025, minutes after confirming the motion that was made (see recording). There was a
question about whether Chair Young voted on a housing-related motion; it may have been 3-1 rather than 4-0.
Motion carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEMS
Action: Planning Commission Elections With the recent resignation of the Chair, the Planning Commission will
nominate and elect a new vice chair to backfill the position for the remainder of the 2025 -2026 period.
It was moved by Commissioner Stanley and seconded by Commissioner Kiedrowski to:
Nominate Commissioner Stanley to Vice Chair.
Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Stanley abstaining.
Discussion: Planning Commission Work Plan Staff presentation and discussion of the Planning Commission work
plan, including life/safety and over-the-counter permitting updates, critical area ordinance updates, safe routes to
school and sidewalk prioritization, and zoning and urban development updates.
Housing Administrator Jalyn Boado to bring back a list of potential legislation that might affect the COPA to PC at
the February 2026 PC meeting.
Vice Chair Stanley had a question regarding the Fire Code updates. There are many cities in the Country where Fire
code revisions are limiting housing development. Multifamily housing should be front of mind.
CED Manager Shannen Cartmel: The Fire Code updates will primarily address antiquated code. The City cannot
change the fire sprinkler requirement, as that is an IFC and IBC requirement. The Fire Marshal is always available to
sit down and talk over why fire requirements exist.
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 1
CITY OF PORT ANGELES PLANNING COMMISSION – January 28, 2026
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Mellema asked about removing the R9 and R11 zones.
It was moved by Commissioner Kiedrowski and seconded by Vice Chair Stanley to:
Adopt the Municipal Code Amendment Schedule as the 2026 – 2028 Planning Commission Workplan.
Motion carried unanimously.
STAFF UPDATES
Monthly Customer Service Report
CED Manager Cartmel, presented the Customer Service Report. CED Technicians managed over 7,400 customer
interactions in 2025.
Monthly Type 0/OTC Report
CED Manager Cartmel, presented the over-the-counter report where in 2025, we issued 352 over-the-counter
permits.
Monthly 5290 Report
Building Inspector/Licensing Administrator Jackson, Presented the 5290 report. In 2025, the City reviewed 447
permits in total.
Monthly Affordable Housing Report
Housing Administrator Boado, presented the monthly affordable housing report and shared an update on the
Housing Action Plan Housing task progress.
Monthly Natural Resources Report
Natural Resource and Grant Administrator Bornsworth, presented an oral report of the monthly natural resource
related programs and actions.
Monthly Land Use Permitting Report
Long-range and Special Projects Administrator Torres, presented an oral report of the monthly land use permitted
activities.
Monthly Building Report
Senior Development Services Specialist Bartholick, Presented the monthly building report for December 2025.
Overall, in 2025, we issued 529 building permits compared to 491 in 2024.
Quarterly Grant Report
Natural Resource and Grant Administrator Bornsworth, presented the quarterly grant report.
COMMISSION REPORTS
Chair Steiger, Marc Abshire, and the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce signed with Nesterly, and home sharing
will be coming to Clallam County.
Commissioner Schorr, stop signs around the City were replaced due to the sign warranty. This seems wasteful, as
there are many areas in the City without stop signs, and for safety reasons, there should be one there.
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 2
CITY OF PORT ANGELES PLANNING COMMISSION – January 28, 2026
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Stanley advocated for a T-shirt for Planning Commissioners who serve a full 8-year term.
Commissioner Kiedrowski, thanks the staff for the work and effort this past year.
Commissioner Mellema, no report.
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT
John Ralston, Resident, commented on the Fire Code updates and the need to keep development costs affordable in
the City. He expressed a desire for public engagement throughout the process. Expressed the design standards of
development and the increased costs that are associated with them.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Steiger motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Commissioner Schorr seconded the motion.
_____________________________________ _______________________________
Chair Steiger, Chair Jalyn Boado, Secretary
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 3
MEMORANDUM
DATE: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Planning Division
RE: Municipal Code Amendment (MCA) 26-0044 – Phase 1 Fire Life and Safety Introduction
Background and Current Regulations
The city is undergoing a multi-phased municipal code update project of its development codes over
the next three years to improve clarity, organization, and update to align development regulations
with policies of the Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan update. The first phase of this project relates
to portions of the Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC) related to fire, life and safety regulations,
inspections, and occupancy requirements. This work is part of a multi-year effort to.
Phase 1 focuses on improving structure and clarity rather than creating new regulations. Over time,
and with incremental disconnected changes, code sections can become difficult to follow.
Processes may appear in multiple locations, appeal routes may be unclear, and procedures may
not be fully organized in one place.
It is important to note that the proposed Phase 1 amendments do not modify adopted International
Building Code or International Fire Code standards and All life-safety requirements are being
updated to reflect the most recently adopted codes.
Methodology
For the purpose of maintaining a common set of decision criteria for the proposed Phase 1 changes
staff have created a methodology to explain the reasoning for proposed changes. Each change
tracked in Phase 1 will be placed into one of the following categories:
Outdated or Nonconforming (ON): Sections that no longer match current state law, adopted plans,
or current standards. These may include outdated references or language that conflicts with other
parts of the code. Updates in this category maintain legal alignment and internal consistency.
Ambiguous or Grammatically Ambiguous (GA): Language that is unclear or open to more than one
interpretation. These sections may require staff interpretation. Revisions clarify intent and support
consistent decision-making.
Restrictive or Unnecessary (UR): Provisions that add steps or limits that no longer serve a clear
public purpose. Updates focus on removing duplication and improving efficiency while maintaining
adopted safety standards.
Incorrect Procedures or Procedural Outline (IP): Sections where timelines, appeal paths, notice
requirements, or decision authority are incomplete or inconsistent with state law or other code
sections. Corrections improve clarity and legal defensibility.
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 4
Proposed Updates
Following the review, staff prepared draft amendments to improve clarity and organization. Key
updates include:
Certificates of Occupancy (Chapter 14.15): A new chapter clearly explains when a Certificate of
Occupancy is required, how it is issued, posting requirements, and how appeals are handled.
Previously, this information appeared in multiple locations.
Annual Fire and Life Safety Inspections (Chapter 14.30): A new chapter documents the City’s
existing annual fire inspection program. It outlines which buildings are inspected, how inspections
are conducted, correction timelines, and how inspections relate to occupancy approval. This
reflects current practice and improves clarity.
Fire Code and Appeals Language (Chapters 14.01, 14.21, 14.23, 14.26): Outdated appeal language
was removed and standardized. Cross-references between building and fire code sections were
corrected to eliminate duplication and confusion. No fire flow requirements, sprinkler thresholds,
or adopted safety standards were changed.
Building Moving Regulations (Chapter 14.32 – Relocated to Title 11): Provisions related to moving
buildings were relocated to align with Public Works review authority. This improves administrative
consistency without altering substantive standards.
Fire Suppression Language (Chapter 14.26 and Section 18.08.110): Residential sprinkler and
response-time language was aligned between code sections to remove ambiguity and ensure
consistent interpretation.
Community Impacts
These updates are organizational improvements. Residents, business owners, and contractors will
benefit from:
• Clearer explanations of occupancy requirements;
• Inspection procedures documented in one location;
• Consistent appeal and enforcement pathways; and
• Reduced duplication between related code sections.
Next Steps
Draft ordinance language will be made available for public review. Outreach and engagement will
include:
• Waterfront District Elevate PA – February 10, 2026;
• Planning Commission Fire Code Introduction – February 25, 2026;
• Port Angeles Association of Realtors – March 26, 2026 ;
• North Peninsula Builders Association – Tentatively April 2026;
• Planning Commission public hearing on the Fire/Life/Safety Code Amendments – April 22,
2026;
Following public engagement, the City Council will consider adoption.
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 5
Total Engagements YTD:% Change vs Last Year:Avg Daily Engagements YTD:% Timely Responses:
Counter Visits = In-person front desk visits.
Emails Sent = Messages sent through the permits inbox to applicants.
Phone Calls = Customer phone calls logged.
Timely Responses = Customer inquiries that receive a response within two business days of the initial contact.
The CED Technicians have managed over 400 interactions so far this year, with nearly 98% of inquiries responded to within 2 business days.
CED Customer Service Report - January 2026
+1.9%473 17.5 97.5%
30%
51%
19%
Customer Engagement
Counter Visits Emails Sent Phone Calls
101
247
125
COUNTER VISITS EMAILS SENT PHONE CALLS
Engagement Type –YTD
2026 YTD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2025 464 553 640 644 730 594 617 571 690 750 526 668
2026 473
400
500
600
700
800
To
t
a
l
I
n
t
e
r
a
c
t
i
o
n
s
Monthly Engagment Trend
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Jan
Timely Response Rate -YTD
Total Interactions Timely ResponsesTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBDTBD
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 6
Total Permits YTD:
Over-the-Counter permits are completed quickly averaging 1 business day from intake to issuance with 63% processed the same day
Same-Day Processing = Measures the time from when an application is received until fees are sent. Counted as “Same-Day” if fees are sent the same business day.
Timely Issuance = Measures the time from when payment is received until the permit is issued. Counted as “Timely” if issued within one business day of payment.
Note: Customer payment delays are not included in these times.
CED Over-the-Counter Permit Report – January 2026
27
% Change vs Last Year YTD:
+58.8%
% Same-Day Processing YTD:
63.0%
% Timely Issuance YTD:
92.6%
10
0
1
0
4
4
8
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Vendor
Inspection Only
Fire
Solar
Plumbing
Re-Roof/Re-Side
Mechanical
Permits by Type -YTD
90%
100%
94%
92%
89%85%80%
60%
80%
100%
Same-Day Processing Rate
17
28 27 28 29
35 32
51
28 27 27
23
27
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Permits Issued by Month
Permits 2025 Permits 2026
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
0.7
1.0
0.8
1.0 0.9
0.5
1.0
Average Staff Time by Type
(Days)
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 7
*If we ask for more information about a project and the applicant takes longer than 60 days to respond, the City may add up to 30 extra days to the overall review time for the application, as allowed under Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC) 18.02.170(G) and (H).
CED SB 5290 Report - January 2026
TYPE I - Allowed, Permitted, or Accessory Uses Not Requiring Notice of Application; Building Permits Categorically Exempt from SEPA; Business Licenses; Clearing and Grading Permits; Critical Area Exemptions; Director's Determinations¹; Electrical Permits; Environmentally
Sensitive Area Permits and Extensions; Fee Waivers; Final Binding Site Plans; Final Boundary Line Adjustments; Final Overlay Zones; Final Planned Residential Development (PRD); Final Plats; Final Short Plats; Final Unit Lot Subdivisions; Fire Alarm Permits; Fire Permits – Any
Other Approval Provided by the Fire Department – Office of the Fire Marshal; Fire Sprinkler Permits; Flood Development Permits; Home Businesses/Home Occupation Permit; Land-Use Verification; Minor Amendments to an Approved Plat, Binding Site Plan, or Planned
Residential Development; Minor Deviations Up to 20%; Minor Mobile or Itinerant Vendor Hosting Site Plan Review; NICE Grants; Preliminary Boundary Line Adjustments; Preliminary Short Plats; Regulatory Mobile or Itinerant Vendor Permit; Reasonable Use Exceptions; Right-
of-Way Construction Permits; Sales and Use Tax Grants; Shoreline Exemptions; Sign Permits; Short-Term Lodging Licenses; Site Plan Review; Temporary Uses Up to One Year; Utility Feasibility Requests; Wetland Permit Extension; Wetland Temporary Emergency Permit.
TYPE II - Administrative Conditional Use Permits; Administrative Conditional Use Permits Required for Transitional Housing Facilities 1–4 Units; Building Permits Requiring SEPA; Cottage Industries; Discretionary Conditional Use Permits; Major Mobile or Itinerant Vendor
Hosting Site Plan Review; Minor Plat Amendment; Minor Variances; Preliminary Binding Site Plan; Preliminary Unit Lot Subdivision; SEPA Review (Not Associated with a Public Hearing); Shoreline Substantial Development Permits²; Temporary Housing Facilities; Wetland
Permits.
TYPE III - Conditional Use Permits; Conditional Use Permits Required for Transitional Housing Facilities 5+ Units; Major Amendments to an Approved Plat or Planned Residential Development; Major Variances; Minor Deviations 21–30%; Plat Vacation; Preliminary Overlay
Zones; Preliminary Plats; Preliminary Planned Residential Development (PRD); SEPA Review (Associated with a Public Hearing); Shoreline Conditional Uses; Shoreline Substantial Development Permits³; Shoreline Variances; Temporary Uses – One to Five Years; Unclassified Use
–Conditional Use Permits.
TYPE IV - Site Specific Rezones.
TYPE V - Amendments to Development Regulations; Amendments to the Port Angeles Municipal Code; Annexations; Area-Wide Rezones; Comprehensive Plan Amendments; Development Agreements; Master Land Use, Subarea, Functional, and/or Utility Plans and
Amendments; Shoreline Master Program Adoption and Amendments.
NOTES: 1. See PAMC 18.02.240 for applicable procedures. 2. Only if the application is for a permitted use and receives a threshold determination of non-significance. 3. Except for Type II shoreline substantial development permits.
7
20
2 1 0
0
5
10
15
20
25
<14 Days 15-30 Days 31-65 Days 66-100 Days 101-170 Days
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
e
r
m
i
t
s
I
s
s
u
e
d
Total Number of Days for Permit Review
Permit Type I (65 Day Deadline*)
00000
0
1
2
3
4
5
<14 Days 15-30 Days 31-65 Days 66-100 Days 101-170 Days
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
e
r
m
i
t
s
I
s
s
u
e
d
(
Y
T
D
)
Total Number of Days for Permit Review
Permit Type II (100 Day Deadline*)
00000
0
1
2
3
4
5
<14 Days 15-30 Days 31-65 Days 66-100 Days 101-170 Days
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
e
r
m
i
t
s
I
s
s
u
e
d
(
Y
T
D
)
Total Number of Days for Permit Review
Permit Type III (170 Day Deadline*)
00000
0
1
2
3
4
5
<14 Days 15-30 Days 31-65 Days 66-100 Days 101-170 Days
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
e
r
m
i
t
s
I
s
s
u
e
d
(
Y
T
D
)
Total Number of Days for Permit Review
Permit Type IV (170 Day Deadline*)
00000
0
1
2
3
4
5
<14 Days 15-30 Days 31-65 Days 66-100 Days 101-170 Days
Nu
m
b
e
r
o
f
P
e
r
m
i
t
s
I
s
s
u
e
d
(
Y
T
D
)
Total Number of Days for Permit Review
Permit Type V (No Deadline*)
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 8
CED Affordable Housing Report - January 2026
Type JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2026 YTD 2025 YTD
SUT - HB 1406 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
SUT - HB 1590 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
FWP $97,226.99 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $97,226.99 $39,666.66
NICE- Small Scale $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
NICE - Medium Scale $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
NICE - Large Scale $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
TOTAL CITY
INVESTMENTS $97,226.99 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $97,226.99 $39,666.66
PRP 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3
MFTE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Key
SUT- HB 1406
SUT- HB 1590
FWP
NICE - Small Scale
NICE - Medium Scale
NICE - Large Scale
PRP
MFTE
Multi Family Tax Exemption. Contracts are shown in the month they were executed between developer and City, minimum number of estimated new dwelling units listed. Final dwelling unit counts will be determined at permitting/approval phase, and will be detailed on
the monthly Building Report.
Please Note: City staff invest considerable time to proactively engage with prospective housing developers in order to amplify these critical City programs. This report only includes one stage of this important process.
Fee Waiver Program. The costs of 25 permit types are waived by the City for all infill and multifamily housing projects.
New Improvements for Community Enhancement of Neighborhoods Projects (≤ $14,999). Grants are shown in the month that the contract was fully executed between the developer and the City.
Sales and Use Tax - HB 1406. Grants are shown in the month that the contract was fully executed between the developer and the City.
Sales and Use Tax - HB 1590. Grants are shown in the month that the contract was fully executed between the developer and the City.
New Improvements for Community Enhancement of Neighborhoods Projects ($15,000-$24,999). Grants are shown in the month that the contract was fully executed between the developer and the City.
New Improvements for Community Enhancement of Neighborhoods Projects (≥ $25,000). Grants are shown in the month that the contract was fully executed between the developer and the City.
Permit Ready Plans. Plans are shown in the month they were shared with prospective developer, minimum number of estimated new dwelling units listed. Final dwelling unit counts will be determined at permitting/approval phase, and will be detailed on the monthly
Building Report.
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 9
CED Building Report - January 2026
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2025 YTD
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
$8,007.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $352,600.00
Certificate of Occupancy 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
$7,000,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,632,599.00
Certificate of Occupancy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Certificate of Occupancy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A
4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
$2,120,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $800,000.00
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
$407,313.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $250,000.00
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
$224,352.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $718,694.00
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
$170,517.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18
$251,345.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $332,185.00
Certificate of Occupancy 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N/A
Comm 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Res $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $16,500.00
30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30
$10,181,534.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,102,578.00
$106,793.40 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $66,449.71
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 6 4
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2
2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 18 7
Comm
Ind
Public
New Construction
New Construction
Repair and Alteration
Repair and Alteration
New Single Family
New Accessory Structure
Res
Dwelling Units - Duplex
New Construction
New Multi Family
New Manufactured Home
Dwelling Units - ADU
Business Certificate of Occupancy
Permit Fees Paid
Total Permits Issued
Total Construction Valuation
Repair and Alteration
The pending units, shown in italics are at various stages of staff review. Additionally, not all applicants have submitted a complete application at this time. While we expect the majority to advance through the review process, it is possible that some may experience the need for
additional review.
Dwelling Units - Single Family
Dwelling Units-Manufactured Home
Dwelling Units - Multi Family (3+)
Total Dwelling Units
2026 YTD
0
$0.00
1
2
$8,007.00
1
$7,000,000.00
0
0
$0.00
0
1
$170,517.00
2
$0.00
0
0
$0.00
4
$2,120,000.00
2
$407,313.00
1
$224,352.00
3
Demolition and Moving
Repair and Alteration 19
$251,345.00
$106,793.40
$10,181,534.00
0
$0.00
30
Planning Commission Meeting February 25, 2026 10
Fire & Life Safety Inspections and
Certificates of Occupancy
Presenters:
Joel McKeen: Deputy Chief | Fire
Marshal
Angel Torres: Long Range & Special
Projects Administrator | Associate
Planner
Municipal Code Updates:
Phase 1 – Multi-Year Code
Update (2026–2028)
Focus:
•Fire & Life Safety Inspections
•Certificates of Occupancy
Goal:
Clarity, transparency, consistency
Alignment with Vision 2045
Important Clarification
No new regulatory standards created
•No change to adopted IBC or IFC thresholds
•Authority remains grounded in:
•Washington State Building Code (RCW
19.27)
•International Building Code (IBC)
•International Fire Code (IFC)
•Updates improve organization and readability
only
Why These Updates Are Proposed
•Clarify structure across Titles 14 and 18
•Standardize appeal and review pathways
•Consolidate related procedures
•Maintain legal alignment and consistency
•Required under International
Fire Code (IFC)
•Conducted by the Fire
Department
•Verifies ongoing life-safety
compliance
This Program is already in place
Fire & Life Safety Annual
Inspection Program –
Purpose
What the Code Update Clarifies
(Inspections)
•Which occupancies are inspected annually
•How inspections are scheduled and
conducted
•Correction notices and timelines
•Re -inspection procedures
•Appeals or review process
Who Is Typically
Inspected
•Commercial businesses
•Vacant commercial or
industrial buildings
•Multifamily buildings (3+ units)
•Other occupancies requiring
life-safety verification
What Inspectors Verify
•Fire alarms and sprinkler systems
•Exit access and signage
•Emergency lighting
•Fire extinguishers
•Hazardous materials storage
•General fire code compliance
Key Public Takeaways –
Inspections
•Inspections already required
•No new inspection authority
•No expanded enforcement
•Improved clarity and documentation
Fire Apparatus Access
Roads
•Adoption of International Fire
Code –Section 503 and Appendix D
•Creates clear guidance and
creates transparency
•Fire code official is still authorized
to approve alternative means of
access when:
•Site constraints
•Topography
•Physical limitations exist
Certificate of Occupancy (CO) – Purpose
•Required under International Building
Code (IBC)
•Confirms approved use
•Verifies compliance prior to
occupancy
When a CO Is Required
•New building construction
•Major remodel or permitted work completion
•Change of use or occupancy
•New business occupancy
•Discrepancy in existing CO
•Coordinated Fire and Building review
New business occupancy is considered a
business occupancy verification review.
•Fire and Life Safety Inspection
•Building department review
•Updated CO issued
What the Code Update Clarifies
(CO)
•When a Certificate of Occupancy is
required
•How corrections are handled
•Posting requirements
•Fire and Building coordination
•Updated appeals process
Posting Requirement
•Certificate of Occupancy must be visibly posted
•Long-standing requirement
•Supports transparency and inspection
verification
Coordination: Fire
Inspections & CO Program
•Fire inspectors verify life-safety systems
and confirm the posted Certificate of
Occupancy
•Any identified issues are referred for
administrative review
•Helps ensure buildings are used safely
and as originally approved
•The process already exists; this update
clearly documents it
What This Means for Businesses &
Owners
•No new operational requirements
•Reflects existing state and adopted codes
•Clearer expectations
•Most will see no change
•Removes outdated appeal language
•Corrects cross-references between code sections
•Relocates building moving regulations to Title 11
•Aligns fire suppression language for consistency
Also clarifies related sections, including:
• Fire Code provisions
• Building moving requirements
• Fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
Additional Administrative Updates
Commitment to Transparency &
Safety
The City of Port Angeles is committed to:
•Clear and transparent processes
•Consistent application of adopted codes
•Strong coordination between departments
•Ongoing collaboration with businesses
•Protection of life safety and public welfare
Next Steps – Phase 1 Process
•February 10, 2026 – Waterfront District Elevate PA
•February 25, 2026 – Planning Commission Introduction
•March 26, 2026 – Port Angeles Association of Realtors
•March 2026 (TBD) – Port Angeles Business Association
•April 2026 (TBD) – North Peninsula Builders Association
•April 22, 2026 – Planning Commission Public Hearing
City Council consideration following hearing
Commissioner
Questions/Discussion