HomeMy WebLinkAbout3767ORDINANCE NO. -
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, adopting
Chapters 1 7.09 and 17.16 of the Porl Angeles Municipal Code; amending portions
of Chapters 14.40, 17.08, 17 .10, 17 .I7, I7 .I2, 77 .14, 17 .I5, 17 .20, 17 .21,
77 .22, 17 .32, 77 .34, 17 .96, 18.02, and 18.04 implementing the requirements
of RCW 36.70A.130 for development regulations to complete compliance with
the2025 Periodic Update of the Vision2045 Comprehensive Plan and associated
Washington State Legislative actions; and designating the Planning Commission
as the Public Hearing Authority for all land use applications and planning
processes in compliance with RCw 35A.63.070; adopting findings; providing for
severability; and establishing an effective date.
WHEREAS, the City of Port Angeles first adopted a Growth Management Act-compliant
Comprehensive Plan on June 28,1994, and most recently amended the Comprehensive Plan on
December 16,2025; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with RCW 36.704.130(5Xb), the Growth Management Act requires
the City to develop and adopt a comprehensive plan containing elements that sets forth the goals and
policies to guide the future development of the City for the succeeding 2\-year period; the City
completed a periodic update of the Comprehensive Plan and ensured continued compliance with the
Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) on December 16,2025; and
WHEREAS, between 2021-2023,the Washington State Legislature enacted several
amendments to the Growth Management Act to establish new requirements including House Bill
1220 (2021 c 254) Emergency Shelters and Housing, House Bill 1 I Bl (2023 c 228) Climate Change
and Resiliency Element, House Bill 1 I I0 (2023 c 332) Middle Housing, and Senate 8t115235 (2021
c 306) and House Bill 1337 (2023 c 334) Accessory Dwelling Units; and
WHEREAS, with the update completed on December 16,2025, the City prepared updates to its
existing comprehensive plan that will serve for the 2025-2045 planning period (the "2025
Comprehensive Plan") and show land capacity to meet 2045 targets of 1,970 new housing units and
976 newjobs as allocated through the Clallam County Countywide Planning Policies; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.370, the City utilized the process established by the
Washington State Attorney General so as to ensure the protection of private property rights when
considering Lhe 2025 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 2025
Comprehensive Plan on September 18,2025, provided a 30-day comment period, and a Final
Environmental Impact Statement on December 9,2025; and
WHEREAS, the Pofi Angeles Planning Commission held properly noticed public hearing on
October 22,2025, for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and recommendedth2025,he City Council
approve the 2025 Comprehensive Plan by a vote of 4-0 after the conclusion of the Octob er 22,2025
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public hearing; and recommended that the City Council approve the Vision 2045 Comprehensive
Plan by a vote of 4-0 after the conclusion of the Octob er 22, 2025 public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Port Angeles City Council held first and second readings on November 18,
2025, and December 76,2025, for the Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan (CPA 25-0004) and
approved the Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan (CPA 25-0004) by a vote of 7-0; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, having considered the entire public record, public comments,
written and oral, and the Port Angeles Planning Commission's recommendation, and made
amendments to that recommendation it deemed appropriate, finds that the 2025 Comprehensive
Plan, as recommended by the Planning Commission and amended by the City Council, adopted on
December 16,2025, is consistent with the Growth Management Act, is in the best interests of the
citizens of the City of Port Angeles', and should serve as the City of Port Angeles'Comprehensive
Plan for the succeeding 20 years; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Angeles is concluding the City's Periodic Update with MCA 26-
0180 and is now compliant with all development regulations as required by the Washington State
Department of Commerce as detailed in the following findings:
In accordance with RCW 36.70A.070(2Xc) and RCW 36.70A.115 via Ordinance 3710
adopted on March 2l , 2023 , Ordinance 3 75 8 adopted December 16, 2025 , and Ordinance
3760 adopted December 16,2025, zoning designations are consistent and implement land
use designations that accommodate future housing needs by income bracket as allocated
through the planning process. Zoning reflects sufficient land capacity for all income housing
needs, including emergency housing and permanent supportive housing.
2. In accordance r,vith RCW 354..21.430 and RCW 35.21.683, adopted under this Ordinance
for MCA 26-0180; Permanent Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing, as defined by
RCW 36.70A.030(33) and RCW 84.36.043(3)(c), respectively, are allowed residences and
hotels, does not limit occupancy or spacing beyond that of public health and safety, and
allows the siting of a sufficient number of units and beds necessary to meet projected
housing needs.
3. In accordance with RCW 354.21.430 and RCW 35.21.683, via Ordinance 3688 adopted
December 21, 202I,Indoor Emergency Housing and lndoor Emergency Shelters, as defined
in RCW 36.70A.030(15) and RCW 36.70A.030(16), respectively, are allowed in all zones in
which hotels are allowed and allow the siting of a sufficient number of units and beds
necessary to meet projected needs.
4. In accordance with HB 5235, RCW 35.21 .682, and RCW 354..21.314 via Ordinance 3688
adopted December 2l , 2021, the City does not regulate or limit the number of unrelated
persons that occupy a household or dwelling unit, except as regulated by RCW Chapter
19.27 Stale Building Code occupant load per square foot.
5. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.817 and RCW 36.70A.622, adopted under this Ordinance
for MCA 26-01 80, the City does not require off-street parking as a condition of affordable
housing, residential new construction, or the retrofit of existing buildings meeting Passive
House requirements, residential modular construction, or residential mass timber
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construction. Additionally, parking requirements allow tandem, gravel, or grass pavers and
comply with size requirements.
6. In accordance with RCW 36.704.450 and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5509,
adopted under this Ordinance for MCA 26-0180, family daycare providers are allowed in all
residential dwellings in areas zoned for residential and commercial, and childcare centers are
allowed outright in all zones except industrial zones.
7 . In accordance with RCW 35.21.684, RCW 35.63. I 60, RCW 35A.21.312, and RCW
36.01.225,via Ordinance3734 adopted September |J,2024, manufactured housing is
regulated the same as site-built housing.
8. In accordance with RCW 36.704.680 and RCW 36.70A.681, via Ordinance 3718 adopted
August 18,2023, two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed on residential lots that
allow single-family homes.
9. In accordance with RCW 36.704.535, via Ordinance3T6l adopted December 16,2025, co-
living is an allowed permitted use on any lot that allows at least six multifamily residential
units and complies with all other co-living recluirements.
10. In accordance with RCW 36.10A.410, RCW 70.128.140 and 150, RCW 49.60.222-225, and
WAC 365-196-860, the City does not regulate residential structures occupied by persons
with handicaps or group care for children any differently than any other residential structure
occupied by a family or other unrelated individuals.
1 1. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.540 via Ordinance 3723 adopted November 8,2023, the
City has expanded affordable housing fee waivers as a housing incentive'
12. Inaccordance with RCW 35.21.915 and RCW 35A.21.360, the City does not place any
regulations on outdoor encampments, safe parking efforts, indoor overnight shelters, and
temporary small houses controlled or owned by a religious organization other than
requirements by adopted state building and sanitation codes.
13. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.545, adopted under this Ordinance for MCA 26-0180, the
City allows for an increased density bonus for any affordable housing development located
on real property owned or controlled by a religious organization.
14. InaccordancewithRCW354.2l.440andRCW35.2l.gg0,adoptedunderthisOrdinance
for MCA 26-0180, the City has complied r,vith the reduced restrictions for additional housing
units within existing commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family buildings by exempting them
from density limits, parking, and other regulatory requirements consistent.
15. In accordance with RCW 36.704.8 10 and B 12, adopted under this Ordinance for MCA 26-
0180, new construction and retrofits for existing buildings for residential housing are
allowed to project into required setbacks and exceed height limits by up to eight inches to
accommodate the addition of necessary insulation.
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16. In accordance with RCW 36.704.815, adopted under this Ordinance for MCA 26-0180, the
City does not require fagade modulation or upper-level setbacks as a condition for
residential buildings for affordable housing, new construction or retrofit of existing
buildings to meet passive housing requirements, conversion of existing buildings to housing
or mixed-use including housing, modular construction, or mass timber construction.
17 . In accordance with RCW 36.130.020, the City does not impose or enforce requirements on
an affordable housing development that are different than the requirements imposed on other
housing developments.
I B. In accordance with RCW 36.70,{.819, the City does not impose minimum unit sizes.
19. In accordance with RCW 36.70,4.813, adopted under this Ordinance for MCA 26-01 80,
buildings are allowed to exceed maximum roof height limits by 48 inches to accommodate a
roof-mounted solar energy panel.
20. ln accordance with RCW 36.704.130(1)(a) and 5(a), and RCW 36.70A.070(2)(d) via
Ordinance 3759 adopted December 16,2025, the City's development regulations and
Comprehensive Plan make adequate provisions for housing needs of all economic segments
in the community.
2l.In accordance with RCW 36.70.547 and WAC 365-196-455, via Ordinance 3059 adopted
July 28,2000, and Ordinance 2861 adopted March J,1995, the City regulations discourage
incompatible uses around general aviation airports.
22. In accordance with RCW 36.704.530(3) and WAC 365-196-475 via Ordinance 3758
adopted December 16,2025, all zoning and future land-use maps discourage the siting of
incompatible uses adjacent to a military base.
23. In accordance with RCW 36.704.480 via Ordinance3676 adopted June 15, 2021, all zoning
designations are consistent with the Shoreline Master Program environmental designations.
24. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.480 via Ordinance 3676 adopted June I 5,2021, Shoreline
Master Program regulations provide protection to critical areas in shorelines that are at least
equal to the protection provided by the critical areas' Ordinance.
25. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.200, WAC 365-196-550(6), WAC 365-196-550(3), and
RCW 36.704.200 via this Ordinance for MCA 26-0180 and Ordinance 3758 adopted
December 16,2025, the City's regulations include a process for siting Essential Public
Facilities.
26. In accordance with RCW 36.704.030(8) and RCW 36.70A.040(4) via Ordinance 3688
adopted December 21,2021, the City's subdivision regulations are consistent with and
implement the comprehensive plan policies.
27. In accordance with RCW 58.17.110, RCW 36.704.590, and WAC 365-196-820(1) via this
Ordinance 3688 adopted December 21,2021, Ordinance 3571 adopted December 20,2016,
and Ordinance 3122 adopted September 27 ,2002, written findings are included on all
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subdivisions establishing adequacy of public facilities and other items related to public
health, safety, and general welfare.
28. In accordance with RCW 58.17.140 and RCW 58.11.170 via Ordinance3742 adopted
December 17 . 2024, Ordinance 3688 adopted December 21,2021, and Ordinance 3003
adopted December 15, 1998, preliminary subdivisions meet the statutorily required period of
validity dependent on the date preliminary plat approval was granted.
29. Inaccordance with RCW 58.17.060(3) via Ordinance3742 adopted December |J,2024, and
Ordinance 3688 adopted December 21,2021, shoft plat regulations include procedures for
unit lot subdivisions.
30. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.070(6XaXiiiXB), (C) and (D), RCW 36.70A.070(6Xb) and
WAC 3 65- I 9 6-840 via Ordinan ce 37 59 adopted December | 6, 2025, transpoft ation
concuffency requirement prohibits development when level of service standards cannot be
met, the regulations include measures to bring transportation facilities below levels of
service into compliance, and highways of statewide significance are exempt from the
conctrrrency Ordinance.
31. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.070(6XaXvi) and WAC 365-196-840(4), via Ordinance
3759 adopted December 16,2025,traffic demand management requirements are consistent
with the comprehensive plan and include the transportation system from a multimodal
perspective.
32. In accordance with RCW 36.704.040(8Xa), RCW 36.704.210(3Xi), RCW 36.704.020(13),
RCW 36.704.830, and WAC 365-196-445, via Ordinance 3759 adopted December 16,
2025, Ordin ance 36J 6 adopted June I 5, 2027 , and the Joint Tribal-Municipal Settlement
Agreement, the City has a mutually agreeable memorandum of agreement between local
governments and tribes, policies that address the protection of tribal cultural resources, and
Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County, the Port
of Porl Angeles, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, for a Highway 101 Wastewater Line
Project, Sections I through B.
33. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.470, RCW 36.108, WAC 365-196-845, WAC 197-1 1, and
WAC 365- I 97 , via Ordinance 3742 adopled December 17,2024, and this Ordinance for
MCA 26-0180, the City has integrated permit and environmental review procedures for all
application processes and types of applications.
34.Inaccordance with RCW 36.70A.130(2), RCW 36.70A.470, WAC 365-196-640(6), and
WAC 365-1 96-640(3), via Ordinance 3719 adopted September 5,2023, Ordinance 3441
adopted November 15,2011, and Ordinance 2858 adopted February 17,1995,City
regulations limit amendments to the comprehensive plan to once a year and include a
docketing process for requesting and considering plan amendments.
35. In accordance r,vith RCW 36.70A.130(2)(b) and WAC 365-196-640(4), via this Ordinance
for MCA 26-0180, City regulations define an emergency for an emergency pian amendment
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36. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.020(11), RCW 36.70A.035, RCW 36.704.140, WAC 365-
196-610(2) via Ordinance 3742 adopted December 17,2024, and Ordinance 2858 adopted
February I7, 1995, the City has a process established for early and continuous public
notification and participation in the planning process.
37. In accordance with WAC 365-196-650(l), via Ordinance 3750 adopted June 3,2025, and
Ordinance 3681 adopted November 3,2021, the City has provisions to ensure adequate
enforcement of regulations.
WHEREAS, on July 10,2026, the City transmitted a copy of the proposed Ordinance to the
Washington State Department of Commerce in accordance with RCW 36.70A.106 at least 60 days in
advance ofadoption for the required 60-day state review period; and
WHEREAS, on July 22,2026, the City Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on MCA 26-0180 State Mandated Development Code Updates, accepted testimony, and
made a recommendation to approve MCA 26-0180 to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adoption of MCA 26-0180 implements and furthers the
goals of the Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adoption of MCA 26-01 80 completes the development
regulation portion of the periodic update.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES
DO HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.-Findines.Adoptionof Attachments. Chapters 14.40,17.08, 11.09,17.10,17.11,
17.11,17.12,17.14,17.15,I7.16,17.20,17.2t,17.22,17.32,17.34,1',7.96,19.02,and 19.04,of the
Port Angeles Municipal Code are hereby amended, as shown in Exhibit A, attached hereto, and
together with the 'owhereas" clauses and findings above, are incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 2. - Classification. The Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan set forth by this ordinance is of a
general and permanent nature and shall be kept on file with the City Clerk, available for public
inspection.
Section 3. - Corrections. The City Clerk is authorized to make necessary corrections to this
Ordinance, including, but not limited to, the correction of scrivener's clerical elrors, references to
other local, state, federal laws, codes, rules, or regulations, or Ordinance numbering,
section/subsection numbers, and any references thereto.
Section 4. - Severability. If any provisions of this Ordinance, or its application to any person or
circumstance, are held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance, or application of the provisions of
the Ordinance to other persons or circumstances, is not affected.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance, being an exercise of a power specifically delegated to the
City legislative body, is not subject to referendum. This Ordinance shall take effect August3l,2026.
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PASSED by the City Council of the.City of Port Angeles at a regular meeting of
said Council held on n" l$V ouy or [hapS,Lzozo.0
Kate Dexter, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Sheida Sahandy, City Attomey
ATTEST:
Kari Martinez-ty Clerk
PUBLISHED
By Summary
70p(t
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MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 1
Exhibit A: DRAFT MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 14.40 OFF-STREET PARKING
14.40.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to assure adequate provisions for public access are made in the development of new
land use and in the change of use of an existing building. Off-street parking is only one of the provisions that needs
to be considered to avoid significant adverse impacts on surrounding private properties and public infrastructure.
This parking ordinance encourages transportation demand management to achieve low impact development as an
alternative to off-street minimum parking requirements for each commercial, industrial, and public and
institutional land use. The City recognizes that each business can have a variety of transportation strategies,
facilities, and services instead of satisfying access solely by single occupant vehicles (SOV). Many businesses are
unique and, therefore, can best determine the minimum parking requirements needed to serve their own needs.
In residential zones, off-street parking is required for each dwelling unit to allow reduction in nonarterial street
width standards. This parking ordinance encourages reduction in the impacts of increasing impervious surfaces on
the costs for each development and on the environment from stormwater drainage. Reducing pollution from
runoff and emissions serve community interests and should be balanced against requirements for more street and
parking lot improvements. The City expects new developments to find less costly ways to meet transportation
needs and does not want to require unneeded impervious surfaces.
14.40.020 Definitions.
A. The following terms shall have the designated meanings for the purposes of this chapter, unless the context
indicates otherwise:
6. “Off-street parking required” means the minimum number of off-street automobile parking spaces that
must be provided as a condition of a residential development permit. The City may recommend, but
shall not require as a condition of the permit approval, off-street parking for new residential dwelling
units located on a major pedestrian corridor. Any such recommendation will be advisory only and will
not be a basis for permit denial.
7. “Mass timber construction” means a building with structural components primarily made of mass
timber products as defined in RCW 19.27.570.
8. “Modular construction” means a multistory residential building constructed of standardized
components produced off-site, which are transported and assembled at a final location.
9. “Passive house requirements” means the criteria for certification as a passive house by Phius or the
international passive house institute.
10. “Tandem” means having two or more vehicles, one in front of or behind the others with a single
means of ingress and egress.
14.40.032 Off-street parking requirements for residential projects.
Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.817, off-street parking is not required as a condition of permitting the following types of
residential projects:
A. Affordable housing;
B. New construction or the retrofit of existing buildings meeting passive house requirements;
C. Modular construction; or
D. Mass timber construction.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 2
14.40.034 Residential parking regulation.
Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.622, residential development parking must meet the following:
A. Garages and carports are not required to meet minimum parking requirements for residential development.
B. Parking spaces that count towards minimum parking requirements may be enclosed or unenclosed.
C. Parking spaces in tandem must count towards meeting minimum parking requirements at a rate of one
space for every 20 linear feet, with any necessary provisions for turning radius.
D. Existence of legally nonconforming gravel surfacing in existing designated parking areas may not be a reason
for prohibiting utilization of existing space in the parking area to meet parking standards, up to a maximum
of six parking spaces.
E. Parking spaces may not be required to exceed eight feet by 20 feet, except for required parking for people
with disabilities.
F. Off-street parking is not required as a condition of permitting on a residential project if compliance with tree
retention would otherwise make a proposed residential development or redevelopment infeasible.
G. Parking spaces that consist of grass block pavers count toward the minimum parking requirements.
H. Existing parking spaces that did not conform to the requirements of this section as of June 6, 2024, are not
required to be modified or resized, except for compliance with the Americans with disabilities act. Existing
paved parking lots are not required to change the size of existing parking spaces during resurfacing if doing
so will be more costly or require significant reconfiguration of the parking lot space locations.
PARKING REQUIREMENT TABLE "14.40-1"
LAND USE PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENT
Residential and Lodging Uses * see 14.40.032 for exceptions.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 3
CHAPTER 17.08 – DEFINITIONS
17.08.020 "C."
D. Child care center means an agency that regularly provides early childhood education and early learning
services for a group of children for periods of less than 24 hours. For zoning purposes, a pre-school is also a
child care center.
D. Child care means an establishment for group care of nonresident children licensed by the Washington State
Department of Children, Youth, and Family. Day care establishments are subclassified as follows:
1. Child care provider means a child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education, early
learning services, and developmentally appropriate care, protection, and supervision of children that is
designed to promote positive growth and educational experiences for children outside the child's
home. The provider cares for not more than 12 children in the provider's home in the living quarters
for periods of less than 24 hours a day. The term is not intended to include baby -sitting services of a
casual, non-recurring nature, or in the child's own home. Likewise, the term is not intended to include
cooperative reciprocated child care by a group of parents or legal guardians in their respective homes.
2. Child care facility means an agency (i.e., facility or business) that regularly provides early childhood
education and early learning services for a group of 13 or more children for periods of less than 24
hours. The center is not located in a private residence unless the portion of the residence where the
children have access is used exclusively for the children during the hours the center is in operation or is
separate from the useable living quarters.
17.08.025 "D."
C. Density increase, fifty percent (50%) is defined as an increase in the number of residential dwelling units
located within an existing building that results in a unit count no greater than one and one-half times (150%
total) the maximum number of dwelling units otherwise permitted by the underlying zoning designation. The
building must satisfy all life safety standards. This density increase applies only when all dwelling units are
located fully within the existing building envelope. Structural expansion beyond the existing building
envelope requires compliance with all applicable parking and zoning standards for the expanded portion.
The fifty percent increase is calculated as follows:
1. Calculate density bonus by determining the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on a subject
parcel under the applicable base zoning designation.
2. Multiply the base unit count by 1.5.
3. Round up to the nearest whole number.
4. The resulting number is the maximum number of units permitted under this density allowance .
17.08.030 "E."
H. Essential Public Facility. Facilities that may be difficult to site in accordance with WAC 365-196-550 and the
most current Clallam County Countywide Planning Policies.
L. Existing building envelope. A building that received a certificate of occupancy at least three years prior to the
permit application to add housing units.
17.08.035 "F."
B. Family day care provider. A child care provider who regularly provides early childhood education and earl y
learning services for not more than 12 children at any given time in the provider ’s home in the family living
quarters except as provided in RCW 43.216.692 and in RCW 43.216.010(2).
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 4
17.08.090 "R."
K. Residential retrofit. The conversion of existing buildings to residential uses, for the purpose of creating new
housing units in existing buildings. See PAMC 17.16.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 5
NEW CHAPTER 17.09 – ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
17.09.010 Purpose and authority.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a process and guidelines to site essential public facilities.
These regulations ensure that essential public facilities are sited in a fair and efficient manner in accordance
with WAC 365-196-550 and RCW 36.70A.200.
B. Authority. The city, which plans under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.040), must include a
process for identifying and siting essential public facilities. Essential public facilities include those facilities
defined in WAC 365-196-550 and RCW 36.70A.200, that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state
education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, regional
transit authority facilities as defined in RCW 81.112.020, improvements to high capacity transportation
systems as defined in RCW 81.104.015, bus rapid transit routes and stops or improvements to such routes
and stops, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, opioid treatment programs
including both mobile and fixed-site medication units, recovery residences, harm reduction programs
excluding safe injection sites, and inpatient facilities including substance use disorder treatment facilities,
mental health facilities, group homes, community facilities as defined in RCW 72.05.020, and secure
community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020.
17.09.020 Applicability.
This chapter applies to the siting of all essential public facilities in the City expressly listed as Essential Public
Facilities in RCW 36.70A.200.
In accordance with WAC 365-196-550(1)(b), for the purposes of identifying facilities subject to the “essential public
facilities” siting process, it is not necessary that the facilities be publicly owned.
In accordance with WAC 365-196-550(1)(c), essential public facilities include both new and existing facilities and
may include the expansion of existing essential public facilities or support activities and facilities necessary for an
essential public facility.
Unless a facility is expressly listed in RCW 36.70A.200(1)(a), essential public facilities do not include facilities that
are operated by a private entity in which persons are detained in custody under process of law pending the
outcome of legal proceedings but are not used for punishment, correction, counseling, or rehabilitation following
the conviction of a criminal offense. Facilities included under RCW 36.70A.200(1)(b) shall not include facilities
detaining persons under RCW 71.09.020 (7) or (16) or Chapter 10.77 or 71.05 RCW.
17.09.030 Scope.
This chapter establishes the process and criteria that the city will use in making a decision upon an application for
an essential public facility.
A. The City may establish a list of uses beyond those defined in WAC 365 -196-550 and RCW 36.70A.200 that
qualify as essential public facilities. This list shall be established through a Type V process as outlined in
PAMC 18.02. A use or facility may be added to Port Angeles’ adopted list of essential public facilities based
on one of the following criteria.
1. The use meets the definition of an essential public facility; or
2. The use is identified on the list of state essential public facilities for Clallam County maintained by the
State of Washington Office of Financial Management.
B. Regardless of whether it is a new, existing, or an expansion or modification of an existing public facility, the
major component in the identification of an essential public facility is whether it provides or is necessary to
provide a public service and whether it is difficult to site. Criteria to determine if the facility is difficult to site
is determined by WAC 365-196-550(2).
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 6
17.09.040 Determination of applicability.
A. Essential public facilities are processed as a Type III conditional use in any district in which it is proposed. A
conditional use permit includes a notice and an opportunity to comment to other interested counties and
cities and the public.
B. In accordance with RCW 36.70A.200(5)(b), the city commits to reasonable timelines to ensure timely
issuance of permits without unnecessary delay. Conditional use permits for essential public facilities are
processed under the same timelines as conditional use permits for other proposals and are subject to the
timelines outlined in PAMC 18.02.
17.09.050 Procedure.
Applications that seek approval for an essential public facility under this chapter shall follow the procedures
established in PAMC 18.02 Article VII for a Type III conditional use permit process.
However, in accordance with WAC 365-196-550(1)(e), essential public facility criteria apply to the facilities and not
the operator. The city may not require applicants who operate essential public facilities to use an essential public
facility siting process for projects that would otherwise be allowed by the development regulations. Applicants
who operate essential public facilities may not use an essential public facility siting process to obtain approval for
projects that are not essential public facilities.
17.09.060 Essential public facility review process.
A. Service area. The applicable director, as defined in PAMC 18.02, shall determine if the facility serves a
regional, countywide, statewide, or national need. If it does, then the applicable director may condition the
review with a requirement that the review process include one or more sites in parts of the service area
outside of Port Angeles. The applicable director shall also ensure that the siting process takes into
consideration the need for countywide, regional, or statewide uniformity in connection with the kind of
facility under review.
B. Multi-jurisdictional review. Where more than one local government is involved in the review process, Port
Angeles staff shall participate in a multi-jurisdictional review process and use the data, analysis, and
environmental documents prepared in that process in the city’s review if Port Angeles determines those
documents are adequate.
C. State or Regional siting process. In accordance with WAC 365-196-550(3)(d), if the essential public facility
and its location have been evaluated through a state or regional siting process, the county or city may not
require the facility to go through the local siting process.
D. County, city, or private siting process. In accordance with WAC 365-196-550(3)(e), essential public facilities
that are sited through a regional or state agency are distinct from those that are "sited by" a county or city or
a private organization or individual. When the county or city is siting its own essential public facility, public or
private, it is free to establish a nonpreclusive siting process with reasonable criteria.
E. Financial agreement. In accordance with WAC 365-196-550(4)(b)(ii), agreements among all applicable
jurisdictions for an essential public facility should be sought to mitigate any disproportionate financial
burden which may fall on the county or city which becomes the site of a facility of a statewide, regional, or
countywide nature.
F. Timeline for review. PAMC 18.02.170(D) requires that, under normal circumstances, a decision on a Type III
application shall be made within 170 days.
17.09.070 Criteria.
The city may approve, or approve with conditions or modifications, an application for a proposed essential facility
based on subsection A through J of this section.
A. Whether there is a public need for the facility;
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B. The impact of the facility on the surrounding uses and environment, the city, and the region.
C. Whether the design of the facility or the operation of the facility can be conditioned, or the impacts
otherwise mitigated, to make the facility compatible with the affected area and the environment.
D. Whether a package of incentives can be developed that would make siting the facility within the community
more acceptable.
E. Whether factors that make the facility difficult to site can be modified to increase the range of available sites
or to minimize the impacts on affected areas and the environment.
F. Whether the proposed essential public facility is consistent with the Port Angeles Comprehensive Plan.
G. If a variance is requested, the proposal shall also comply with the variance criteria unless otherwise
prohibited by WAC 365-196-550, RCW 36.70A.200, or any other applicable state or federal regulation.
H. The proposal shall comply with all applicable conditional use criteria in PAMC 18.02.250(E) unless otherwise
prohibited by WAC 365-196-550, RCW 36.70A.200, or any other applicable state or federal regulation.
I. The siting process through the conditional use process cannot be used to deny the approval of essential
public facilities. The purpose of the conditional use process for an essential public facility siting is to allow the
city to impose reasonable conditions on an essential public facility necessary to mitigate the impacts of the
project while ensuring that its development regulations do not preclude the siting of an essential public
facility.
J. A financial analysis of the proposed facilities’ impact on the city of Port Angeles’ budget shall be completed
by the organization proposing the essential public facility in close coordination with the city of Port Angeles.
If the study shows that locating a facility in the community would result in a disproportionate financial
burden on the city, an agreement to mitigate the adverse financial impact shall be required.
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CHAPTER 17.10 - R7, RESIDENTIAL, MIXED DENSITY
17.10.020 Permitted uses.
E. Family day care provider. Child care provider.
H. Transitional housing.
I. Permanent supportive housing.
J. Child care center.
K. Residential Retrofits. See PAMC 17.16.
17.10.040 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses must comply with the development standards in subsection 17.94.065.
D. Child care facility.
F. Essential Public Facilities.
Table 17.10.050-1
R7 zone area and dimensional requirements
Measurement Type Limit Reference and Additional Provisions
Density,
maximum net
1 unit per 1,750 square feet Municipal utility capacity (including but not
limited to stormwater, wastewater, and
electrical) may be reviewed when assessing the
feasibility of any proposal that results in 11 or
more bedrooms per 7,000 square feet of land
area. A pre-application meeting is recommended
to address capacity.
A density bonus of two additional units of
affordable housing is allowed for any single-
family or multifamily residence located on real
property owned or controlled by a non-profit or
religious organization in accordance with RCW
36.70A.545.
Maximum
building height
30 feet a 35 feet where all roof forms above 30 feet have a
minimum 3:12 roof pitch
Minimum
front setback
15 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120
Minimum
front setback,
alley access lot
10 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120
Minimum
rear setback
15 feet b
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Minimum
rear setback,
alley access lot
10 feet b
Minimum
side setback
5 feet b
Minimum
side setback (alley)
5 feet b
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
Minimum rear setback
for accessory
structures in the rear
one-third of the lot
10 feet b 0 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5
feet where a garage or carport entrance faces the
alley. For small lot design standards, see PAMC
17.21.010.
Minimum side setback
for accessory
structures in the rear
one-third of the lot
3 feet 3 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5
feet where a garage or carport entrance faces the
alley.
Maximum building
height within required
primary structure
setbacks
30 feet, 2 stories a
Maximum building
height, outside
required primary
structure setbacks
Not to exceed the primary
structure building height, 2
stories a
a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810,.812, and.813.
b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812.
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CHAPTER 17.11 - R9, RESIDENTIAL, LOW DENSITY
17.11.020 Permitted uses.
D. Family day care provider. Child care provider.
H. Transitional housing.
I. Permanent supportive housing.
J. Child care center.
K. Residential Retrofits. See PAMC 17.16.
17.11.040 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses must comply with the development standards in subsection 17.94.065.
F. Child care facility.
F. Essential public facilities.
Table 17.11.050-1
R9 zone area and dimensional requirements
Measurement Type Limit Reference and Additional Provisions
Density,
maximum net
n/a Any single-family or multifamily residence
located on real property owned or controlled by
a non-profit or religious organization may utilize
R7 zone area and dimensional requirements
listed in Table 17.10.050-1 in accordance with
RCW 36.70A.545.
Maximum
building height
30 feet a
Minimum
front setback
20 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120
Minimum
rear setback
25 feet b
Minimum
side setback
7 feet b
Minimum
side setback (street)
13 feet b
Minimum
side setback (alley)
7 feet b
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
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Minimum rear setback
for accessory
structures in the rear
one-third of the lot
10 feet b 0 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5
feet where a garage or carport entrance faces the
alley.
Minimum side setback
for accessory
structures in the rear
one-third of the lot
3 feet 3 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5
feet where a garage or carport entrance faces the
alley.
Maximum
building height
within required
primary structure
setbacks
30 feet, 2 stories a.
Maximum
building height,
outside required
primary structure
setbacks
Not to exceed the primary
structure building height, 2
stories a.
a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810, .812, and .813.
b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812.
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CHAPTER 17.12 - R11, RESIDENTIAL, LOW DENSITY
17.12.020 Permitted uses.
D. Family day care provider. Child care provider.
E. Duplexes
H. Transitional housing.
I. Permanent Supportive housing.
J. Child care center.
K. Residential Retrofits. See PAMC 17.16.
17.12.040 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses must comply with the development standards in subsection 17.94.065.
F. Child care facilities and pre-schools.
F. Essential public facilities.
G. Duplexes
Table 17.12.050-1
R11 zone area and dimensional requirements
Measurement Type Limit Reference and Additional Provisions
Density,
maximum net
n/a Any single-family or multifamily residence located
on real property owned or controlled by a non-profit
or religious organization may utilize R7 zone area
and dimensional requirements listed in Table
17.10.050-1 in accordance with RCW 36.70A.545.
Maximum
building height
30 feet (b)
Minimum
front setback
20 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120
Minimum
rear setback
25 feet b
Minimum
side setback
7 feet b
Minimum
side setback (street)
13 feet b
Minimum
side setback (alley)
7 feet b
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
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Minimum rear setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
10 feet b 0 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Minimum side setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
3 feet 3 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Maximum
building height
within required primary
structure setbacks
30 feet, 2 stories a.
Maximum building height,
outside required primary
structure setbacks
Not to exceed the
primary structure
building height, 2 stories
a.
Maximum
building footprint
Not to exceed the
primary structure
building footprint a.
a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810, .812, and .813.
b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812.
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CHAPTER 17.14 - RMD - RESIDENTIAL, MEDIUM DENSITY
17.14.020 Permitted uses.
D. Child care center. Child care facility.
E. Family day care provider. Child care provider.
H. Single-household dwellings. existing as of December 21, 2021.
J. Transitional Housing.
K. Permanent Supportive Housing.
L. Residential Retrofits. See PAMC 17.16.
17.14.040 Conditional uses.
L. Essential Public Facilities.
Table 17.14.050-1
RMD zone area and dimensional requirements
Measurement Type Limit Reference and Additional Provisions
Maximum
building height
35 feet a 40 feet where all roof forms above 35 feet have a
minimum 3:12 roof pitch
Minimum
front setback
15 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120 Minimum
rear setback
15 feet b
Minimum
side setback
5 feet b
Minimum
side setback (street)
5 feet b
Minimum
side setback (alley)
5 feet b
Maximum Lot Size for new
single-household
dwellings
3,500 square feet
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
Minimum rear setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
5 b feet 0 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Minimum side setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
5 b feet 3 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Maximum
building height
Not to exceed the primary
structure building height a
A 25% height bonus is available if the detached
structure is within the building envelope required
of a principal structure in the zone that the
property is located.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
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a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810, .812, and .813.
b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
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CHAPTER 17.15 - RHD - RESIDENTIAL, HIGH DENSITY
17.15.020 Permitted uses.
D. Family day care provider. Child care provider.
E. Child care center. Child care facility.
H. Single-household dwellings. existing as of December 21, 2021.
J. Transitional housing
K. Permanent supportive housing
L. Residential retrofits. See PAMC 17.16.
17.15.040 Conditional uses.
M. Essential Public Facilities
Table 17.15.050-1
RHD zone area and dimensional requirements
Measurement Type Limit Reference and Additional Provisions
Maximum
building height
45 feet a 50 feet where all roof forms above 45 feet have a
minimum 3:12 roof pitch
Minimum
front setback
15 feet b PAMC 17.94.075
PAMC 17.94.080
PAMC 17.94.120 Minimum
rear setback
15 feet b
Minimum
side setback
5 feet b
Minimum
side setback (street)
5 feet b
Minimum
side setback (alley)
5 feet b
Maximum Lot Size for new
single-household dwellings
3,500 square feet
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
Minimum rear setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
5 feet b 0 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Minimum side setback for
accessory structures in the
rear one-third of the lot
5 feet b 3 feet from lot lines abutting an alley, except 5 feet
where a garage or carport entrance faces the alley.
Maximum
building height
Not to exceed the primary
structure building height a
A 25% height bonus is available if the detached
structure is within the building envelope required
of a principal structure in the zone that the
property is located.
a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810, .812, and .813.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
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b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812
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NEW CHAPTER 17.16 – RETROFIT, CONVERSION, OR ADDITION OF DWELLING
UNITS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
17.16.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the conversion provisions is to facilitate the retrofit and conversion of existing buildings to
residential uses, for the purpose of creating new housing units in existing buildings. These provisions support
serving the City’s housing needs and compliance with RCW 35A.21.440, 35A.21.990, and 19.27A.270. Retrofit and
conversion projects can use all applicable affordable housing programs offered by the City, including but not
limited to fee waivers and multifamily tax exemption.
17.16.020 Applicability.
This chapter applies to all development applications that add dwelling units within an existing building and meet all
of the following criteria:
A. The existing building received a final certificate of occupancy at least three years before the submission of
the development application.
B. The existing building is located in a residential or nonresidential zone where multifamily dwellings are either
a permitted use, an administrative conditional use, or a conditional use .
17.16.030 Modifications.
For development applications meeting all requirements of PAMC 17.16.020, the normal requirements of the
applicable chapters of the PAMC will apply during land use or building permit review required for the application
except as modified below.
A. Density Requirements. Density in existing buildings may be increased up to 50 percent more than the
maximum density allowed in the underlying zone, or 150 percent total.
B. Permitting Requirements. With the exception of emergency housing and transitional housing uses, the City
may not impose permitting requirements on the use of an existing building for residential purposes beyond
those requirements generally applicable to all residential development within the building's zone, including a
change of use permit.
C. Design Standard Requirements. The City may not impose setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio
requirements, on the use of an existing building for residential purposes beyond those requirements
generally applicable to all residential development within the building’s zone, except as provided in RCW
36.70A.810 and 36.70A.812.
D. Exterior Design Requirements. No exterior design or architectural requirements beyond those necessary for
health and safety of the use of the interior of the building or unless the building is subject to historic
preservation.
E. Dimensional Requirements. Eligible conversions are exempt from all applicable dimensional requirements,
except height restrictions for vertical expansions.
F. Nonconformity. Existing buildings, proposed for the addition of housing units, with nonconformity regarding
parking, height, setbacks, elevator size for gurney transport, or modulation cannot be denied by the City
unless the applicable director makes written findings that the nonconformity is causing a significant
detriment to the surrounding area.
G. Transportation concurrency standards. The City cannot require a transportation concurrency study under
RCW 36.70A.070 or an environmental study under RCW 43.21C based on the addition of residential units
within an existing building.
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H. Parking Requirements. No parking requirements will be imposed on the addition of dwelling units or living
units added within an existing building; however, the City may choose to require the retention of existing
parking that is required to satisfy existing residential parking requirements under local laws and for
nonresidential uses that remain after the new units are added.
I Ground Floor Uses. Conversions must maintain ground -floor commercial uses in structures that meet all of
the following criteria:
1. The building has an existing commercial use on the ground floor; and
2. The building is in an area that requires commercial use on the ground floor; and
3. The building frontage is on a major pedestrian corridor identified in PAMC 17.22 Article II – Block
Frontage Standards.
J. Dwelling units may be added to the ground floor of a building that meets all requirements in subsection D of
this section provided that commercial space is maintained along the building frontage abutting the major
pedestrian corridor.
K. Outside of all criteria in subsection D and E of this section, dwelling units may be located in any part of the
converted building unless the addition of the units would violate applicable building codes or health and
safety standards.
L. Energy Code. Unchanged portions of an existing building that have been used for residential or previously
permit-approved conditioned space will not be required to meet current energy code solely because of the
addition of new dwelling units within the building. When any other existing building is converted to new
dwelling units, changed portions of each of those new units must meet the requirements of the current
energy code, except if:
1. The square footage of the new dwelling units does not exceed 2,500 square feet or 50% of the total
building square footage, whichever is greater;
2. The building owner submits documentation, in a form acceptable to the City, showing the building’s
residential units’ projected energy use intensity is less than or equal to the energy use intensity target
in accordance with the clean buildings performance standard in RCW 19.27A.210; or
3. In all areas zoned for residential housing, an additional housing unit is created within an existing home.
M. Service areas and mechanical equipment. Unless otherwise exempted by state law, all conversions of existing
buildings to residential dwelling units must meet Chapter 17.22.250.
N. Nothing in this section requires the City to approve a building permit application for the addition of housing
units constructed entirely within an existing building envelope in a building located within a zone that
permits multifamily housing in cases where the building cannot satisfy life safety standards.
17.16.040 Retrofits of existing building for residential housing – nonconforming setbacks.
Nothing in this section prohibits the City from applying the requirements of the state building code or requires the
City to allow a setback of less than 36 inches between residential dwelling units. In compliance with RCW
36.70A.810, the City allows the following:
A. For retrofits of existing buildings to be used for residential housing:
1. The portion of exterior wall assemblies that includes insulation must be allowed to project up to an
additional eight inches into the setbacks on all sides.
2. Gross floor area must be measured from the interior face of the exterior walls, which includes drywall,
as typically depicted on the architectural floor plans .
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B. For existing nonconforming buildings already projecting into setbacks, the portion of exterior wall assemblies
that include insulation must be allowed to project up to an additional eight inches into the setbacks on all
sides if the building is to be used for residential housing.
17.16.050 Exceptions
A. The redevelopment for multifamily residential use of any existing building located fully or partially within a
critical area or shoreline designation, critical area or shoreline structure setback or buffer designated or
established in Title 15 of the PAMC is subject to the requirements of Title 15. To the extent that any
provision of this section conflicts with any applicable requirement contained in Title 15 PAMC, Title 15 PAMC
will control.
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CHAPTER 17.20 - COMMERCIAL ZONES
17.20.020 Permitted uses.
Table 17.20.020
Principal uses permitted in commercial zones
Principal Use CBD CA CSD CN CO Condition/Reference
Dwelling Units
Single-household dwelling P P P P
Existing single-household
dwelling (as of the adoption
date of this ordinance)
P P P P P
Cottage housing P (X) P (X) P (X) P (X) Only on lots that do not front
on Mixed block frontages (see PAMC
17.22.110).
PAMC 17.21.030
Duplex P (X) P (X) P (X) P PAMC 17.21.040
(X) Only on lots that do not front
on Mixed block frontages (see PAMC
17.22.110).
Townhouse P P P P (X) (X) Maximum 6 attached units.
PAMC 17.21.050
Residential Retrofits P P P P P PAMC 17.16
Child Care
Family day care provider Child
care provider
P P P P P
Child care center facility P P P P P
Services
Essential Public Facilities C C C C C PAMC 17.08.030
Table 17.20.040
Commercial zone dimensional standards
Standard CBD CA CSD CN CO Condition/Reference
Lot Dimensions
Building Height (feet)
Maximum building height,
base
75 a 55 a 45 a 40 a 45 a
Maximum building height,
bonus
65 a 65 a PAMC 17.20.070
Lot Size (square feet)
Maximum lot size for new
single-household
dwellings (where allowed)
3,500 3,500 3,500 7,000
Setbacks (feet)
Front setback, minimum 0 0 0 0 15 b See Chapter 17.22 PAMC, Article II Block
Frontage Standards, for other front
setback requirements.
PAMC 17.94.120
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Side street setback,
minimum
0 0 0 0 5 b
Interior side setback,
minimum
0—15
(X) b
0—
15 (Y)
b
0—
15 (Y)
b
0—
15 (Y)
b
5—
15 (Z)
b
See PAMC 17.22.210 for side and rear
yard setback options and standards
(X) 10' when abutting a residential zone
(Y) 15' when abutting a residential zone
(Z) Townhouses are exempt from side
setback standards internal to a
development. However, townhouse
must meet applicable side setback
standards for adjacent lots outside of the
development.
Rear setback, minimum 0—15
(X) b
0—
15 (Y)
a
0—
15 (X)
(Y) b
15 b 15 b See PAMC 17.22.210 for side and rear
yard setback options and standards
(X) Loading structures must be 15' from
any alley
(Y) 15' when abutting an alley or
residential zone
Detached Accessory Structure Requirements
Minimum rear setback 0 (X) b 0 (X) b 0 (X) b 0 (X) b 5 (X) 10' from any alley or adjacent
residential zone
Minimum side setback for
accessory structures in
the rear one-third of the
lot
0 (X) b 0 (X) b 0 (X) b 0 (X) b 5 b (X) 3' from any alley or 15’ adjacent
residential zone. 15' from any alley or
adjacent residential zone
Maximum building height Not to exceed the primary structure
building height a
a. Does not include roof-mounted solar panels up to 48 inches in height or accommodation of insulation for
residential retrofitting of a commercial structure or new construction for buildings meeting passive house
requirement up to 8 inches in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810, .812, and .813.
b. New construction or retrofits of existing buildings for residential housing and for buildings meeting passive
house requirements allowed to project into required setbacks and by up to eight inches to accommodate the
addition of necessary insulation in accordance with RCW 36.70A.810 and .812
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CHAPTER 17.22 - COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY DESIGN STANDARDS
17.22.110 Block frontage designation maps and regulations.
5. Affordable housing, new construction or retrofit of existing buildings meeting passive house
requirements, conversion of existing buildings to housing or mixed-use development that includes
housing, modular construction, or mass timber construction do not require façade modulation or
upper-level setbacks per RCW 36.70A.815.
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CHAPTER 17.32 - IL - INDUSTRIAL, LIGHT
17.32.040 - Conditional uses.
B. Other:
2. Child care center associated with a primary use.
3. Family day care provider associated with a primary use.
11. Essential public facilities
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Page 25
CHAPTER 17.34 - IH - INDUSTRIAL, HEAVY
17.34.040 - Conditional uses.
A. Child care center associated with a primary use.
B. Essential public facilities
C. Family day care provider associated with a primary use.
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Page 26
CHAPTER 17.96 – ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
17.96.095 - Zoning initiation by the Planning Commission.
On its own action, or if requested by the City Council, the Planning Commission shall cause to be prepared official
controls that, when adopted by ordinance by the City Council, will further the objectives and goals of the
comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission may also draft such regulations, programs and legislation that, in
its judgment, are required to preserve the integrity of the comprehensive plan and assure its systematic execution.
The Planning Commission may hold public hearings and recommend such plans, regulations, programs and
legislation to the City Council for adoption.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 27
CHAPTER 18.02 ADMINISTRATION OF PROJECT PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND
REVIEW PROCEDURES
18.02.020 Definitions.
C. Development Regulations means the controls placed on development or land use activities by the City
including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical area ordinances, shoreline master programs, official
controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances
together with any amendments thereto. A development regulation does not include a decision to approve a
project permit application, even though the decision may be expressed in a resolution or ordinance of the
legislative body of the City.
18.02.050 Project permit application framework.
Table 18.02.050-1 Action Types—Recommendation/Approval Process
Applications and Decision Types
Type of
Decision:
Type 0 Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V
Pre-Application
Conference
Required:
No Optional Yes1 Yes N/A Yes
Recommendation
Made By:
NA Staff Staff Applicable
Director
N/A Planning
Commission
Final Decision
Made By:
Staff Applicable
Director
Applicable
Director
Hearing
Examiner
City
Council
City Council
Notice of
Application:
No No Yes Yes No N/A
Open Record
Public Hearing:
No No No Yes Depends,
see
footnote2
Yes3
Public Hearing
Body:
N/A N/A N/A Hearing
Examiner
Hearing
Examiner
Planning
Commission
Closed Record
appeal:
No No No No N/A N/A
Administrative
Appeal
Decisionmaker
Hearing
Examiner
Hearing
Examiner
Hearing
Examiner
N/A N/A N/A
Judicial Appeal: Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Permit Timeline: 34
Business
Days
65
Calendar
Days
100
Calendar
Days
170
Calendar
Days
170
Calendar
Days
N/A
1 Can be waived at the discretion of the applicable Director on a case-by-case basis if it is
determined that the necessary information can be conveyed to the applicant by other means,
such as an inquiry appointment.
2 No public hearing for final plats. Open record public hearing is required for site specific
rezones.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 28
3 Only if required by state law.
4 Business Days after payment is received.
18.02.120 Determination of complete application.
A. Determination of completeness. Within 28 calendar days after receiving a project permit application, the
applicable Director shall electronically provide a written determination to the applicant that states either:
1. The application is procedurally complete; or
2. The application is procedurally incomplete, and the procedural submission requirements have not
been met. The determination shall outline what is necessary to make the application procedurally
complete.
D. Procedurally complete. A project permit application is procedurally complete for purposes of this section
when it meets the procedural submission requirement of all applicable sections of the PAMC, this chapter,
and those requirements as outlined on the project permit application. A determination of procedural
completeness is not substantive review of the application and shall not be conditioned on the adequacy,
accuracy, or sufficiency of the information submitted. If procedural submission requirements, as outlined in
the PAMC, this chapter, and the project permit application, have been provided, the need for additional
information or studies may not preclude a completeness determination.
F. Date of acceptance of project permit application. A project permit application is procedurally complete for
the purposes of this section when it meets all submission requirements in PAMC 18.02.110 and any
additional submission requirements contained in other applicable provisions of this Code. The determination
of completeness shall be made when the applicant is procedurally complete, even though additional
information may be required or project modifications may be undertaken after the submittal. When t he
project permit application is determined to be complete, the City shall accept it and note the date of
acceptance in the project file.
18.02.170 Time limit for final decision.
F. The number of calendar days an application for a project permit is in review with the City shall be calculated
from the day completeness is determined to the date a final decision is issued on the project permit
application. The number of days shall be calculated by counting every calendar day and excluding the
following time periods:
1. Any period between the day that the City has notified the applicant, in writing, that additional
information is required to further process the application , an applicable fee must be paid, or a required
notice must be posted, and the day when responsive information is resubmitted by the applicant.
4. Any period that the City has completed all possible work on the application but must wait for necessary
action by a government entity subject to RCW 36.70B.
5. Any period during which a draft or final environmental impact statement is being prepared following a
determination of significance under chapter 43.21C RCW.
6. Any period between issuance of a final decision and the expiration of the applicable administrative
appeal period.
MCA 26-0180 Exhibit A: Draft Municipal Code
Page 29
CHAPTER 18.04 - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND HOUSING ACTION PLAN
18.04.045 – Emergency Amendments.
After appropriate public participation the City may adopt amendments or revisions to the comprehensive plan that
conform with RCW 36.70A.130 whenever an emergency exists or to resolve an appeal of a comprehensive plan
filed with the growth management hearings board or with the court.
Summary of Ordinances Adopted by the Port Angeles City Council on August 18, 2026.
ORDINANCE NO. 3767
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, adopting Chapters 17.09 and 17.16
of the Port Angeles Municipal Code; amending portions of Chapters 14.40, 17.08, 17.10, 17.11,
17.12, 17.14, 17.15, 17.20, 17.21, 17.22, 17.32, 17.34, 17.96, 18.02, and 18.04 implementing the
requirements of RCW 36.70A.130 for development regulations to complete compliance with the
2025 Periodic Update of the Vision 2045 Comprehensive Plan and associated Washington State
Legislative actions; and designating the Planning Commission as the Public Hearing Authority
for all land use applications and planning processes in compliance with RCW 35A.63.070;
adopting findings; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date.
This Ordinance, being an exercise of a power specifically delegated to the City legislative body, is not
subject to referendum. This Ordinance shall take effect August 31, 2026
The full texts of Ordinances are available at City Hall in the Clerk’s office, on the City’s website at
www.cityofpa.us or will be mailed upon request.
Kari Martinez-Bailey
City Clerk
Published by summary: Wednesday, August 26, 2026