Chapter 17.22
MARINE-RELATED AND MANUFACTURING ZONING DISTRICTS

Sections:

17.22.010    Purposes.

17.22.020    Permitted, conditional and prohibited uses – Limitations on use.

17.22.025    Makers/artisan district.

17.22.030    Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

17.22.010 Purposes.

A. The general purposes of the marine-related and manufacturing districts are as follows:

1. To permit a variety of manufacturing and marine-related uses in limited and appropriate areas, which if located elsewhere would be unacceptable;

2. To protect residential and other nonmanufacturing and nonmarine areas from adverse and damaging impacts emanating from manufacturing-type or marine-related activities;

3. To protect manufacturing and marine-related areas from other uses that may interfere with the purpose and efficient operation of these areas;

4. To promote economic diversification and provide for employment opportunities for present and future residents;

5. To protect the viability of water-dependent manufacturing enterprises by ensuring adequate and appropriate areas for locating marine-related activities.

B. The purposes of each specific manufacturing and marine-related district are as follows:

1. M/C – Mixed Light Manufacturing and Commercial. This district accommodates small-scale manufacturing businesses, along with associated and subordinate on-site retailing. Residential uses are permitted in the zone if they can be safely removed from adverse and damaging impacts emanating from manufacturing-type activities. The purpose of this district is to provide for manufacturing and commercial enterprises which do not predominate within either the light manufacturing or commercial land use categories. These are uses which may combine aspects of both on-site manufacturing and retailing (e.g., specialty crafts or artisans). Manufacturing to commercial floor area ratios are necessary for this district to ensure that certain uses do not dominate at the expense of others. The M/C district occurs in areas south of Sims Way and west of Thomas Street. The district may also be appropriate for significant portions of the Glen Cove area.

2. M-I – Light Manufacturing. The M-I district provides for light manufacturing, processing, fabrication, and assembly of products and materials, warehousing and storage, and transportation facilities. This district has not been applied to any areas within the city, although it may be appropriate for portions of the Glen Cove area.

3. M-II(A) (Boat Haven) – Marine-Related Uses. This district accommodates a variety of uses including marina, recreational boating, manufacturing, assembly, haul out, and repair. The M-IIA district occurs primarily on port-owned lands at the Boat Haven. It is intended for larger scale and more intensive water-dependent or marine-related uses at the Boat Haven. Uses within the district that also lie within the jurisdiction of the Port Townsend shoreline master program (i.e., within 200 feet of the shoreline) are subject to the policies and standards of both this title and the Port Townsend shoreline master program.

4. M-II(B) (Point Hudson) – Marine-Related Uses. Similar to the M-IIA district, this district accommodates a variety of marine-related uses, but on a less intensive scale, appropriate to Point Hudson. This district promotes mixed use projects which incorporate water-oriented uses, consistent with the historic, marine-related character of the area. Within certain eligible buildings, a limited range of non-water-oriented uses are allowed as a means to promote adaptive reuse of the original Point Hudson Station buildings. Uses within this district that also lie within the jurisdiction of the Port Townsend shoreline master program (i.e., within 200 feet of the shoreline) are subject to the policies and standards of both this title and the Port Townsend shoreline master program.

5. M-III – Heavy Manufacturing. The M-III district accommodates heavy manufacturing activities including processing, fabrication, assembling of products or materials, and bulk storage. This district is intended to provide for the continuation and development of heavy manufacturing enterprises in locations where they will be compatible with other similar uses, and which do not negatively impact adjacent land uses. This district has not been applied to any areas within the city, although it may be appropriate for portions of the Glen Cove area. An example includes, but is not limited to, the Port Townsend Paper Mill. (Ord. 3323 § 1 (Exh. H), 2023; Ord. 3154 § 4(4) (Exh. F), 2016; Ord. 2945 § 5.6, 2007; Ord. 2825 § 4, 2003; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).

17.22.020 Permitted, conditional and prohibited uses – Limitations on use.

A. Table 17.22.020 identifies land uses in the marine-related and manufacturing zoning districts that are permitted outright (P), permitted in the M-II(A) and M-II(B) zoning districts if marine-related (M), subject to a conditional use permit (C), prohibited (X), or not applicable (N/A). However, notwithstanding the fact that a use may be permitted outright, additional permits may be required for certain projects. Uses not specifically identified within Table 17.22.020 are deemed to be contrary to the interests of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Port Townsend and shall be prohibited. Marine-related uses are the goods and services which are primarily intended to support boating, sailing, water sports, marine research, or similar activities.

B. Requirements for the uses identified in Table 17.22.020 which are contained within other provisions of this title are referenced under the heading “applicable regulations/ notes,” although this should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of all provisions of this title which may apply to any given use. Specifically, the provisions of Chapter 17.72 PTMC, Off-Street Parking and Loading, and Chapter 17.76 PTMC, Signs, shall apply to all uses, even if not noted in Table 17.22.020.

C. Limitations on Use – Buffering Requirements. All sites in marine-related and manufacturing districts (i.e., M/C, M-I, M-II, M-II(A), M-II(B) and M-III) having a common boundary with residential districts (i.e., R-I, R-II, R-III and R-IV) shall have planted and maintained along such common boundary a view-obscuring greenbelt of shrubs, trees and native vegetation, which will grow to not less than eight feet in height nor less than 10 feet in width within five years, for screening purposes and controlling access.

D. Limitations on Use – General Requirements. Marine-related and manufacturing uses shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. Noise. In all marine-related and manufacturing districts (i.e., M/C, M-I, M-II, M II(A), M-II(B) and M-III), the construction and operation of facilities and uses shall follow best management practices so as to minimize unnecessary conflicts with and impacts to adjacent nonindustrial land or water uses to the extent practicable given the intended use and zoning. Also see PTMC 9.09.040(D) for exemptions applicable to the M-II(A) and M-II(B) zoning districts.

2. Light and Glare. Exterior lighting shall not be used in such a manner that produces glare on public streets or roads and neighboring property. Arc welding, acetylene torch cutting or similar processes shall be performed so as not to be seen from any point beyond the outside of the property.

3. Fire and Safety Hazards.

a. The storage and handling of inflammable liquids, liquefied petroleum gases and explosives shall comply with rules and regulations falling under the jurisdiction of the city fire chief, the laws of the state and other local ordinances;

b. Bulk storage of inflammable liquids below ground shall be permitted, and the tank shall be located not closer to the property line than the greatest dimension (diameter, length, or height) of the tank.

4. Interferences. Provisions must be made for necessary shielding or other preventive measures against interferences occasioned by mechanical or electrical equipment, uses or processes with electrical apparatus in nearby buildings or land uses.

5. Waste Products. Liquid and solid wastes, storage of animal or vegetable waste which attract insects or rodents or otherwise create a health hazard shall be prohibited. No waste products shall be exposed to view from eye level from any property line in a marine-related or manufacturing district (i.e., M/C, M-I, M-II, M-II(A), M-II(B) and M-III).

E. Incidental uses which are identified in this title as prohibited or conditional uses within the applicable zoning district shall be considered conditional and processed in accordance with Chapter 20.01 PTMC subject to the approval criteria codified in Chapter 17.84 PTMC.

Table 17.22.020

Marine-Related and Manufacturing Districts –
Permitted, Conditional and Prohibited Uses 

Key to table:
P = Permitted outright; P2 = Permitted with a Type II process; M = Permitted if marine related;

C = Subject to a conditional use permit; X = Prohibited; N/A = Not applicable

DISTRICT

M/C

M-I

M-II(A)

M-II(B)

M-III

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS/NOTES

MANUFACTURING USES

Apparel and other finished products manufacture and assembly

P

P

M

M

P

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Boat building and related products manufacture

P

X

P

P

X

Same as above.

Building construction yards and offices occupying up to 10,000 square feet total area

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Building construction yards and offices occupying more than 10,000 square feet total area

X

X

X

X

P

Same as above.

Computer equipment manufacture and assembly

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Custom, art and craft work

P

P

M

M

X

Same as above.

Electrical and electronic goods manufacture and assembly

P

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

Food and beverage processing

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Food hub

P1

P

X

X

X

Same as above.

Freezer plants, food mills and fertilizer production

X

X

X

X

P

Same as above.

Furniture and fixtures manufacture and assembly

P

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

Heavy manufacturing not otherwise listed, provided such manufacturing is similar and not detrimental to other uses allowed in M-III

X

X

X

X

P

Same as above.

Kitchen, commercial

P

P

X

X

X

Same as above.

Light manufacturing or processing not otherwise named

C

C

M

M

X

Same as above.

Lumber and wood products processing

X

C

X

X

P

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Marijuana, production and/or processing

P

X

P

P

X

Same as above. Must also demonstrate compliance with the standards found in the definition set forth in Chapter 17.08 PTMC.

Marine-related products manufacture, fabrication and assembly

P

P

P

P

P

Same as above.

Medical and optic goods manufacture and assembly

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Metal products manufacture, fabrication and assembly

X

X

M

M

P

Same as above.

Printing, noncommercial

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Rubber, plastic, and fiberglass products manufacturing

X

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

Seafood processing

X

P

P

C

P

Same as above.

Stone, clay, glass and concrete products manufacturing

X

C

X

X

P

Same as above.

Transportation equipment manufacturing and assembly

X

X

M

M

P

Same as above.

Welding and fabrication

P

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

MANUFACTURING SERVICE USES

Automobile repair establishments, major repair, paint or body shop

P

P

X

X

X

PTMC 17.20.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements. Battery exchange stations are accessory to automobile establishments, and are permitted through the applicable review process as a component of that use.

Automobile wrecking yards

X

X

X

X

P

Same as above.

Battery exchange station

X

P

X

X

P

PTMC 17.20.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Boat repair establishments

P

P

P

P

X

Same as above.

Bulk plant facilities

X

C

X

X

C

PTMC 17.20.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Janitorial services

P

P

X

X

X

Same as above.

Laundry plants and dry cleaning plants

P

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Marine haulout facilities

X

X

P

P

X

Same as above.

Mechanical and electronic equipment repair establishments

P

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

COMMERCIAL USES

Adult entertainment facilities

X

X

X

X

X

 

Automobile towing services

P

P

X

X

X

PTMC 17.20.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements. Battery exchange stations are accessory to automobile establishments, and are permitted through the applicable review process as a component of that use.

Child day care centers and stand alone preschools

C

C

C

C

C

Chapter 17.52 PTMC, Child Care Facilities; and PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Equipment rental service, commercial

P

P

M

M

X

Same as above.

Family home child care and in-home preschools

P

P

P

P

P

Permitted only when occurring in the residence where the primary provider lives, see definition in Ch. 17.08 PTMC and Ch. 17.52 PTMC, Child Care Facilities.

Formula retail establishments (including formula restaurants)

X

N/A

N/A

X

N/A

See Chapter 17.54 PTMC for applicable regulations and definitions.

Marinas

X

X

P

P

X

Same as above.

Marine supply and accessory stores, chandlers

X

X

P

P

X

Same as above.

Retail sale of goods or products manufactured on the premises, or used in manufacturing, repairing, or servicing activities which are permitted in this district

P

X

M

M

X

Same as above.

Wholesaling of goods or products manufactured on the premises

P

P

M

M

P

Same as above.

FOOD SERVICE USES

Bakeries, retail

X

X

X

X

X

 

Confectioneries

X

X

X

X

X

 

Drinking establishments (bars, cocktail lounges, night clubs, and taverns)

X

X

X

(see Boat Haven note)

X

(see Point Hudson note)

X

Point Hudson: Establishments located within shorelines jurisdiction shall be subject to the limitations specified in the SMP. Establishments located outside of shorelines jurisdiction may not exceed 1,500 square feet of floor space.

 

Boat Haven: except where permitted as a water-enjoyment use in the Northeast Boat Basin where drinking establishments shall be counted in the total square footage for restaurants.

Microbreweries

X

X

P/C (see applicable regulations)

X

X

The cumulative gross square footage for microbreweries within the M-II(A) zoning district is limited to 15,000 square feet. If the total of microbrewery floor space for a single business is less than or equal to 12,000 square feet = permitted use; if greater than 12,000 square feet = conditional use. Both existing and proposed square footage shall be included in calculating the cumulative total.

 

Additional limitations may apply for establishments located within shorelines jurisdiction (refer to the SMP).

Other food service establishments including coffee houses, delicatessens, ice cream parlors, juice bars, etc.

C

C

C

C

C

No food service uses located within marine-related and manufacturing districts may exceed 1,500 gross square feet of floor space.

See Chapter 17.54 PTMC, Formula Retail and Restaurant Establishments, as applicable.

Restaurants with drive-in or drive-through service

X

X

X

X

X

 

Restaurants without drive-in or drive-through service

C

C

C

C

C

M-C, M-I, M-III: maximum of 1,500 square feet of floor space per restaurant.

M-II(A) Boat Haven within the Northeast Boat Basin as defined by the shoreline master program: maximum of two establishments (not to exceed 3,500 square feet per restaurant or a combined total of 5,000 gross square feet excluding outdoor seating).

M-II(A) Boat Haven outside of the Northeast Boat Basin: maximum of 1,500 square feet of floor space.

M-II(B) Point Hudson: maximum of 3,500 square feet of floor space per restaurant. Overall limitation of 11,000 gross square feet in the M-II(B) district, and limited to 4,000 total gross square feet in the Maritime Heritage Corridor subdistrict as defined by the shoreline master program.

SERVICE USES, LODGING

Short-term rentals

X

X

X

X

X (Except as indicated in applicable regulations/notes column)

Prohibited, except for the following existing structures, where short-term rentals shall be permitted: historic Pilot’s Cottage on Lot 5, Blk 52 of PT Original Townsite; historic Junior Officer’s Quarters (Duplex) Building; and the historic Commander’s House.

RESIDENTIAL USES

Continuum of care facilities

C

C

C

C

C

 

Disaster relief shelter

P

P

P

P

P

Disaster relief shelters are not subject to bulk, dimensional, and density requirements. This provision recognizes disaster relief agencies’ desired use of various facilities located in the various zoning districts during a time of declared public emergency.

Emergency indoor housing

C

C

C

C

C

PTMC 17.62.050, Approval criteria.

Emergency indoor shelter

C

C

C

C

C

PTMC 17.62.050, Approval criteria.

Emergency outdoor shelter

X

X

X

X

X

 

Employer-provided housing

C

C

C

C

C

Chapter 17.64 PTMC standards for employer-provided housing.

Residential quarters as an accessory use (i.e., guard’s quarters in large establishments, where such quarters are customarily provided for security and/or insurability of the premises)

P

P

P

P

P

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Safe parking

X

X

X

X

X

 

Tiny shelter villages

C

C

C

C

C

PTMC 17.62.050, Approval criteria.

OFFICE USES

Offices, business and professional

X

X

M

M

X

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Offices, government

X

X

M

M

X

Examples of marine-related government offices include: U.S. Coast Guard and the Port of Port Townsend; PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

PUBLIC FACILITY AND UTILITY USES

Airports and heliports

X

X

C

C

X

“Airports” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”; PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Correctional facilities

C

C

X

X

C

Same as above.

Electrical distribution substations

C

C

X

X

C

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Municipal improvements

P

P

P

P

P

Same as above.

Other facilities designated as essential public facilities by the Washington State Office of Financial Management

C

C

C

C

C

Under RCW 36.70A.200, the siting of “essential public facilities...cannot be precluded by development regulations...”; PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Recycling facilities, minor

P

P

P

P

P

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

State or regional transportation facilities

C

C

C

C

C

“State and regional transportation facilities” are considered “essential public facilities” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”; PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Stormwater retention, detention, and treatment facilities

P

P

P

P

P

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Solid waste handling facilities, including major recycling facilities

X

X

X

X

C

“Solid waste handling facilities” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200;
“...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”; PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Water and wastewater treatment facilities

C

C

C

C

C

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

STORAGE USES

Boat storage facilities

X

P

P

P

X

Same as above.

Freight distribution centers

X

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

Mini-storage and mini-warehouse facilities

X

P

X

X

X

Same as above.

Warehousing operations

X

P

X

X

P

Same as above.

ACCESSORY USES

Accessory buildings and structures

P

P

P

P

P

Same as above.

Battery charging stations

P

P

P

P

P

Same as above.

Rapid charging stations

P

P

P

P

P

Same as above.

OTHER USES

Docks and piers for pleasure craft

X

X

P

P

X

Same as above.

Ferry landings

X

X

C

C

X

Same as above.

Garages, public parking

C

C

C

C

C

Same as above.

Personal wireless service facilities

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Refer to Chapter 17.78 PTMC, Personal Wireless Service Facilities, for list of permitted, conditional and prohibited uses and other substantive requirements.

Adaptive reuse as further defined by the shoreline master program, Table 5.13.1.

N/A

N/A

N/A

P/C

N/A

Adaptive reuses (see Table 5.13.1 of the shoreline master program for list of allowable adaptive reuses); other unlisted non-water-oriented uses may be allowed by conditional use in the following eligible buildings, provided they do not exceed the listed percentages: hospital (30%); main building (30%); shower building (30%).

Radio and television towers

C

C

C

C

C

PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements; except as provided in applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

Satellite dishes, noncommercial, and antennas

P

P

P

P

P

Satellite dishes and antennas shall meet the requirements of PTMC 17.22.030, Bulk, dimensional and density requirements, except as provided in applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

1    Such facilities in the M-C zoning district must include a subordinate on-site retailing component.

(Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.I), 2024; Ord. 3323 § 1 (Exh. I), 2023; Ord. 3306 § 1 (Exh. J), 2023; Ord. 3154 § 4(4) (Exh. F), 2016; Ord. 3112 § 1 (Exh. E), 2014; Ord. 2977 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2945 §§ 5.3, 5.7, 5.11, 5.12, 2007; Ord. 2916 § 6,

2006; Ord. 2912 § 4, 2005; Ord. 2909 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2831 § 3, 2003; Ord. 2700 §§ 18, 19, 1999; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).

17.22.030 Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

A. The standards contained in Table 17.22.030 apply to all marine-related and manufacturing zoning districts, and shall be determined to be minimum requirements, unless stated as maximum by this title.

B. Setbacks and Minimum Yard Requirements. Notwithstanding any other ordinance or provision of this title, all setbacks (yard requirements) shall be measured from the lot line to the building line, as defined in Chapter 17.08 PTMC; provided, however, that the roof or eaves of a roof of a building may extend beyond the building line a maximum distance of two feet into the applicable minimum yard area.

C. Construction and Permits. From and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, no building permit shall be issued and no building shall be constructed on any tract, lot or site in the city unless the building is situated on such tract, lot or site in conformance with the requirements of this title and any other applicable provision of law.

 

Table 17.22.030

Marine-Related and Manufacturing Zoning Districts – Bulk, Dimensional and Density Requirements 

DISTRICT

M/C

M-I

M-II(A)

M-II(B)

M-III

MINIMUM LOT SIZE

5,000 sf

5,000 sf

5,000 sf

5,000 sf

5,000 sf

MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACKS

10'

10'

None

None

20'

MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACKS

10'

10'

None

None

20'

MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACKS

5' each side

5' each side

None

None

15' each side

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT

35'

35'

50' or as specified by Chapter 17.27 PTMC, Boat Haven Height Overlay District

35'

50'

MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA RATIO

2 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot

2 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot

2 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot

2 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot

1 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot

MAXIMUM FENCE HEIGHT

Front = 8'

Side = 8'

Rear = 8'

Front = 4' Side = 8'

Rear = 8'

Max. bldg. height applies

Max. bldg. height applies

Front = 10'

Side = 10'

Rear = 10'

TREE CONSERVATION

Preservation of existing trees, and/or new trees shall be provided consistent with Chapter 19.06 PTMC, Article III, Standards for Tree Conservation

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

(Ord. 3154 § 4(4) (Exh. F), 2016; Ord. 2837 § 2(Exh. B § 13), 2003; Ord. 2726 § 2, 1999; Ord. 2700 § 20, 1999; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).