Chapter 17.24
PUBLIC, PARK AND OPEN SPACE ZONING DISTRICTS

Sections:

17.24.010    Purposes.

17.24.020    Permitted, conditional and prohibited uses.

17.24.025    Alternative parcel-specific zoning.

17.24.030    Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

17.24.010 Purposes.

A. The general purposes of the public, park, and open space districts are as follows:

1. To provide opportunities for existing and future outdoor recreational activities;

2. To preserve scenic qualities and resources and provide contrasts to the built environment;

3. To protect environmentally sensitive areas;

4. To provide adequate opportunities for location of existing and future public utilities, facilities, and services;

5. To preserve the function, capacity, and water quality of the city’s stormwater drainage system.

B. The specific purposes of each individual public, park, and open space district are as follows:

1. P/OS – Existing Park and Open Space. This district has been applied to existing city, county, and state-owned parks, recreation areas, and city-owned or controlled lands which provide valuable natural and open space functions.

2. P/OS(B) – Mixed Public/Infrastructure/Open Space. This district occurs on lands used to provide public utilities, facilities, and services which also provide valuable natural and open space functions. Allowed uses include stormwater detention facilities and wastewater treatment facilities.

3. P-I – Public/Infrastructure. This district occurs on lands used to provide public utilities, facilities, and services. Allowed uses include, schools, libraries, public utilities, and government buildings. (Ord. 3154 § 4(5) (Exh. G), 2016; Ord. 2700 § 21, 1999; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).

17.24.020 Permitted, conditional and prohibited uses.

A. Table 17.24.020 identifies land uses in the public, park and open space zoning districts that are permitted outright (P), 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 17.24.020 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.

B. Requirements for the uses identified in Table 17.24.020 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 17.24.020.

C. 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 17.24.020

Public, Park and Open Space Zoning Districts –
Permitted, Conditional and Prohibited Uses 

Key to table:
P = Permitted outright; P2 = Permitted with a Type II process; C = Subject to a conditional use permit;

X = Prohibited; N/A = Not applicable

DISTRICT

P/OS

P/OS(B)

P-I

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS/NOTES

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL USES

Campgrounds, public

P

C

C

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Community agricultural center

X

X

C

Chapter 17.84 PTMC, Conditional Uses. Agricultural centers are limited to locations fronting onto principal arterial, collector, and minor arterial streets. All office and retail uses shall be secondary to the agricultural component of the center. Farmer/apprentice housing must conform to the bulk, dimensional, and density requirements of the lowest density residential zone abutting the site.

Community centers

C

C

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Community gardens

P

P

P

N/A

Community supported agriculture

X

X

P

All parking shall be off-street. Chapter 17.84 PTMC, farmer/apprentice housing must conform to the bulk, dimensional, and density requirements of the lowest density residential zone abutting the site.

Conference centers

C, except P at Fort Worden

C

X

Conference centers are a conditional use in all areas zoned P/OS, except Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a permitted use. PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Fairgrounds

X

X

P

Same as above.

Golf courses and driving ranges

C

C

C

Same as above.

Libraries

X

X

P

Same as above.

Museums

C, except P at Fort Worden

X

P

Museums are a conditional use in all areas zoned P/OS, except Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a permitted use.

Open spaces and trails

P

P

P

N/A

Parks

P

P

P

N/A

Recreation areas

P

P

P

N/A

Recreation facilities

C, except P at Fort Worden

X

P

Recreational facilities are a conditional use in all areas zoned P/OS, except Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a permitted use. PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Recreational vehicle parks, public

P

C

C

Same as above.

Stadiums, arenas and assembly halls

C

X

P

Same as above.

Swimming pools

C

X

P

Same as above.

Zoos

C

X

P

Same as above.

PUBLIC FACILITY AND UTILITY USES

Airports and landing fields

X

X

C

“Airports” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”

Bus and transit storage and maintenance facilities

X

X

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements. 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.

Correctional facilities (jails and prisons)

X

X

C

“Correctional facilities” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”

Electrical distribution substations and power generating facilities

X

X

C

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Institutions, educational

C

X

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Municipal improvements

P

P

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Offices, government and nonprofit including public buildings and public facilities

C, except for certain state, local and nonprofit offices, which shall be P at Fort Worden (see notes)

C

P

Washington State, Jefferson County, city of Port Townsend and special purpose district government offices and offices of nonprofit corporations (e.g., Centrum) are a conditional use in all areas zoned P/OS, except at Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a permitted use.

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

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

X

X

C

The siting of “essential public facilities” cannot be precluded by development regulations under RCW 36.70A.200.

Employer-provided housing

X

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

 

Schools, public or private

X, except C at Fort Worden

X

P

Public and private schools are a prohibited use in all areas zoned P/OS, except at Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a conditional use.

“Public schools” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”; PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Solid waste facilities, including major recycling facilities

X

C

C

“Solid waste handling facilities” are considered an “essential public facility” under RCW 36.70A.200; “...their siting cannot be precluded by development regulations...”

Stormwater retention, detention, and treatment facilities

P

P

P

N/A

Water and wastewater facilities (pump stations, treatment plants, water towers)

P

P

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

OTHER USES

Adult entertainment facilities

X

X

X

 

Docks and piers for pleasure craft

P

C

P

Such facilities require compliance with the Shoreline Master Program.

Cemeteries, crematoriums and mausoleums

X, except C at Fort Worden

X

P

Cemeteries are a prohibited use in all areas zoned P/OS, except at Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a conditional use. This provision acknowledges the existing military cemetery at Fort Worden. PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Disaster relief shelters

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.

Ferry landings

X

X

P

Such facilities require compliance with the Shoreline Master Program; PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Hospitals

X

X

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Personal wireless service facilities

N/A

N/A

N/A

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

Radio and television towers

C

C

C

Such facilities are allowed in all zoning districts subject to the conditional use permit requirements of Ch. 17.84 PTMC; however, such facilities are prohibited within the limits of the Port Townsend National Register Historic District; and PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements, except as provided in applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

Recycling facilities, minor

X, except P at Fort Worden

C

P

Recycling facilities are a prohibited use in all areas zoned P/OS, except Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center, where they shall be a permitted use. PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Satellite dishes, noncommercial, and antennas

P

P

P

Satellite dishes and antennas shall meet the requirements of PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements, except as provided in applicable Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

ACCESSORY USES

Accessory buildings and structures

P

P

P

PTMC 17.24.030, Public, park and open space bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

Battery charging stations

P

P

P

Same as above.

Public parking garages

X

C

P

Same as above.

Rapid charging stations

P

P

P

Same as above.

(Ord. 3335 § 2 (Exh. C.J), 2024; Ord. 3306 § 1 (Exh. K), 2023; Ord. 3154 § 4(5) (Exh. G), 2016; Ord. 2916 § 7, 2006; Ord. 2878 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2782 § 4, 2001; Ord. 2700 §§ 22, 23, 1999; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).

17.24.025 Alternative parcel-specific zoning.

A. In certain circumstances, specifically identified city-owned parcels currently under P/OS(B) or P-I zoning may receive an alternative, nonpublic zoning designation. This alternative designation shall be inactive and secondary and shall not become applicable until such time as the city ownership of the parcel is terminated and/or the city determines that the anticipated land use no longer is applicable to the purposes of the P/OS(B) or P-I designation.

B. Alternative designations shall be established by council and shall be indicated on the city’s optimum land use and zoning maps. Alternative designations shall reflect the existing land use and zoning patterns found in the surrounding properties and shall be established after notice and hearing consistent with the requirements of Chapter 20.01 PTMC.

C. Redesignation of designated parcels may occur administratively by the director; provided, that the following criteria have been met:

1. The subject property has been declared surplus by the city council and/or the parcel is no longer in public ownership.

2. It is determined that the proposed land use for the property will no longer be consistent with the purposes and intent of the P/OS(B) or P-I designation but would be more consistent with the alternative zoning identified for the site. (Ord. 3154 § 4(5) (Exh. G), 2016; Ord. 3075 § 4, 2012).

17.24.030 Bulk, dimensional and density requirements.

A. The standards contained in Table 17.24.030 apply to all public, park and open space 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 17.24.030

Public, Park and Open Space Zoning Districts – Bulk, Dimensional and Density Requirements 

DISTRICT

P/OS

P/OS(B)

P-I

MINIMUM LOT SIZE

None

None

None

MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACKS

20' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

20' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

20' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACKS

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACKS

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

10' except: none when contiguous with a mixed use or commercial zoning district

MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT

35'

35'

50'

MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA RATIO

1 sf of gross floor area per 10 sf of lot

1 sf of gross floor area per 4 sf of lot

3 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot in the Port Townsend historic district; 2 sf of gross floor area per 1 sf of lot elsewhere

GREENBELT REQUIREMENTS

When abutting an R-I or R-II zoning district, any permit application must be accompanied by landscape plans to obscure and limit access

When abutting an R-I or R-II zoning district, any permit application must be accompanied by landscape plans to obscure and limit access

When abutting an R-I or R-II zoning district, any permit application must be accompanied by landscape plans to obscure and limit access

MAXIMUM FENCE HEIGHT*

Front = 4' except: max. bldg. height applies if no front yard setback applies

Side = 8' except: max. bldg. height applies if no side yard setback applies

Rear = 8' except: max. bldg. height applies if no rear yard setback applies

Front = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no front yard setback applies

Side = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no side yard setback applies

Rear = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no rear yard setback applies

Front = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no front yard setback applies

Side = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no side yard setback applies

Rear = 10' except: max. bldg. height applies if no rear yard setback applies

TREE CONSERVATION

Not applicable

Not applicable

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

*Note: Maximum fence heights apply to fences, walls and arbors and other partially or totally sight-obscuring installations located within any required front, side, or rear setback area or along the edge of any required yard.

(Ord. 3154 § 4(5) (Exh. G), 2016; Ord. 2837 § 2(Exh. B § 14), 2003; Ord. 2825 § 4, 2003; Ord. 2700 § 24, 1999; Ord. 2571 § 2, 1997).