Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain an electrical permit or inspection?

Please call 360-417-4735 for information on electrical permits and inspections. You may also call this number to schedule an electrical inspection - please be sure to have your permit number or job address, or both, and the type of inspection needed.

2. Do all structures require a building permit?

Only structures that measure less than 120 square feet in area do not require a building permit. Even a structure that does not require a building permit must still meet all setback requirements and other development regulations.

3. Do I need a building permit to build a fence?

Only if the fence is proposed to be over 6' tall.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a City business license?

The City of Port Angeles does not require a business license for all business types. You are only required to obtain a City business license if your business is one of the following business types: Adult Entertainment, Ambulances, Charitable Solicitations, Dance Hall with Intoxicating Liquor sales, Dances, Fire Extinguisher Service, Fireworks, For-Hire Drivers, For-Hire Vehicles, Horse Taxis, Hotels-Motels, Junk Dealers/Second-hand dealers/Pawnbrokers, Public Utility, Outdoor Music Festivals, Peddlers-Hawkers, Religious Solicitation, Tattooing and Transient Merchants.

2. How much does a City business license cost?

Full Year License Charge: $25 (July 1 – June 30)

Partial Year License Charge - depends upon application date:

July 1-31: $23
August 1-31: $21
September 1-30: $19
October 1-31: $17
November 1-30: $15
December 1-31: $13
January 1-31: $11
February 1 - June30: $10

Temporary License Charge: $10 per month

3. How long will it take to process my application?

The City has 5 business days to either approve or deny the application.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Mayor's office?

The City Council do not have offices at City Hall but can be reached by email at council@cityofpa.us  Written correspondence can be dropped off at the City Manager's office at City Hall located at  East 5th Street, Port Angeles.

Show All Answers

1. When does the last ferry leave Port Angeles?

Check the Coho ferry schedule.

2. When do the whales come by?

Google Search Engine

Show All Answers

1. How do I sign up for utility service?

Email the following information and attach items listed below to Customer Service at utilities@cityofpa.us:

• Signed Rental or Lease Agreement with physical address (if you rent).
• Settlement Statement with physical address (if you have purchased).
• Last 4 digits of SSN# and Photo ID of all renters or property owners.
• Mailing Address (if different from the service address).
• Contact phone numbers (Personal and Work) for each adult resident.
• Name of employer, if applicable, for each adult resident.
• Date of termination of old service (if applicable).
• Letter of Credit from your previous utility provider. Must be for service within the last two years and may show a maximum of one late payment in any
  12-month period or you will be required to pay a $250 Security Deposit (House) or $125 Security Deposit (Apartment).

In most cases, utility service can be made available the same day if you apply before 12:00PM.

Meters must be accessible to meter readers at all times.

A $25 connect charge will appear on your first bill.

For residential solid waste services, please fill out and return the Solid Waste Services Request and Change Form.

2. Can I pay my utility bill online or over the phone?

Yes, you can pay online or over the phone.  For more details, click here.

3. Can I be billed the same amount every month based on my average bills?

Yes, please fill out the Budget Billing Plan Application and email it to Customer Service at utilities@cityofpa.us. The City will contact you regarding the budget billing amount, or you may call Customer Service at 360-457-0411 ahead of your request and we will inform you of the budget bill amount. Please note that each June is the settle up month, where the City bills for the actual amount due after a year of budget billing. You may owe the City more than your regularly budgeted amount or you may be owed a refund depending on what charges you actually accrued while on the Budget Billing Program.

4. What if I cannot pay my bill when it is due?

If you are unable to pay your utility bill by the due date, please call Customer Service at 360-457-0411 to discuss next steps. A payment plan may be set up to bring your account current and keep your services from being disconnected.

If money is tight and you need a little help with paying for utilities, look into the City's Utility Discount Program (PDF) or contact one of the several Local Resources (PDF) who may be able to provide assistance.

Click here to view the City's flyer regarding financial assistance available by local agencies for utility, rental and mortgage relief.

5. My bill is so high, how can I save money on the charges?

The City offers a conservation program that may assist in helping you keep your costs down. Please visit the Conservation page or call 360-417-4718. 

If you are a full service customer and are not at the residence for extended periods of time, you may opt to disconnect the water service, which in turn may stop wastewater, solid waste, and water charges from accruing. There is a $25 reconnect fee for when you reinstate the water service. 

Solid Waste (Garbage) offers different levels of service that may cost you less. 

For low income customers, the City offers a Utility Discount Program. 

For more details or questions, please call Customer Service at 360-457-0411.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a business license to open a business in Port Angeles?

Only very specific types of businesses need to obtain a business license to operate in Port Angeles.

Show All Answers

1. Why does the fire truck follow the ambulance on medical emergencies?

Most medical emergencies require a minimum of four people to manage patient care. Since the ambulance carries only two firefighters / medics, the firefighters from the fire engine are needed to help assist the patient.

2. Does the fire department teach first aid?

The Fire Department instructs the public in CPR and first aid throughout the year. You can call 360-417-4655 for information.

3. Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire department?

Yes. We do check blood pressures and there is no charge.

4. What does my monthly charge for Medic I get me?

The Fire Department provides 24-hour advanced life support paramedic services to all citizens of Port Angeles. When we transport you to the hospital, there are no additional charges.

5. Can you burn vegetation in the City of Port Angeles?

No, a permanent burn ban covering the city and its adjacent urban growth area went into effect on January 1, 2002. Read more about the permanent burn ban.

6. What type of smoke detector is best to have?

There are two types currently on the market; ionization and photoelectric. Both are listed and approved for use in residences. The ionization (most common) provides protection against rapid fast growing fires. It is slow to react to smoldering fires. The photoelectric detector reacts quicker to slow smoldering fires. The Fire Department recommends buying one of each so you have protection against both types of fires or purchase a combination ionization and photoelectric detector.

7. How long do smoke detectors last?

Generally smoke detectors are good for approximately 10 years. When purchasing your detector, check the manufacturer's instructions for the time frame of how long they recommend using the detector. Don't forget to change the battery once a year.

Show All Answers

1. What currently happens to stormwater in Port Angeles?

In most areas of Port Angeles stormwater is collected in catch basins located in paved areas. Stormwater flows from the catch basins into underground pipes that carry it to a nearby body of water, such as a creek or the harbor.

Stormwater is also transported in roadside ditches or culverts, and in some areas may enter the combined sewer system and be transported to the wastewater treatment plant.

2. What is the city doing to improve stormwater?

The city is developing a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to address the requirements of the NPDES permit.

The city must meet six minimum control measures:

• Construction site runoff control
• Illicit (illegal) discharge detection and elimination
• Pollution prevention / good housekeeping
• Post-construction runoff control
• Public Education and Outreach
• Public participation / involvement

The city also implements projects designed to reduce flooding and improve stormwater collection within the city.

3. Why do I pay a stormwater fee?

Stormwater rates are used to maintain and replace 65 miles of pipe and 2,600 catch basins, build new capital projects to improve conveyance and water quality and manage the Ecology Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. This Phase II permit and its program elements are a state and federal requirement. Permit elements includes public education and outreach, pollution prevention and elimination, controlling runoff from new development and maintaining existing Stormwater infrastructure. A revised Phase II permit went into place August 2013 which has increased requirements and City costs. The current Stormwater fee is $16.87 a month per equivalent residential unit. The City is making every effort to minimize rate increases by working with other jurisdictions on similar permit program elements and applying for grant funding.

4. Why should I report water pollution to the City?

The City’s goal is to reduce and potentially eliminate water pollution in the storm drain system that flows to the creeks and Harbor. The illicit discharge detection and elimination program is a permit requirement with a goal of educating residents to be aware of how daily actions can have an impact on environmental health. Enforcement actions are used as a last resort as required by state law. A source control approach to limit water pollution before it reaches the Stormwater system and our creeks is a far more cost effective approach than large end of pipe treatment options. Chemicals such as soap, paint and oil, even in small qualities have a negative impact on fish and water quality. The City contracts with Streamkeepers of Clallam County to perform water quality sampling to measure and trace down chemicals in the stormwater system. The most cost effective approach is keeping pollution from mixing with stormwater.

5. Does the plans to use Low Impact Development in the City reduce the need for the CSO Project?

The City programs promoting rain gardens and other LID techniques are complementary to the goals of the CSO combined sewer project. The Green Infrastructure Rebate program will improve water quality in our creeks and harbor and add some detention time into the Stormwater system. However because poor draining soils are very common in Port Angeles most stormwater will still run into the system. This emphasizes the need to disconnect stormwater sources from the CSO system. When possible stormwater systems will continue to be disconnected from the combined sewer but the CSO project is still the most immediate and cost effective way to reduce CSO events.

Show All Answers

1. My power went out, who do I contact?

Please report outages to 360-417-4726. 

2. There's a problem with a street light or traffic signal, who can help?

To report a problem with a street light please call 417-4724.

To report issues with traffic signals please call 417-4724. If you're calling between 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or on a weekend or holiday and it's an urgent matter, please call 417-4726.

3. I'm trimming or removing a tree and the power lines are in the way, what do I do?

Power can be disconnected for your safety, or service wires may be removed temporarily if necessary. Please call 417-4724 for further information.

4. Who do I contact regarding my utility bill?

Please call 457-0411 and follow the prompt to utility billing.

5. I rely on electrically powered medical equipment, can I be notified of power outages?

You can request notification of planned outages by completing a Life Support Power Outage Notification form - please visit the Light Operations page for further information and a link to the form.

6. How do I obtain an electrical permit or inspection?

Please call 360-417-4735 for information on electrical permits and inspections. You may also call this number to schedule an electrical inspection - please be sure to have your permit number or job address, or both, and the type of inspection needed.

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If it is not an emergency, call 360-452-4545.

2. What if this happened in another city? Can I file a report using this online system?

No. If a crime took place outside of the Port Angeles city limits, call the police department for that city, or call the Clallam County Sheriff's Office if it occurred within Clallam County.

3. What is a known suspect?

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows who the person is, or where to find the person who committed the crime, or the license plate number of the vehicle involved.

Show All Answers

1. What zone is my property on?

The City provides a map that identifies properties and their zoning districts. Click here to access the map. You will be prompted to check a box on the lower left side of the screen agreeing to terms and conditions to access the maps, then click Okay. You can view instructions on how to use the map here.

The requirements for each zone are summarized in Port Angeles Municipal Code Title 17. 

2. Where are my property lines located?

Property lines must be determined through a survey. If your property has had a survey in the past, it may be in your title report, or be recorded with the Clallam County Recorder’s Office. It may be helpful to search the Recorder’s website for neighboring properties to see if they recorded a survey.

3. Do I need a permit to cut trees on my property?

You may need a permit to cut trees on your property. Please make sure that the trees you want to remove are not located in publicly owned right-of-way or within an environmentally sensitive or critical area or designated buffer for such as wetlands, the marine bluff, stream ravine, or stream corridor. 

For access to city software to locate the general boundaries of your property visit the City’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping here. A short tutorial can be viewed here.

For more information on critical and environmentally sensitive areas and their regulations visit the City’s municipal code here.

4. Do I need a permit to open a business in my home?

With upstarts and online companies becoming more popular with online retail stores, tables at farmers markets, or just a small artisan craft operation, many Port Angeles residents are interested in trying their hand at starting a small business. If you’re interested in running a small business from your residence, you may need a permit. Please click HERE to read the City’s regulations on Home Occupations. If your desired business is not listed, please contact City Staff to get an understanding of your venture.

5. How do I know if there is an environmentally sensitive area on my property?

Critical areas (CA’s) and environmentally sensitive areas (ESA’s) include wetlands, flood zones,  shorelines, ravines, streams, the marine bluff, and their associated development buffers. Each type of ESA has distinct regulations and requirements for development and disturbance. 

Chapter 15 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code (PAMC) regulates these type of land uses.

Wetlands: Chapter 15.24 PAMC

Shorelines: Chapter 15.08 PAMC

Flood Zones: Chapter 15.12 PAMC

ESA’s: Chapter 15.20 PAMC

Please call before you dig (811), regardless of the situation.

6. Can I have an AirBNB, VRBO, or other short-term rental on my property?

Short Term Rentals through companies like AirBNB and VRBO have grown in significant popularity over the last ten years. Many property owners are curious as to the rules on how they can have one in their home. Short Term Rentals are outright permitted in the following zones: 

• RMD – Residential, Medium Density
• RHD – Residential, High Density
• CN – Commercial, Neighborhood
• CSD – Community Shopping District
• CBD – Central Business District
• CA – Commercial, Arterial 

They can also be allowed in the CO – Commercial, Office zoning district through a Conditional Use Permit. If you’re in this zone and interested in having a Short-Term Rental, please contact City Staff on how to obtain the proper permits. 

If you’re in the Residential, Low Density, or Industrial zoning districts such as the R7, R9, R11, IL, or IH, this type of use is not allowed as a permitted or conditional use. 

You can identify the zone your property is within by following the instructions in the "What Zone is My Property In" FAQ in the Planning Division Section. 

Show All Answers

1. When should I call 911?

To stop a crime, report a fire, or save a life. Call 911 anytime an emergency response is required by law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel. You should call 911 anytime there is an actual emergency. If you are unsure, call 911 and the dispatcher will make the final determination.

2. Does the police department provide fingerprinting services?

Fingerprinting for employment, identification, or background check purposes is provided Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. for a fee of $25.

3. How do I apply for a Concealed Pistol License?

Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL) are issued by the Port Angeles Police Department for city residents only. Anyone living outside the city limits, but within Clallam County, must contact the Clallam County Sheriff's Office. To apply, complete the entire application form and have a background check that includes fingerprinting. New applications are $49.25. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, during the hours of 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. Generally, qualified applicants will receive their CPL within two weeks, however the law provides for up to a 30-day delay. Delays are often beyond the department's control so allow sufficient time for processing.

4. How do I pay for a parking ticket?

Payments can be mailed or dropped in the drop box at the Police Department in City Hall. All parking violations must be paid within 15 days or a $25 penalty is added. After 30 days all violations are referred to Evergreen Financial Services.

5. What kind of firearm restrictions do Felons have?

Here is a document created by DOC to help explain a felons firearm restrictions: Felons and firearms 

Show All Answers

1. How do I sign up for residential garbage service?

-Within City limits-

For residential solid waste services, please fill out and send the Solid Waste Services Request and Change Form to Customer Service at utilities@cityofpa.us.

When you start your utility service, look for a 90 gallon green cart at your location. If you cannot find it, contact City Garbage Collection at garbagecollection@cityofpa.us

If you select recycling or yard waste on the form, allow a minimum of 5 business days for your cart(s) to be delivered.

For more details, visit: https://www.cityofpa.us/246/Garbage-Collection

For further assistance or questions, please call Customer Service at 360-457-0411.

-Outside City limits-

Contact County Garbage Collection to set up service: 360-452-7278.

2. How do I make changes to my existing service?

Download and complete the Residential Request and Change Form. Allow a minimum of 5 business days for the change to happen. A change fee is charged (see details on form).

3. Why was my garbage missed?

Occasionally we miss a cart, but the most common reason for a missed pickup is that your cart was not out early enough. It must be curbside (or the location we usually pick it up) by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Another cause of missed pickup is incorrect cart placement: too close to a fence, car, or other object, or facing the wrong direction. Allow 4 feet of clearance around your garbage cart (including behind). Overfilled carts (with the lid open) cannot be emptied. For missed collection call the office after 3 p.m. on your collection date. A small fee may apply depending on the circumstance. Please do not wait 2-3 weeks before calling.

4. I just moved in and have a lot of extra garbage and/or recycling, can I set it next to my cart?

No, only the materials in the cart will be removed. You can call garbage collection for an extra pick-up (fees apply). You can take cardboard and other recyclables to the Recycling Center at the Regional Transfer Station located at 3501 W 18th St. Port Angeles, WA 98363.

5. Can I get a larger dumpster for a special clean-up project?

Yes, you can rent a 300 gallon container for a fee. Call City Garbage Collection at 360-417-4876 for rates and other options.

6. I have lots of yard waste at certain times of the year- can I get an extra cart?

Yes, you can fill out the Request and Change form and get an extra yard waste cart for a fee.

7. My cart lid is broken. What do I do?

Contact City Garbage (or Recycling Collection if it is a recycling or yard waste container) and we will come out and replace the lid. Leave the cart out so we can access it.

Contact us at 360-417-4876 or garbagecollection@cityofpa.us

8. My cart is old and smelly, can I get a new one?

You are responsible for keeping your cart clean. You can wash with bleach and water and deodorize with a little vanilla extract. We only replace carts if they are broken and cannot be repaired.

9. I have to get rid of a couch- where does it go?

Try to give away or post on 2good2toss.com. If unusable, you must transport to the Regional Transfer Station (fees apply). We do not have curbside service for bulky items.

Show All Answers

1. I have an old refrigerator- where does it go?

You transport your empty refrigerator to the Regional Transfer Station metal pile.  Either the doors must be removed, or it needs to be loaded in a way that allows for quick inspection. The Freon will be removed and the metal will be recycled (fees apply). 

2. I live in Sequim. Can I go to the Regional Transfer Station and do I have to pay more?

The facility is open to all residents and businesses in Clallam County. The disposal rates are the same, no matter where you live. For small bags of garbage, you could use the Blue Mountain Transfer Station which is closer to Sequim.

3. Where does the waste go?

Scrap metal is bailed and household recycling is loaded into a separate trailer; both are shipped to Tacoma for further processing and then is shipped to markets in this country and worldwide. Hazardous waste is shipped to Seattle area for reuse, recycling, or proper disposal. Yard waste is composted on site and sold as Garden Glory Compost. All other waste is compacted and shipped out by truck daily to the railhead in Centralia, and then shipped by train to Roosevelt Landfill in Eastern Washington.

Show All Answers

1. Does the inspection take place outside or inside?

The inspection will focus mostly on outdoor areas however, certain indoor areas will also be inspected.

2. Who needs to be present for a Source Control inspection?

A qualified representative of your business/site. This is usually an owner or manager who has access to and knowledge of your site and operations.

3. How often do inspections take place?

Typically, once every five years. Certain types of businesses/sites presenting greater risks for impacting stormwater may require more frequent inspections. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE) complaints made against any business/site may also necessitate additional inspections.

4. Are these inspections mandatory?

• Yes. Source Control inspections are mandated by the Department of Ecology’s Western Washington Phase II Stormwater Permit S5.C.8 and PAMC 13.63.275 for all businesses/sites listed in Appendix 8 of the Western Washington Phase II Stormwater Permit.

5. Will my business need to be re-inspected after violations discovered in the initial inspection have been corrected?

Yes. Once violations have been corrected, a follow-up inspection will be scheduled to ensure they have been properly addressed.

6. Will penalties/fines be levied if Source Control violations are discovered during the initial inspection?

No. The goal of Source Control is not to issue fines or penalties, but to work with you to remediate any shortfalls. The program is new to everyone therefore, informing, educating, and providing technical assistance to businesses/sites is our primary objective. 

If Source Control violations are identified during the initial inspection, you will be issued a Notice of Correction along with a timeline to implement those corrections. Repeated refusal to properly address violations or work with City officials, however, may lead to fines and penalties being imposed, per WWAPHII (S5.C.8.iv) and PAMC 13.63.275.

7. How much does Source Control cost?

This is TBD (to be determined). 

8. What is the difference between a Source Control inspection and a Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) inspection?

Source Control inspections are mandatory, more extensive, and require more preparation and inspection time. PPA inspections are free, voluntary inspections focusing more closely on hazardous waste labeling, storage, disposal, etc. Both inspections are designed to help businesses/sites reduce their polluting impact to our local waterbodies and environment.