FAQs

Public Works

Can I plant/cut down a tree in the right-of-way (ROW)?

In general, vegetation can be planted, but it must meet very specific requirements. Cutting of vegetation in the ROW is not allowed without approval and may require a permit. Visit our Urban Forestry page for more information about planting and removing trees in the ROW.

How do I get a stop sign, deer crossing or other sign?

Please call (360) 379-5096 or fill out a Concern form. Signs do cost money and can cause aesthetic concerns. Only signs authorized by uniform codes will be placed, and only if warranted. The City tries to limit signage to the minimum that is required and necessary.

Is it okay if I put a rockery or fence right on my property line?

You may put a rockery or fence on or inside your property line. If you put anything on or very near your property line, be sure you know where the property line is. If a fence, rockery or planting does intrude in the ROW you may be asked to move it. A survey is the most certain method for determining your property lines.

Is there any place in the City to walk or ride a bike?

Yes, there is an extensive trail system in the City and also one that connects to trails outside the City limits. Visit our Trails page for more information about trails.

Who is responsible for picking up dead animals?

The City is responsible for picking up deceased animals if they are on public property or in the right-of-way. Call the City of Port Townsend for deceased animal pickup at (360) 385-3000. Deceased animal pickup is only performed during normal working hours unless blocking a roadway. Call 9-1-1 for emergency if deceased animal is blocking a roadway for police response or if animal is injured.

Deceased animals on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

COMPOST: When is compost for sale?

The City usually has compost available for sale year round, but can run out. We will post when it is available on our Latest News page.

GARBAGE SERVICE: Who do I call about missed collections?

The City of Port Townsend has a contract with Olympic Disposal (Waste Connections). All service related issues can be reported to them by calling their customer service line at (360) 385-6612.

STREET LIGHTS: How do I report a street light out?

Please call Public Works at (360) 379-5096 to let them know about the street light. If possible, provide the 12-digit pole number when you call.

TRANSPORTATION: What is the right-of-way (ROW) distance on any City street?

The rights-of-way vary from street to street and may even vary in different portions of the same street. A common right-of-way width is 60 or 66 feet; however some are 70, 80 or 100 feet. Original plat maps, available for review on request at the City Permit Center, show the platted right-of-way dimensions. Please keep in mind that the center of an existing road is not always the center of a right-of-way.

TRANSPORTATION: What do the different colored marks in the street mean?

Most often you are seeing marks to locate utilities buried underground in the street. Before anyone can dig they must call Utilities Underground Location Center at 1-800-424-5555. This service is free of charge, but you must call at least two business days before you dig. The colors stand for different utilities.

White: Pre-marking of the outer limits of the proposed excavation.

Blue: Water

Green: Sewer, Stormwater Drainage

Red: Power

Orange: Communications, Cable

Pink: Temporary Survey Markings

TRANSPORTATION: When will the City fix the potholes in my street/grade my street?

Please call (360) 379-5096 during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday) or fill out a Citizen Request form.

Please note: the City does not maintain substandard gravel streets or driveways in the right-of-way.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT: Can the plant run during a power outage?

Yes, the facility has a generator that provides enough electricity to run all of the equipment.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT: What chemicals are used for treatment?

Chlorine is used to kill harmful bacteria and Sodium Bisulfate is used to de-chlorinate.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT: Where is the treated water discharged?

The treated water is discharged about 900 feet offshore in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

WATER RESOURCES: How do I get my water shut off for maintenance?

If you need to have your water temporarily shut off, please call the utility billing department at (360) 385-2700, extension 4409.

WATER RESOURCES: How do I determine if I have a water leak?

The best method for determining whether a leak exists is to take actual water meter readings. This method checks the home or business's entire internal plumbing system for water leaks. Take a water meter reading just before going to bed or when no one will use any water for several hours. Take another meter reading in the morning before any water is used or after a few hours of non-use. The two readings should be the same. If not and you cannot account for use by a humidifier, ice maker, water softener, water filter or other use, you have a leak, and further investigation is recommended. Most meters the City uses have a small white triangle in the center of the meter that serves as a low flow indicator. If the triangle is spinning with all water turned off it is also an indication of a leak.

WATER RESOURCES: Who is responsible for fixing water leaks?

Water leaks between the street and customer meter are the City's responsibility to repair. Please call the Public Works Department 379-5096 or Water Distribution Crew Chief 379-4434 to report suspected leaks. Leaks from the meter to the home are the customer’s responsibility. The customer may repair leaks on their side of the meter if able, otherwise contact a plumber for assistance.

WATER RESOURCES: What is my Water Hardness?

Water hardness is related to the concentration of dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water makes it more difficult to form suds and may leave mineral deposits on fixtures and dishes. Soft water uses less soap and detergent to form suds and can make clothing and skin feel softer. Some appliances, such as dishwashers, have a setting to adjust for the hardness of the water. The two most common units of measurement for hardness are milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate and grains per gallon. Port Townsend’s water hardness is an average of 44 milligrams per liter or 2.6 grains per gallons. Anything 60 mg/L or less is generally considered soft water.

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