Community Development
The Planning Division is dedicated to serve public interests and protect individual rights through the planned and orderly development of the lands and environs of Port Angeles.
The City established a one-stop permit center in 1997 located in the main lobby of City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles, Washington. Office hours are from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday.
The City’s planning and building professionals are readily available to assist you with your application for a variety of development permits and explain the review process to you.
Economic Development Encouraging economic growth is a never-ending process.The City is an active participant in the pursuit of local and regional economic development and strategies.
Whether you are seeking employment, considering relocation of your existing business or starting a brand new endeavor - Port Angeles is a smart choice. We offer several helpful resources to further your economic goals.
All in all, from recreation to housing to the cost of doing business, your investment goes much further in Port Angeles.
Knowledgeable staff also can direct you to other department staff people with the most expertise to answer questions about other City services.
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PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE HISTORIC HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION DOG SURVEY Posted March 30, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. -
The City of Port Angeles recently received the preliminary results from the Historic Human Remains Detection (HHRD) Dog Survey of parcels along the waterfront. The Institute for Canine Forensics (ICF) surveyed 50 acres of waterfront property during late November and early December 2009. The ICF team then spent time evaluating field notes and location data collected via Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers from the survey and preparing preliminary tables to accompany the GPS points. The ICF is currently working on final reports to accompany their preliminary data submittal.
The City Archaeologist is now statistically testing and independently evaluating the location data for inclusion in the City Archaeological Model for the waterfront. This process includes comparing GPS data for each dog independently and by location using computer based geographical and statistical programs to compare the alert qualities for each location.
Every area was surveyed separately by at least two different dogs and their handler. The alert quality was reported by the handler based upon the dogs' willingness to hold on the "alert" location. The data is classified into four sets:
No or insufficient interest
Some interest by at least one dog
Interest by two dogs
Great interest by at least two dogs
These four values are assigned to single 10 meter by 10 meter units as part of a grid system overlaid across the survey areas. There are 2,049 units within the grid for the 50 acre study area. Of these:
• 1,900 were ranked "no or insufficient interest" equaling 92.7 percent of the study area or 46.35 acres.
• 83 were ranked "some interest by at least one dog" equaling 4 percent of the project area or 2 acres.
• 56 were ranked "interest by at least two dogs" equaling 2.8 percent of the project area or 1.4 acres.
• 10 were ranked "great interest by at least two dogs" equaling 0.5 percent of the project area or ¼ of an acre.
These units are distributed across the project area in nine distinct groups where at least two HHRD dogs each independently alerted more than once. None of the independent GPS alert locations reported by the ICF were valued at their top alert level, which they define as "on top of burial"; or more specifically: presence of an intact, near-surface human internment.
In summary, very few areas studied along the waterfront contained enough historic human remains scent to cause specially trained canines to alert to a statistically accepted level. The City Archaeologist will continue to further analyze these preliminary results and compare the study findings with oral histories, additional background research, archaeological testing/verification, and the results of an upcoming geomorphological and remote sensing project along the waterfront. Once the ICF portion of the project is complete, the City Archaeologist will complete his analysis before it is peer reviewed for validity.
The HHRD Dog study is only a part of the City's goal to better characterize the waterfront regarding archaeological resources. This study combined with other environmental, historical, and archaeological studies conducted by the City is helping to better address and reduce the archaeological risk of new development and better plan for the future use of waterfront properties.
For more information contact City Archaeologist Derek Beery at 360-417-4704 or dbeery@cityofpa.us.
MORE INFORMATION............................
INSTITUTE FOR CANINE FORENSICS CONDUCTS WATERFRONT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE CITY OF PORT ANGELES November 20, 2009 - The City of Port Angeles is in the process of orchestrating two scientific studies along the waterfront of Port Angeles Harbor . The City has contracted the Institute for Canine Forensics (ICF) to conduct the first of the two studies using Historic Human Remains Detection (HHRD) dogs. The ICF is a nonprofit group for the advancement of research and education of canines. Its members have advanced the field of HHRD dogs in archaeological site contexts since the 1980s.
The ICF Team will be working along the Port Angeles Waterfront during the late fall and early winter months. The City Archaeologist Derek Beery, Lynne Angeloro of ICF, and members of her team, both canines and handlers; were available to the public on Monday, November 30th, in the Atrium between City Hall and the Vern Burton Community Center to answer questions and conduct a demonstration of the Human Remains Detection Dogs' skills.
Please refrain from interfering with the ICF team during their investigations along the waterfront. Public interactions with the dogs and handlers affects their ability to provide the City with the best possible research product.
This study is a part of the City's goal to better characterize the waterfront in relation to archaeological resources. Early next year, the City will conduct a study of the local sedimentology and geomorphology to better define local patterns of archaeological site formation and historic alteration. Combined with the previous environmental, historical, and archaeological studies conducted by City Archaeologist Beery; these two contracted, scientific studies will help the City better address and reduce the archaeological risk of new development and better plan for the future use of waterfront properties.
HHRD dogs are a unique resource for assisting in the search for historic and prehistoric graves. Use of specially trained dogs in archaeology to help locate previously unknown burials is a relatively new concept but typical searches that have recently involved HHRD dogs include locating boundaries of poorly marked cemeteries, locating lost graves or cemeteries, and locating Native American burials.
High profile cases conducted by the ICF have included surveys of the Donner Party Camp, Russell's Cabin and Charles Manson's area in Death Valley, several unmarked Native American burials in California , Montana , and Kansas , and a series of archaeological projects in the Czech Republic dating from 450 AD to the Napoleonic Wars.
ICF HHRD dogs are trained specifically for the identification of historic or prehistoric human remains and are not cross-trained for live human scent detection. ICF canines will not disturb the search site, will not dig or touch human remains, and will not retrieve evidence. The ICF's certification standards ensure that certified canines are reliable, non-invasive tools to be used in innovative and culturally sensitive archaeological projects.
Derek Beery, City Archaeologist
Phone: 360-417-4704
Email: dbeery@cityofpa.us
AIA UPDATE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS TEAM REVISIT PORT ANGELES
January 8, 2010 -
Two members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sustainable Development Assessment Team (SDAT) visited Port Angeles as a follow up to their 2009 assessment.
Follow up visits are conducted when a community has demonstrated noticeable progress. "You hit the ground running the day after we left Port Angeles and we have been extremely impressed by your progress" said Erin Simmons, AIA National Staff member.
The team attended the Port Angeles Planning Commission meeting and the Port Angeles Forward Committee meeting. The team will also met with City staff, civic leaders, and toured the city to view the projects that were instituted as a result of their assessment.
The SDAT group visited Port Angeles twice in 2009, participating in community meetings and conducting an assessment of the City's Front and First Street corridors and Central Business District. Several projects including the community effort to paint buildings in the downtown area, and the City's new Façade Improvement Program are a direct result of the Team's assessment.
OPEN PUBLIC FORUM REVIEWS AIA FINAL REPORT Port Angeles Forward, a subcommittee of the Port Angeles City Council, hosted an open public forum on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.
The purpose of the forum was to review, accept public comments, and report on plans and progress in implementing recommendations from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sustainable Design Assessment Team's (SDAT) Final Report.
The final report was received in August and has been available for public review in the City's Planning Department and below.The report contains specific details on the Team's suggestions and implementation ideas.
The public forum will included a process for participants to rank specific projects and concepts. Survey results will be tabulated and reported at a later date.
AIA FINAL REPORT Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view this file.
The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) visited Port Angeles earlier this year. The Team consisted of a group of seven multidisciplinary experts that completed an area plan and a broad assessment of the City's First and Front Street corridors and Central Business District.
During the visit the Team met with community stakeholders and held a public meeting to gather information. The assessment focused on beautification and revitalization in terms of economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The project was funded in part by a grant awarded to the City by the AIA.
The Port Angeles Forward Committee has been in the process of reviewing the final report and identifying additional implementation items. Comments gathered from this forum will be included in PA Forward's formal recommendation to City Council.
For more information, contact Roberta Korcz, Assistant Planner, at either 360-417-4804 or rkorcz@cityofpa.us.
Background Information.....
American Institute of Architects Grant Team Visit Port Angeles As part of a grant awarded to the City of Port Angeles by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) was in Port Angeles for its main visit March 16-18, 2009........
Background Information.....
American Institute of Architects Grant Team Visit Port Angeles As part of a grant awarded to the City of Port Angeles by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) was in Port Angeles for its main visit March 16-18, 2009.
The Team consisted of a group of seven multidisciplinary experts that will facilitate an area plan and provide a broad assessment of the City's First and Front Street corridors and Central Business District. The assessment focused on beautification and revitalization in terms of economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
AIA Team Visit Brochure
Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view this file.
During the visit the Team met with community stakeholders and held a public meeting to gather information. Small focus group meetings and a public meeting were also a part of the process.
PUBLIC PRESENTATION - March 18, 2009
Information gathered during the Main visit was presented by the SDAT to the public on Wednesday, March 18 in City Council Chambers in City Hall.
The presentation included suggestions and implementation ideas for the First and Front Street corridors and Central Business District.
AIA Team Presentation Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat reader installed to view this file.
A full and comprehensive written report will be submitted at a later date.
The City wishes to thank the community and area stakeholders
for their participation in this project.
Information on the SDAT process can also be found by clicking on the AIA logo below. The City's original application for the SDAT grant can also be viewed on the AIA website.
For more information on the SDAT process please contact Nathan West, Director of Community & Economic Development at either 360-417-4750 or nwest@cityofpa.us.
“TOGETHER WE CAN - BUSINESS RESOURCES SUPPORT FORUM”
June 2009 - Port Angeles Forward Committee is a City Council Committee comprised of key local agencies from the Port Angeles area community. A priority of PA Forward is to assist in ensuring the success of local businesses especially during these difficult economic times.
In January 2009, PA Forward, hosted the first business forum. Based on the interest in that event, PA Forward participated as a co-sponsor in the “Making it Last – Think Local First Workshop” and is now hosting a third event “Together We Can – Business Resources Support Forum” with the focus being on General and Internet Marketing strategies. Guest speakers will be Laurel Black of Laurel Black Design and Carolyn Cooper of Carolyn E. Cooper Communications. This second event was held on June 11, 2009 at the Lincoln Center located at 905 W. 9th Street (Rm 208) in Port Angeles. Speakers were followed by break out sessions for participants to further discuss marketing. The forum was free and available to the public.
PA Forward Committee representatives from the Port Angeles Downtown Association, Economic Development Council, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Port Angeles Business Association, and the City's Community & Economic Development Department will be organizing this event as a way to provide business information, solutions, assistance, and resources to all area businesses both big and small.
The forum is free and available to the public. For more information contact Teresa Pierce at the City of Port Angeles at either 360-417-4630 or tpierce@cityofpa.us
Building Division Report
The Building Division prepares a report that includes monthly and year-to-date residential and commercial building permit activity.
Building Division Activity Report
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Community & Economic Development 2009 Annual Report The year 2009 was a busy year for the Department. The Annual report details activities and statistics for building permits, code enforcement, planning applications, comprehensive plan changes, policy issues, grants, long-range planning projects, conference and training, staff and priorities for 2010.
The entire report is available for download below. If you have any questions, please contact Director Nathan West at 360-417-4751 or nwest@cityofpa.us.
2009 Annual Report
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ECOLOGY RELEASES PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF RAYONIER OFF-PROPERTY SOIL DIOXIN STUDY
February 10, 2009 - Earlier today the Washington State Department of Ecology released preliminary results of the Rayonier off-site soil dioxin study. Nathan West, Director of Community & Economic Development for the City stated, "The results of the study are good news for Port Angeles. Only minor levels of dioxin were found. Department of Ecology will not require property owners to take clean up action on the basis of this report."
The dioxin study results ranged from 0.8 parts per trillion to 76.3 parts per trillion which are relatively low levels. In contrast the Environmental Protection Agency sets a national threshold of 1000 parts per trillion as their residential clean up threshold. West further stated, "The results for Port Angeles are encouraging because the study was intended to find the highest concentrations of dioxins and the results were low".
Evidence of dioxin can result from wood burning, trash burning, vehicle emissions, and other natural sources. These results are expected for any area with a long history of human activities. It is important to note that the Department of Ecology provided no information on the source of the dioxins in these preliminary findings.
Port Angeles Forward Committee The Port Angeles Forward Committee is dedicated to creating a strong, economically and culturally vibrant community that will enhance the lives of our citizens through the following goals:
A.) Leverage private sector investment in Port Angeles;
B.) Facilitate input from stakeholders to create a consensus, strategy, and vision for development and implementation of a Port Angeles Forward Master Plan;
C.) Provide communication between stakeholders;
D.) Recommend actions to encourage private investment and stimulate the economy and livability of the community; and
E.) Identify and resolve barriers that hamper our ability to achieve committee goals.
Port Angeles Forward Committee is charged with the implementation of the local planning effort for the revitalization of downtown Port Angeles, which includes a community-wide consensus toward a conceptual plan and implementation strategy for future downtown development. Members need not be residents of the City. The Port Angeles Forward Committee meets the second Thursday of each month, at 7:30 a.m., in City Hall.
Why Port Angeles? You may think that Port Angeles is all about fishing and timber. That's not the whole story. Port Angeles is experiencing growth in new and diverse industries. Established businesses are expanding into broader fields and technologies. Local enterprises are reaching out to all parts of the globe.
The magnificent environment that may have initially drawn you here for sport and recreation remains unspoiled, but you'll find a wonderful work environment as well.
The Council provides coordination for complex projects. The Council provides the highest level of personal services to simplify the process of economic development and investment to support, and grow.
Community Demographics Port Angeles is strategically located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca between the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound. The westernmost part of the Strait, it has a natural deep water harbor offering moorage for ships of all sizes. The Port of Port Angeles, a deep water port, is the first inbound anchorage on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Just seventeen miles across the Strait from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Port Angeles is an international gateway to the Pacific Northwest.
The climate is moderate with the average yearly rainfall being 25 inches a year with the average high temperature being 62 degrees, with an average low of 40 degrees.
Complementing the geographic advantages is an infrastructure created with business and industrial needs in mind.
The City of Port Angeles is blessed with a variety of transportation options linking our City with other regional and local communities.
Options also exist to allow visitors to enjoy our many attractions once you're here. Transportation services and facilities include an international airport, international ferries, a regional transit system and van, limousine and taxi services.
You can also find out the status of any transportation projects that may affect your travel plans by referring to the Street Division of the Public Works Department.
Education:
Good schools produce a good work force. Peninsula College serves degree-seeking students and those pursuing specialized training or retaining. The college works in partnership with local businesses to design curricula responding to local needs. It's Corporate Training Institute attracts companies and their executives from a broad area. Four-year degree and certificate programs from Washington State University and Western Washington University are available through Peninsula College.
Further opportunities for training are provided by programs such as the North Olympic Peninsula Skills Center.
The motto of the Port Angeles School District, "Quality Education in a Quality Community", is exemplified by the district's partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates Foundation grants go to districts that demonstrate the characteristics of nationally recognized districts. Port Angeles students consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests. The community contributes generously to a local scholarship program for graduating seniors.
The Port of Port Angeles, a deep water port is the first inbound anchorage on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Olympic National Park, with 4 1/2 million visitors each year contains over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast - the largest section of wilderness coast in the lower 48 states.
Peninsula College in Port Angeles is one of only 15 colleges in Washington State approved by the Microsoft Corporation as an Authorized Academic Training Program.
The Port Angeles School District serves a population of about 25,000 people, in an area of approximately 330 square miles. A major portion of the district is located within the boundaries of Olympic National Park.
Total enrollment in the district is approximately 4,500 students. The District employs over 300 certificated staff members and more than 200 classified staff. Students attend school for 175 days— scheduled from September to June.
Clallam Transit was created in 1979 as a Public Transportation Benefit Area, the Clallam Transit System (CTS) has grown to provide bus service to customers throughout Clallam County. ClallamTransit features 14 available routes and an Annual Operating Budget: $5,715,000 (2004).
William R. Fairchild International Airport is a full service commercial airport located on the Olympic Peninsula of Northwest Washington State, on the southwest side of the City of Port Angeles.
It occupies 797 acres of property, of which 382 acres are devoted to aeronautical uses. The terminal area and general aviation landside facilities lie in the southeast portion of the property.
The City established a one-stop permit center in 1997 located in the main lobby of City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street, Port Angeles, Washington. Office hours are from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Interested in receiving City of Port Angeles News Releases via email? All you have to do is send an email to 
The Port of Port Angeles, a deep water port is the first inbound anchorage on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Olympic National Park, with 4 1/2 million visitors each year contains over 60 miles of wild Pacific coast - the largest section of wilderness coast in the lower 48 states.
Peninsula College in Port Angeles is one of only 15 colleges in Washington State approved by the Microsoft Corporation as an Authorized Academic Training Program. 
The Port Angeles School District serves a population of about 25,000 people, in an area of approximately 330 square miles. A major portion of the district is located within the boundaries of Olympic National Park.
Clallam Transit was created in 1979 as a Public Transportation Benefit Area, the Clallam Transit System (CTS) has grown to provide bus service to customers throughout Clallam County. ClallamTransit features 14 available routes and an Annual Operating Budget: $5,715,000 (2004).
William R. Fairchild International Airport is a full service commercial airport located on the Olympic Peninsula of Northwest Washington State, on the southwest side of the City of Port Angeles. 
