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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.