Port Angeles expands over-the-counter permitting, updates master fee schedule

Port Angeles — The City Council unanimously approved a resolution to amend the 2026 master fee schedule and expand the city's over-the-counter permitting program, a staff-led change intended to speed permitting and align fees with cost of service.

Calvin (city staff) and Shan (city staff presenter) explained the update, which raises the hourly cost-of-service rate from $95.10 to $98 for 2026 while leaving base building permit fees unchanged. Shan said the changes "support the city's ability to maintain service levels while ensuring fees cover the cost of staff time and regulatory review requirements." Staff also outlined departmental updates including tiered grading and filling permit options, cemetery and facility rental fee adjustments, and revised utility connection fees.

A major feature of the update is an expansion of the over-the-counter permit program to allow more Type 1 permits to be reviewed and issued the same day. Shan told council that 329 over-the-counter permits have been issued so far and over 90% were issued the same day, and recommended adopting the resolution to formalize the expansion.

Council members and public commenters who use city permitting praised shorter turnaround times and the master fee schedule's consolidation into a single reference. A motion to pass the resolution amending the master fee schedule and expanding over-the-counter permitting was moved and seconded on the floor and passed unanimously.

What happens next: staff will update posted fee schedules and continue to work with the builders roundtable to refine permit classifications and program implementation.