Kitsap County Releases Updated Comprehensive Plan Draft

Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 08/30/2024 01:37 PM PDT

August 30, 2024

Kitsap County Releases Updated Comprehensive Plan Draft

Over the last two years, Kitsap County has been working with the community, stakeholders, and local tribes on an update of its Comprehensive Plan. Through public feedback on multiple drafts, Kitsap County will release updated draft documents directing population and employment growth, promoting housing diversity, protecting environmental features, and addressing necessary infrastructure through 2044.

These revised documents will be released today (Aug. 30) on the Comprehensive Plan webpage.

The main updates and initiatives proposed in these documents include:

Significant focus on accommodating growth through increased multifamily and attached housing in new and existing urban neighborhoods.
Promotion of dense multifamily housing in Silverdale, Kingston, and the McWilliams area, focusing growth to reduce vehicle miles traveled, improve walkability, and increase transit availability.
Protection of rural areas with no rural rezones, and urban area expansions limited to city requests, industrial land, and improved housing diversity.
Establishment of a climate change element to act as a foundation for future climate actions.

There are four documents providing a complete picture of planning through 2044:

The Comprehensive Plan, which establishes goals and policies to direct future county actions.
A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) describing the potential impacts of future growth on the environment and potential mitigation measures.
A Capital Facilities Plan describing necessary infrastructure such as roads, sewer, schools, fire, and water to accommodate the proposed growth.
Development Regulations that direct how development may occur, including densities, building heights, setbacks, parking, and tree canopy requirements.

Upon release, Kitsap will hold two public workshops to discuss these drafts:

Virtual Workshop - Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. via Zoom (link to be released on our project webpage.)
In-Person Workshop – Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Kitsap County Administration Building, Commissioner Chambers, 619 Division St., Port Orchard.

Following these and other stakeholder and community meetings, the documents will be reviewed and public hearings held before the Planning Commission (September/October) and Board of County Commissioners (October/November), leading to formal adoption in December.

For more information regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update, the schedule, and other details, please email our staff or visit the project webpage.

About Kitsap County

Located in Washington, Kitsap County is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh-largest county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities.

Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

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Links in this document

Comprehensive Plan webpage: kcowa.us/compplan

Email our staff: compplan@kitsap.gov

Project webpage: kcowa.us/compplan

Kitsap County: www.kitsap.gov

Our website: www.kitsap.gov

@KitsapWA: www.facebook.com/KitsapWa

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