 January 2, 2026
The Department of Community Development (DCD) is pleased to share that the Board of County Commissioners has adopted Ordinance 643-2025 approved updates to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and map and amendments to Title 17 (Zoning), also known as Year of the Rural. The updates are effective January 1, 2026.
Highlights of the adopted changes include:
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Rezoning three rural properties to allow Rural Commercial or Rural Industrial uses
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Removing barriers and expanding opportunities for childcare across Kitsap County
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Updating agricultural regulations to improve economic viability
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Recognizing the importance of working lands and committing to continued assessment through a rural lands analysis
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Adding a new chapter to the Comprehensive Plan—Chapter 2: Rural and Resource Lands—to better guide future planning decisions
DCD appreciates the community members who participated throughout this process, including engagement with DCD staff, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.
Learn more:
• View the adopted Year of the Rural Ordinance (Ordinance 643-2025) [PDF]
For questions, please contact Heather Cleveland, Long Range Planner, at HCleveland@kitsap.gov.
About Kitsap County
Located in Washington, Kitsap County is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated 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.
For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit www.kitsap.gov or follow us on social media @KitsapWa.
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Links in this document
County's 'Year of the Rural' initiative / https://kcowa.us/YOTR
compplan@kitsap.gov / compplan@kitsap.gov
Kitsap County: www.kitsap.gov
@KitsapWA: www.facebook.com/KitsapWa
Website: www.kitsap.gov
Sign up for our updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/subscriber/new
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