 Welcome to the March–April Newsletter
Spring is bringing both fresh conversations and continued improvements across Community Development. In this issue, we’re sharing updates on state reporting requirements, permit process improvements, professional training, shoreline education, and opportunities to connect through our Read, Roam, Rules series.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
A closer look at this year’s required reporting for land use permits, what the data shows, and how our 2x6 review model is performing — including context behind legacy permits that continue to affect overall numbers.
Why complete and accurate applications matter at intake, how submittal standards support faster processing, and how PREP tools like intake checklists help everyone move forward more efficiently.
March 16–20, many building officials across Washington will attend the Washington Association of Building Officials Annual Education Institute. Here’s what that means for inspections and staffing that week — and why ongoing training strengthens service to our community.
If you own waterfront property, join us to learn about shoreline regulations, permitting considerations, and resources available to help you steward your property responsibly.
Our walk may be underway, but the conversation continues. Join us for the book workshop discussion as we explore ideas about community design, housing, and how planning shapes everyday life.
Thank you for staying engaged and informed — we’re glad you’re here.
Reading time ~ 2 minutes
In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5290, which amended the Local Project Review Act (RCW 36.70B) to improve the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of land use or environmental project permit review. SB 5290 sets maximum deadlines for local governments to issue final decisions on land-use or environmental project permits (e.g., site development activity permits, plats, and land-use) and requires jurisdictions to report performance annually.
These new timeline requirements took effect on January 1, 2025. For Kitsap County, the results indicate:
- Projects reviewed under the new 2x6 review model are meeting the statutory timelines.
- Some projects included in the SB 5290 performance report were submitted before Kitsap County fully implemented the 2x6 review process. Many of these are large or complex land use project permits that naturally require multiple review cycles and extended analysis.
- Legacy permits have a disproportionate effect on average timeline statistics, making overall results appear less favorable than they represent for newer cases.
- As the legacy queue is resolved and more project permits move through the updated review process, we are confident reported timelines will increasingly reflect the improvements already underway.
We are committed to compliance with SB 5290, transparency in reporting, and continual refinement of our review processes to provide predictable service to applicants and the community. The County’s performance data is summarized in the 2025 Annual Performance Report (PDF).
One of the clearest findings during our PREP (Permit Review Efficiency Plan) process was this:
The quality and completeness of all submittals directly impact review timelines.
We want to thank everyone who takes the time to carefully review requirements, use current forms, and follow submission guidelines. That extra attention up front makes a meaningful difference in how efficiently projects move through review.
Whether it’s a new application, a resubmittal, or a revision, complete and clearly organized materials allow reviewers to focus on evaluating the project itself — not tracking down missing information or clarifying plan changes. Strong submittals help:
- Improve first-cycle clarity
- Support more predictable timelines
- Keep projects moving forward
PREP isn’t just about new tools like 2x6 or the PREP Report — it’s about strengthening the foundation of the process. Clear, consistent submittal standards were noted during PREP as one of the most impactful ways to improve efficiency and transparency.
We appreciate your partnership in helping build a smoother, more predictable permitting process for everyone.
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Use the Form Links in the Submittal Steps
Forms, worksheets, and checklists are updated from time to time to reflect the most current requirements and information.
To make sure your application moves smoothly through intake, please use the links provided in the submittal steps each time you apply. Those links connect to the versions permit technicians will be looking for during intake.
Applications submitted with outdated forms will be returned for correction, which can delay processing. A quick click to the current link helps keep everything on track.
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Each spring, professionals from jurisdictions across Washington gather for the Annual Education Institute (AEI) hosted by the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO).
From March 16–19, 2026, many of our staff will be attending this important training event.
What to Expect That Week
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Limited inspection availability
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Reduced staff coverage at the counter
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Longer response times for some inquiries
We appreciate your patience as our team invests in professional development that directly benefits applicants, contractors, and property owners.
Planning Ahead
We encourage you to plan and submit requests early where possible, especially if you have:
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Inspections that need to be scheduled
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Time-sensitive submittals
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Questions about active permits
Professional training, such as AEI, ensures our team stays current with the International Residential Code (IRC) and other adopted standards we enforce in Kitsap County.
Thank you for your understanding as our team continues building knowledge to better serve you.
 Are you looking for practical guidance on caring for and protecting your marine waterfront property? Attend this in-person Shoreline Landowner Workshop to learn shoreline-specific strategies that support both your property and the surrounding environment.
This workshop offers actionable information, real-world examples, and the opportunity to ask questions and connect with local experts and fellow shoreline landowners. We’re pleased to welcome John Bornsworth of Peninsula Environmental Group as a guest speaker, who will share professional insights and on-the-ground experience working with shoreline properties.
Whether you’re addressing erosion concerns, thinking about changes to your shoreline, or looking to be a good shoreline steward, this session is designed to help you make informed decisions.
Caring for your Marine Shoreline: A Landowner Workshop
April 15, 2026
5 - 7:30 pm
Village Green Community Center
26159 Dulay Rd NE
Kingston, WA
Register: https://bit.ly/3O8LrMk
As this newsletter hits your inbox, our Read, Roam, Rules walk is already underway — and we’d still love for you to be part of the conversation.
If you weren’t able to join the walk (or if you did and want to keep exploring), there’s still time to be part of the discussion at our upcoming book workshop on March 23.
This month’s gathering builds on ideas inspired by Walkable City by Jeff Speck — but don’t worry:
✔ You do not need to read the entire book
✔ There will be no test
✔ Curiosity is enough
We’ll introduce key concepts during the session and connect them to our own community experience. Whether you’re passionate about walkability, housing, rural character, transportation, safety, or simply how places feel and function — your perspective matters.
Need a copy?
A few copies are still available:
Even if you don’t grab a copy, you’re welcome to join the conversation.
Read, Roam, Rules is about making complex planning and development topics relatable — through shared learning, real-world exploration, and open dialogue. If you care about the future of our community and enjoy thoughtful conversation, we’d love to see you there.
March 23 - Kingston Library
Registration: https://kcowa.us/planningbookclub
Come ready to listen, share, and explore what makes a place work, together.
Kitsap County Department of Community Development
614 Division Street - MS36
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Media Contact: Alicia Adler
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The mission of the Department of Community Development is to foster the development of quality, affordable, structurally safe and environmentally sound communities.
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