February 2025

Topics in this newsletter include:

• Permit Review Efficiency Plan
• 2025 Year of the Rural
• Re-envisioning the Silverdale Regional Center
• Kitsap Noxious Weed Control: Long Lake Workshop
• Braiding Sweetgrass: Chapter Discussion and Workshop on Tree Canopy Code
• Sea Level Rise - Community Meeting #3

Scroll down for all the details.

Navigating the permitting process can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development is taking significant steps to make it more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.

“In Kitsap, we are evaluating our work through a lens of continuous process improvement,” said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. “We are committed to fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities to the people, communities, lands, and waterways of our community in the most effective and forward-thinking way possible.”

It’s About Serving Our Community

In 2023, the department conducted a community survey to gather feedback on the permitting process. Later that year, a consultant was hired to help identify efficiencies, strategies, and enhancements to better support constituents. A series of listening sessions with staff, industry professionals, and community members revealed several challenges. In response, the Permit Review Efficiency Plan (PREP) was developed to address concerns such as:

• A disconnect regarding application requirements.
• Many permits submitted with missing information and errors.
• A fragmented review process by Community Development staff.
• Limited staff accessibility.
• A lack of transparency about projects underway.

Recognizing that nearly all permitting interactions now occur online, the department began developing and refining new tools to make the process easier, faster, and more transparent for everyone.

How We’re Making Things Better

Starting this year, customers will notice the following changes:

Better Tools and Information

• A new mapping tool that identifies conditions on parcels that might affect development.
• Comprehensive intake and review checklists to help customers ensure applications are complete upon submittal.

Clearer Application Process

• Increased and improved communication to provide the information needed for complete, correct applications.
• Clear guidelines to ensure applications are ready for review from the start.

Faster Reviews

For certain permits, the department now offers:

• Two six-week review periods.
• Clearer timelines and expectations.
• Intake screenings to identify issues early.
• More opportunities to resolve project concerns with staff.

Transparent and Accessible Public Information

• A Project Navigator tool highlighting high-interest community projects that require public notices.
• A Permit Explorer map allowing the public to view building and land-use activity permits, such as timber harvest activity, with extensive search and data capabilities.

The department is also working to comply with Senate Bill 5290, which requires local governments to establish clear timelines for processing and issuing permit decisions. These timelines range from 65 to 170 days, depending on the type of application.

“By redesigning our processes and adding new digital tools, we expect to significantly reduce the time it takes to get from application to approval,” said David Lynam, Interim Assistant Director. “This is about working smarter to serve our community better.”

Looking Forward

These initiatives represent a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly permitting process. The Department of Community Development remains committed to a built environment that aligns with safety standards, environmental protections, and community needs through continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

“Every permit represents someone’s dream project – whether it’s a family building their first home or a business expanding to serve our community,” said Director of Community Development Rafe Wysham. “We’re committed to making this process as smooth and easy as possible.”

For more information about the Permit Review Efficiency Plan or other initiatives, please contact the Department of Community Development at 360.337.5777 or email help@kitsap1.com.

2025 is the Year of the Rural for Community Development

The "Year of the Rural" project aims to update and enhance rural planning and policies in Kitsap County. It focuses on three key aspects: Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update, Rural Land Use Reclassification, and Rural Code Updates.

Goals and policies related to rural and resource lands were updated as part of the Land Use Element in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update. Still, greater analysis, research, and outreach are needed to prepare a stand-alone Rural and Resource Lands Chapter.

The Rural and Resource Lands Chapter aims to define and provide policy direction to preserve and enhance the rural character of Kitsap County. This chapter designates areas in Kitsap County as appropriate for rural and resource activities, both residential and non-residential. The chapter intends to preserve and protect rural character by defining rural character in Kitsap County and establishing measures to preserve it.

The policies in this chapter will work in tandem with the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map.

Key milestones for the Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update include

• February/March 2025: community engagement
• June 2025: 30% project update
• September-October 2025: 60% draft review, public comment, and public hearings
• November 2025: 90% draft and final public hearing
• December 2025: targeted adoption

Opportunities to Get Involved

Take the Survey - Complete the Rural and Resource Lands Survey between Feb. 1-28, 2025

Attend the Public Meeting - Join us Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. Island Lake Community Room 1087 NW Island Lake Road Poulsbo, WA 98370

Stay Informed - Sign up for email updates by selecting "Year of the Rural" under Community Development.

Email compplan@kitsap.gov or visit the Year of the Rural project webpage for more information.

County Plan to Re-envision Silverdale Regional Center in 2025

The Silverdale Regional Growth Center Subarea Plan was updated as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update but requires greater detail in a completely refreshed plan for the center, including more specifics about development, public investments, transportation improvements, design standards and development code. The evolution of the Silverdale Regional Center is a key aspect of the county and regional growth strategy.

The plan will guide the transformation of the Silverdale Regional Center from a collection of strip malls and office buildings into a more livable, sustainable and balanced mixed-use urban area serving everyday essentials to residents, employees and visitors.

For more information, email compplan@kitsap.gov , visit our website to get additional details, sign up for future notifications and participate in an upcoming community visioning survey.

• 4:30pm-5:00pm Check-in
• 5:00pm-6:00pm Facilitated book club discussion on the chapter "Maple Nation: A Citizenship Guide
• 6:00pm-7:00pm Facilitated workshop discussion on topics specific to Kitsap County including the recently passed and soon to be adopted Tree Canopy Code

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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.