 July 2025
Planning for a vibrant, resilient Kitsap takes all of us—from shaping policies to everyday actions. In this issue, we highlight key efforts advancing the goals of the County’s Comprehensive Plan: supporting urban infill with pre-approved ADU designs, updating impact fees in response to new state legislation aimed at encouraging more housing options, and continuing our Year of the Rural work with a community survey and a first look at draft chapter updates. You’ll also find seasonal tips on fireworks safety, resources to protect our shorelines, and information on the final phase of the PREP 2x6 permit review improvements. Whether you live urban or rural, build or rent—there’s something here for you.
Kitsap County urges residents to stay safe this Independence Day by attending public fireworks shows instead of lighting fireworks at home.
With current drought and drying conditions, the risk of fire is high. Every year, fireworks cause thousands of injuries and fires — many of them preventable.
Let’s enjoy the dazzle without the danger. Watch, don’t launch.
Key Reminders:
- Fireworks may only be discharged on July 4 in unincorporated Kitsap, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo.
- In Bremerton discharge is allowed July 3 at 11 a.m. to July 4 at 11:59 p.m.
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Fireworks are banned on Bainbridge Island and in all public property, including Kitsap County parks, schools, and private party without permission.
- Violations may result in fines and jail time.
- Soak used fireworks in water before wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in the garbage.
Safer Celebrations:
Attend one of Kitsap’s professional fireworks displays:
Reporting Issues:
Let’s keep Kitsap safe this Fourth of July.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3 of PREP 2x6 Arrives This August
With the successful launch of Phases 1 and 2, we’re seeing real progress from the Permit Review Efficiency Plan (PREP). Applicants are submitting stronger materials, and review timelines are becoming more predictable. We’re now preparing to complete the rollout of Phase 3, which will introduce the 2x6 Review Model to Land Use permits, effective August 11, 2025.
This final phase will mark the full implementation of 2x6, helping ensure a more consistent and efficient experience across key permit types.
As PREP continues, we’re also evaluating our internal processes and making improvements where they count. One primary focus is the permit review cycle structure, which now limits reviews to two cycles, with a third allowed only for minor changes. This shift ensures that our review time is spent on the most well-prepared applications, reducing delays and helping to move projects forward more efficiently.
We’re grateful for the collaboration so far and look forward to completing this final phase together.
🧰 Need support? Find submittal checklists, report maps, and helpful tools on the Permit Pathways page, or visit the PREP website for the latest updates.
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 With the completion of our Comprehensive Plan update, one of our primary goals is to encourage infill development in urban areas by promoting a variety of housing options. The Pre-approved ADU Program supports this goal, offering homeowners an easier way to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to their properties through streamlined, pre-approved plans.
This initiative aligns with state legislation that encourages housing development in areas with existing infrastructure. Ahead of HB 1337, we removed barriers such as the conditional use permit requirement in urban areas and recently reduced the impact fees for ADUs to no more than 50% of the fee for primary homes, making the process simpler and more affordable for homeowners.
This fall, the program will introduce two new pre-approved designs: a carriage house and a 1,000-square-foot rambler, offering homeowners even more choices.
For more details and to view the available plans, visit our Pre-approved ADU page on the website.
 Year of the Rural Workshop - Eagle's Nest, Bremerton
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Year of the Rural workshops! If you weren't able to attend or if you'd like to dive deeper, you can still participate in this important planning effort.
Explore the 30% Draft Chapter. Check out the interactive Story Map for a first look at the draft Rural and Resource Lands Chapter. It includes proposed goals, zoning summaries, rural definitions, and policies focused on preserving rural character and supporting rural life.
Take Survey 2.0 Your feedback matters! Survey 2.0 is now open through Friday, July 11, asking for your input on draft strategies, rural priorities, and how well the current plan reflects your community's values.
Visit the Year of the Rural project page here: kcowa.us/YOTR
Help us build a stronger future for rural Kitsap—your voice helps shape the final plan.
Beginning in July, Kitsap County will implement changes to how school and park impact fees are calculated for new homes. Fees will be based on the square footage of the home, resulting in lower fees for smaller homes and higher fees for larger ones. This update aligns with new state legislation aimed at supporting the development of a broader range of housing sizes and types.
Why the change? The State passed laws (ESSB 5258 and ESHB 1337) requiring local governments to scale impact fees to the size or impact of the home. That means no more "one-size-fits-all" fee. This helps make smaller homes, including townhomes, condos, and ADUs more affordable to build and buy.
What does this mean for you?
- 🏫 School Impact Fee: Ranges from $672 (small home) to $3,003 (large home).
- 🌳 Park Impact Fee: Ranges from $348 to $1,559, depending on square footage.
- 🚗 Road Impact Fee: No change—updated in 2021 and already meets state requirements.
- 🛠️ ADUs: Impact fees capped at 50% of the main house's fees.
These changes take effect on July 1, 2025.
Visit kitsapgov.com/DCD for more details including the updated impact fee information on our payments page.
Are you a student passionate about the environment, storytelling, and making science
accessible to the public? The Shore Friendly Program is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented
intern to support our environmental communications efforts and help bring completed
shoreline restoration stories to life.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental
education, community outreach, and digital communications, while contributing to shoreline
health and climate resilience in Kitsap County.
Internship Description: Environmental Communications
As an intern, you will support Shore Friendly Kitsap’s communications and outreach efforts with a focus on visual storytelling, educational content, and community engagement.
Your primary responsibilities will be:
Creating project highlights for completed shoreline restoration projects.These highlights will:
- Showcase before-and-after imagery
- Highlight homeowner stories and motivations
- Summarize ecological and community benefits
- Be written for a public audience and posted to our website via WordPress
Refreshing our Shore Friendly trifold brochure by:
- Updating language to reflect current program goals and offerings
- Enhancing layout and design for visual appeal and clarity
- Ensuring consistent branding and tone with other materials
Supporting communications and outreach across other platforms, as needed
Ideal Candidate
- Strong interest in environmental science, communications, or public outreach
- Excellent written and visual communication skills
- Detail-oriented, creative, and self-motivated
- Able to work both independently and collaboratively with staff
What You’ll Gain
- Real-world experience in environmental communications and outreach
- Portfolio-worthy writing and design samples (including your published project profiles)
- Experience working with a mission-driven team passionate about environmental
restoration and preservation
- Opportunity to contribute to shoreline stewardship in your community
Location: Hybrid (mix of in-office in Kitsap County and remote work)
Schedule: Flexible, part-time, approximately 8-16 hours/week
Duration: 6+ months (dates negotiable)
Compensation: Unpaid
How to Apply
Complete the volunteer application or go to https://kcowa.us/volunteer.
Contact Kirvie Mesebeluu-Yobech, Natural Resource Manager, at kyobech@kitsap.gov to learn more.
 Coming in July, the Noxious Weed Control Program will be launching a free tool lending program to Kitsap residents to assist in weed removal! Items such as weed wrenches, shovels, and loppers will be available.
To receive updates on when the program will open, please subscribe here to Noxious Weed news, or visit our webpage: kcowa.us/noxiousweeds
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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.
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