 October 27, 2025
After the County updated its 2024 Comprehensive Plan to focus on growth within Urban Growth Areas, Kitsap County launched the Year of the Rural program in 2025 to shine a light on rural areas and the issues affecting them.ht on rural areas and the issues affecting them.
The Year of the Rural program includes three key deliverables:
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Rural & Resource Lands Chapter Update – establishes policies to preserve and enhance rural character in unincorporated Kitsap County, aligned with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map.
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Proposed Code Updates – includes updates related to agriculture and childcare.
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Rural Reclassification Requests – refined by the Board in June 2025 to remove 14 residential requests, leaving three requests for Rural Commercial or Rural Industrial designations.
Version 2.0 of these draft deliverables is now available on the County’s Year of the Rural project webpage. These updated drafts reflect information gathered and recommendations developed through the Planning Commission process. Comments received by November 10 will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
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Public Hearing – Board of County Commissioners: November 10, 2025, 5:30 PM
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Board Deliberations: November 24, 2025
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Adoption: December 8, 2025
Submit Written Comments by November 10 Use the online comment form available on the Year of the Rural project webpage to share your feedback on the updated Chapter 2.0, proposed code updates, and reclassification requests.
Provide Testimony on November 10 Join the Board of County Commissioners public hearing on Monday, November 10 at 5:30 PM to provide testimony in person or remotely via Zoom or phone. Meeting access details are posted on the Board of County Commissioners Agenda page.
Rural lands are central to Kitsap County’s identity—supporting working farms and forests, small businesses, and open spaces. Your feedback helps ensure the Year of the Rural program reflects the values and priorities of rural residents and communities.
Review the Version 2.0 deliverables, submit your comments by November 10, and join the Board’s public hearing to help shape the future of rural Kitsap County.
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Comment Deadline: November 10, 2025
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Public Hearing: November 10, 2025, 5:30 PM
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
E-agenda page / https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/eAgenda_Search.aspx
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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