 March 11, 2026
Kitsap County Outlines Next Steps for Commercial Equestrian Facilities
Code clarification, education, and collaboration with the Equestrian Working Group will support agricultural businesses and right-to-farm protections while promoting Best Management Practices and good neighbor relationships.
After nearly 15 months of robust public engagement and thorough analysis, Kitsap County will move forward by relying on existing regulations rather than creating new regulations specific to commercial equestrian facilities. Having identified an approach addressing many of the issues raised, the County will focus on clarifying existing code, expanding education and outreach, and working with the Equestrian Working Group to support equestrian businesses while addressing community concerns.
County staff has prioritized community outreach on this topic through surveys, community outreach, and meetings with an Equestrian Working Group to better understand how equestrian businesses operate and how to address concerns raised by neighbors.
One key step will be clarifying the Farm Stand definition in Kitsap County Code (KCC) 17.455.060. This will be done through a process called a Directors Interpretation, where the Community Development Director issues a written clarification on how code should be interpreted. This can be followed by a code update at a later time. The Director’s Interpretation will address commercial retail sales in rural zones and ensure applicable activities follow the Home Business permitting process.
The County will also expand education and outreach on Best Management Practices (BMPs) to support equestrian operations and right to farm protections, defined in KCC 17.455.100, while helping minimize potential impacts such as dust, noise, and odor. The Equestrian Working Group will assist in developing business-focused guidance materials, including information on dust suppression during dry summer months.
In addition, Kitsap County will explore mediation as an option to help resolve neighbor disputes when issues arise related to agricultural activities.
These efforts will connect with the work of the County’s new Agriculture Advisory Council, which will provide ongoing guidance on agricultural issues. The Council’s first meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
Through these actions, Kitsap County aims to support the viability of equestrian and agricultural businesses while maintaining positive relationships among rural neighbors.
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.
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Links in this document
Commercial Equestrian Facility Assessment Page / https://kcowa.us/equestrianfacility
Sign-up to receive Commercial Equestrian Facility Assessment News / https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/subscriber/new?topic_id=WAKITSAP_376
Agricultural Advisory Council / https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Ag-Advisory-Council.aspx
Kitsap County / www.kitsap.gov
Kitsap County Community Development / www.kitsap.gov/dcd
@KitsapWA: www.facebook.com/KitsapWa
Sign up for other updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/subscriber/new
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