City of Poulsbo August E-Newsletter | | | | City of Poulsbo Holiday Hours. Please plan accordingly so that we may best serve you: Closed for Labor Day - on Monday, September 1, 2025 | | |
City Administrator's Vennlig Hilsener
By Rob Gelder
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I hope everyone is staying cool during our warm summer weather. We've had some great concerts on the waterfront that would allow you to experience the breeze off the water. And they aren't over just yet. We have two more concerts as part of this season's lineup. Come experience the performances from the lawn or even on your paddleboard or boat.
As you will note in this issue, housing continues to be a topic of import for all of us in Poulsbo. We are required by the state to plan for the availability and access to housing whether that be for emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, or a variety of housing stock to meet the needs of various income brackets. To that end, the City Council has supported changing the fees associated with the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADU) within city limits. ADUs can be a wonderful tool that supports more affordable housing options.
As you're going through your daily routine, and you see something that needs to be brought to our attention. Please share information or a photo through SeeClickFix - the platform that we're using to track all of the items that need to be addressed (i.e. roadside dumping, downed signs, etc.) More information can be found here: See Click Fix | City of Poulsbo
Thanks for the read.
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Volunteer Vacancies. Poulsbo's Parks and Recreation Committee and Poulsbo's Tree Board each have vacancies. If you are interested in serving on any of these commissions, please consider applying today.
Please use the volunteer application found at Boards and Commission Volunteer Application. Applications can be emailed to cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com or turned into the City Clerk's Office at 200 NE Moe Street. Please call (360) 394-9880 with questions.
| | Don't forget to check the Community Calendar for local events being hosted for August 2025 and throughout the year by many of the City of Poulsbo non-profits. | | Housing, Health and Human Services Department Update | | Stepping up for STEP. The City of Poulsbo participates in a working group, with staff and electeds from Kitsap County and Bainbridge Island, to increase the supply of STEP housing in North Kitsap. STEP housing (shelter, emergency, transitional, and permanently supportive housing) addresses homelessness and very low-income housing needs, and planning for STEP is a state requirement. The group recently commissioned a study by ECOnorthwest to better understand the need for STEP housing in our area. Click here to read their findings and recommendations. | Nordic Cottages Open House. After years of community discussions, fundraising, partnership-making, planning, and (for the last few months) construction, the Nordic Cottages will open to residents this October. This is the City’s first affordable housing project made possible through a partnership with Housing Kitsap and Gateway Fellowship Church. Once open, it will provide eight homes for low income seniors (55 and over) and individuals with disabilities along with access to community gardens. Contact kimberlyh@cityofpoulsbo.com if you’d like to be put on an information list about the application process. Open house scheduled for September 16 from noon to 2pm! | | Cooking in the Café. The City’s Recovery Center Café transitions to a Recovery Café this fall with expanded hours, groups, and activities. We’re working on a new kitchen, this summer, that will give us the ability to be more creative with our meals and accommodate more members. Curious about the café model? You can read about it here. Better yet, stop by and say hello! We operate on a membership model, but always welcome guests who come by to see what we’re about. The Café is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11am to 2pm. Look for us in upper Poulsbo Village up the hill from Centennial Park. | | Planning and Economic Development Department Update | | |
Many of you may have noticed recent activity just north of the post office on Jensen Way. The mostly vacant two-acre parcel—commonly referred to as Poulsbo Place Division 8—has recently undergone a series of site improvements, including vegetation trimming, the installation of new fencing, and an expansion and refresh of the existing gravel parking area. These enhancements are intended to better accommodate not only postal employees but also employees of downtown businesses.
The property was acquired this spring by Kelly Clark, owner of the locally based Chinook Contractors. Combined with the adjacent parcel on 3rd Avenue, the site totals 2.11 acres. While development plans are currently underway, the owner has generously allowed the property to continue functioning as an interim parking resource until construction begins.
This lot marks the first new addition to downtown employee parking under the City Council’s broader strategy to improve downtown mobility and access. This initiative includes new signage, designated employee parking areas, and timed parking enforcement. In March, the City Council passed a resolution to launch these improvements in 2025, with paid parking slated for implementation in 2026. Most recently, at its June meeting, the City Council authorized the mayor to sign a contract with LAZ Parking for enforcement services.
The City Council will receive an update on downtown parking efforts at their regularly scheduled city council meeting on August 6. The city is thankful for the Chinook Team, especially the Project Manager, Dave Jacob and Bruce DeFord, Site Supervisor featured below.
| | Left to Right: Bruce DeFord, Site Supervisor & Dave Jacob, Project Manager | | Engineering and Building Department Update | | |
The Planning Department has recently completed code changes required by the legislature, allowing for up to two 1,000sf ADUs to potentially be constructed on each residential lot. Among other changes, they can also potentially be sold.
To help make ADU’s more affordable, the Engineering Department, Public Works, and Building Department have completed code updates that result in the imposition of discounted impact fees and general facility charges on ADU construction.
Additionally, plan review fee discounts for the use of the new “permit ready” ADU plan sets were enacted discounting Building plan review fees by 50% and Engineering plan review fees by 66%.
These code changes became effective on July 26, 2025. For further information, please contact Michael Bateman at mbateman@cityofpoulsbo.com.
| | Noll Road Corridor Project- Construction is actively underway on the north segment and middle segment of the Noll Road Corridor Improvements Project. The north segment includes the area between Mesford Road to Lincoln Road (encompassing Langaunet Lane, Kevos Pond Ct, and Maranatha Lane), while the middle segment includes the area of Noll Road from Johnson Parkway to Bjorn Street. Current work includes roadway grading, installation of a new stormwater system, forming and pouring new curbs, driveways, and sidewalks, and the paving of a new pedestrian pathway connecting Noll Road to Poulsbo Elementary School. Traffic will be occasionally impacted, with delays at the intersection of Noll Road and Mesford Road. Starting August 5th, Langaunet Lane will be closed for three months, and a detour will be in place. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2026. Please contact the Engineering Department if you have questions at 360-394-9882, or visit our website for project and schedule updates at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/noll-rd-north-construction. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this project. | | Construction on Maranatha Lane | | Poulsbo Fire Station #76- The framework has gone up and metal siding will soon be installed on the new Poulsbo Fire Station building at 19145 Viking Avenue with the site changing every day. The new 4-sleeper station will have three apparatus bays and basic living/storage space in a 6,687-sf building. This new satellite station will reduce emergency response times to the west side of Poulsbo and the Scandia/Keyport area. It is expected to be completed in fall 2025. | | Nordic Cottages- Final construction is wrapping up on the Nordic Cottage units on Lincoln Road, adjacent to Gateway Fellowship Church. Work crews are completing interior finishes, trim, cabinets, and bathrooms on the eight cottages which will serve low-income seniors in the Poulsbo area. A gazebo, fencing, landscaping, and a garden are being added. The units are expected to be move-in ready by mid-September, in coordination with Housing Kitsap. | | West Poulsbo Stormwater Retrofit- Construction is wrapped up on this stormwater retrofit project located at Nelson Park. We are waiting for grass to grow, and the contractor is finishing up a few minor items. The reconstructed stormwater facility consists of a new fence along the existing trail, two bioretention cells and one Filterra biopod for enhanced water quality treatment. This project will provide enhanced stormwater treatment for total suspended solids, dissolved copper, and zinc to a previously untreated 74-acre basin. The new treatment facilities will treat stormwater just prior to discharge near the Liberty Bay estuary, which provides crucial habitat to salmon and other aquatic life. This project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule and the park is now fully open again. We do request that folks stay off the grass while it is growing and getting established. The City appreciates the Department of Ecology for funding this successful project! | | West Poulsbo Stormwater Retrofit Project | | 8th Avenue Culvert Design- Design to replace the existing culvert on South Fork Dogfish Creek, near 8th Avenue and Iverson Street, with a fish-friendly box culvert has started. In July, the design consultant performed geotechnical borings at the project site and surveyed South Fork Dogfish Creek surrounding the existing culvert. This information will be used to design a replacement culvert that accommodates the natural stream patterns and allows salmon to access the upper reaches of the creek. The culvert design is funded by the City and a grant from the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board. Design is scheduled to be completed next year. | | Finance Department Update | | |
Water Rates
Per Ordinance No. 2025-06 water rates increased by 6% beginning July 1, 2025. For water saving tips visit www.cityofpoulsbo.com/public-works and select “Tips for Saving Water” under Quick Links.
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Seasonal Averaging for Sewer Billing
The sewer portion of your utility bill is based on your metered water. For residential accounts, the City recognizes there will be outdoor irrigation in the summer and the water used may not flow into the City’s sewer system. Because of this, we take the winter (November to May) monthly average of water usage and apply this “Seasonal Averaging” when calculating the sewer portion of your bill from June to October.
Seasonal Averaging creates a significant savings on the sewer portion of the utility bill for many residents who increase their water usage in the summer! Seasonal Averaging applies to sewer only, so you will still be billed for all actual water usage.
Seasonal Averaging begins with your June bill and keep in mind to end outdoor irrigation in mid-October; Leif Erikson Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day are helpful dates to help you remember to end summer water use.
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Reduced Rates
Eligibility information and application forms for the Low-Income Senior and Disabled Reduced Rate Utility Program are available online at: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/utility-billing/. For further assistance, contact the Finance Department at 360-394-9881.
| | Utility Billing Auto-Payment. The City offers auto-pay as an option to pay your utility bill. Have your payment automatically deducted from your bank account on the 20th of every month. Click here for additional details and an application. If you’d like an application mailed to you, please contact the Finance Department at (360) 394-9881. | | |
BUSINESS & OCCUPATION (B&O) TAXES
QUICK FACTS
- City B&O tax is separate and has different guidelines and exemptions than Washington State B&O Tax.
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Businesses who gross over $100,000 revenue generated in Poulsbo annually will submit B&O tax quarterly, businesses who gross under $100,000 annually will submit B&O tax annually (due January 31).
- Quarterly filing dates are:
o January 1 – March 31 due April 30
o April 1 – June 30 due July 31
o July 1- September 30 due October 31
o October 1 – December 31 due January 31
- Non-profit organizations are exempt from paying the City’s B&O tax, but are required to file an annual zero return by January 31. However, if a non-profit sells merchandise, collects retail sales tax, remits tax to the state, then that income is B&O taxable.
- The tax rate for all classifications of business is .2%, (.002) and there are two thresholds for exemptions:
o Exemption 1: The first $20,000 of taxable gross revenue earned annually (or $5,000 per
quarter) that is not subject to retail sales tax is exempt from the Poulsbo B&O tax via
the Wholesale, Manufacturing and Services & Other classifications.
o Exemption 2: The first $125,000 of taxable gross revenue earned annually (or $31,250
per quarter) that is subject to retail sales tax is exempt from the Poulsbo B&O tax via
the Retail and Retail Services classification. If your business does not remit sales tax
back to the state, you cannot claim Exemption 2.
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The B&O/Multipurpose tax form is for a variety of businesses – do not file utility taxes unless you work for a utility business.
PENALTIES
If taxes are not submitted on time (postmarked, received via FileLocal, a city dropbox or email by July 31), penalties will be assessed. Penalties are as follows:
- $5.00 minimum penalty.
- 9% penalty on the tax liability the first overdue month.
- 19% penalty on the tax liability the second overdue month.
- 29% penalty on the tax liability the third overdue month.
MAKING A PAYMENT
Per Revised Code of Washington 82.32.080 and Poulsbo Municipal Code 3.34.130, payment must accompany the tax return to be deemed received.
FileLocal: The preferred method for filing and paying Poulsbo B&O tax. https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/
Drop Box: Drop off completed form and payment either in the drive-up drop box located on 3rd Avenue or the walk-up drop box located at the top of the stairs just outside of the main entrance to City Hall located off Moe Street. These boxes are checked daily for payments.
In Person: Poulsbo City Hall, 3rd Floor, with Cashier during City Hall Hours: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:30pm), excluding holidays. Please note the front counter is closed each weekday from 12:15pm – 1:15pm for lunch.
Mail: Completed form and payment may be mailed to: City of Poulsbo – Cashier, 200 NE Moe St, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Ensure it is postmarked no later than the due date to avoid penalties.
Online: www.cityofpoulsbo.com, scroll down and click Pay A City Bill, scroll down and click Other City Services Payment and when the payment portal opens, choose B and O Tax under the Payment Type, enter the UBI number under Account Number or Reference and fill in the balance of information to complete the payment. Email your completed B&O tax form to: tax@cityofpoulsbo.com
Questions? Send an email to: tax@cityofpoulsbo.com
For more information, please view our B&O Tax webpage at: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/b-and-o-tax/
| | The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring. Click here to learn more details about open positions! | | Parks and Recreation Department Update | | SUMMERTIME FUN WITH PARKS AND RECREATION! | | |
Summer Nights at the Bay Concert Series
There is still plenty of free music left to enjoy this summer! Our Summer Nights at the Bay Concert series has two more concerts on August 5 and August 12. August 5 will start off with the Poulsbo Police Department’s National Night Out community event at 5 pm, and then the Fire Marshall Ventura Band will begin at 6 pm. August 12 will wrap up the series with WEPA, the county’s only Latin Jazz band.
A special “Thank You” to our sponsors! The summer concert series is possible thanks to the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor Integrity Roofing and Construction; Gold Sponsors Town & Country Markets, Poulsbo Viking Fest, and Paradise Amusements; Silver Plus Sponsor JC Madison, Inc.; and Gold Sponsors Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, Kitsap Bank, and Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. Their support allows us to bring in talented musicians so that you and your family can benefit from hearing a variety of music in our beautiful natural setting at no cost. We are so grateful for their commitment to our vibrant community and hope that you will help thank them by giving them your business!
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Summer Programs
There is no time to be bored this summer with all the fun activities we have going on! We still have plenty of room in camps, whether your child is into sports, the arts, nature, and more. There’s something for every age, including Tennis, Lacrosse, Gymnastics, Pickleball, Legos, Fired Arts and Art Explorers, Nutcracker Ballet, Nature Camp, and Fairytale Musical Theatre.
Looking for a weekly or one-time class? We have plenty of gymnastics classes for all levels available, along with dance, painting and glasswork. For fun for the entire family, try some Disc Golf lessons, or our new Pop-Up in the Park, bringing a variety of fun free outdoor activities at either Lions or Raab Park.
For more information or to register, visit CityofPoulsbo.com/Register or call 360-779-9898.
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Fall 2025 Activity Guide
The Fall Activity guide will be available in mid-August, full of old favorites, as well as exciting new programs!
For kids, we are thrilled to announce the return of our popular Preschool Sports program, as well as new dance classes for ages 2-10 taught at the Recreation Center, new Afterschool classes at Suquamish and Wolfle Elementaries, Holiday camps and much more!
We are proud to announce the Veterans Yoga Project! Experience the calming benefits of Gentle Yoga, a slower paced practice with fewer standing poses and minimal strain on the wrists and knees. This class is free for Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and First Responders. All others are warmly welcome to join with a donation, which goes directly to support the Veterans Yoga Project. Class is taught by veteran fitness and yoga instructor Delores Leverett.
The free Coffee Club for seniors will be returning in the fall, with a variety of speakers and activities, as well as the much-loved Lifelong Fitness and other programs.
There is plenty more, both old and new, for all ages. Are you on our mailing list? If not, send us an email at parksrec@cityofpoulsbo.com and we’ll add you to our mailing list and email you when the Fall Activity Guide is available. Come be part of our Parks and Recreation community!
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