Voter registration deadlines

Voter registration deadlines for the Tuesday, November 4, 2025 election.

• Online registration deadline: Monday, October 27, 2025
• Register by mail deadline: Must be received by Monday, October 27, 2025
• In person registration deadline: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

How to check your voter registration: You can confirm or update your voter registration status on Washington’s election website: VoteWA.gov

City Administrator's Vennlig Hilsener

By Rob Gelder

Vennlig Hilsener

If you're like me, you're already missing the longer days, but resigning yourself to preparing the garden for winter. Even with the changes in our season, the City of Poulsbo staff have continued to celebrate milestones in housing, parks and public infrastructure.

The presentation our Building Department staff provided to the City Council was illuminating of the sheer volume of activity that is occurring in the City. That said, I've also heard, from residents or attendees at a recent League of Women Voters presentation, the concerns about our changing landscape. I think the hardest thing to convey, and perhaps the hardest to understand, is how the City of Poulsbo is mandated to plan for and to accommodate much more density within the city limits. State law has all but eliminated single family zoning. It's our Comprehensive Plan, created with your assistance, that helps to guide that growth. 

By 2029, we will need to adopt a new chapter of the comprehensive plan to address climate change and resilience. But overarching, we are mandated to have zoning that will allow for the wide spectrum of housing types from emergency shelters, supportive housing, multi-family, middle housing, etc. The goal being adequate housing stock to serve a diverse population with varying means.

I encourage you to plug in and be engaged. 

Engaging Kitsap Episode 12: Rob Gelder

City Clerk Updates

Volunteer Vacancies - Help Shape Poulsbo's Future!

The City of Poulsbo is seeking dedicated community members to serve on the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Tree Board. These volunteer roles give you the chance to make a lasting impact—whether it’s guiding recreation programs, planning for future park needs, or protecting and enhancing Poulsbo’s trees and urban forest.

Learn more about each role:

• Parks & Recreation Commission – role description and details
• Tree Board & Urban Forestry Program – role description and details

Ready to apply?

Please complete the Boards and Commission Volunteer Application. Applications may be emailed to cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com or dropped off at the City Clerk’s Office, 200 NE Moe Street.

Have questions? Call us at (360) 394-9880—we’d love to hear from you!

Planning and Economic Development Department Update

Poulsbo’s Moving the Needle on Affordable Housing

During the third week of September, the City of Poulsbo both celebrated a major affordable housing milestone and took steps toward encouraging new housing opportunities in our community.

The first milestone was the grand opening of the Nordic Cottages — the first city-led affordable housing development. It provides eight one-bedroom deeply affordable units (<30% AMI) for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities. It is built on city-owned land, in partnership with neighboring Gateway Fellowship Church to provide parking and managed by Housing Kitsap.

Nordic Cottages Open House

The second initiative was an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Open House. While ADU’s are not restricted as affordable housing, their smaller size and placement on already developed property often make them more affordable by nature. This summer, Poulsbo partnered with Kitsap County, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Bainbridge Island to release four pre-approved ADU plan sets by Artisans Group, Architects that residents can use at no cost (as long as no changes are made). The Open House built on that effort by connecting homeowners with the professionals who can help make ADUs a reality.

Held at a local gathering spot, the event brought together a wide range of expertise: planning, engineering, and building staff from Poulsbo; two local loan officers; two builders; a realtor; a land use attorney; and a resident who had already completed an ADU project. Others joined in to share insights on modular construction and rental opportunities.

We had hoped for 50 participants — instead, the room began filling even before the event started, and by the end of the evening nearly 100 people from Poulsbo and across Kitsap County had attended. It was the Planning Department’s first time hosting a drop-in style open house without a formal presentation, and the enthusiasm and energy exceeded expectations.

We look forward to building on this momentum — perhaps with a more formal event in the future or by partnering again with Kitsap County. One thing is clear: our community is eager to explore ADUs as a practical tool for addressing housing needs.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Open House

Engineering and Building Department Update

Noll Road Corridor Improvements Project- Exciting changes are happening at the Noll Road Corridor, which extends from Mesford Road to Lincoln Road, and the segment of Noll Road NE from Johnson Parkway to NE Bjorn Street. Installation of a new stormwater system is ongoing, as well as stormwater detention vaults. Langaunet Lane has been recently paved, however it will remain closed to public access through October. Poulsbo Elementary School’s new pedestrian walkway was completed before school started, with a new 10-foot wide sidewalk connecting the campus to Noll Road, increasing student safety. Road detours continue to be in place at Langaunet Lane and Maranatha Lane. Please check our website for updates at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/noll-rd-north-construction. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this project! 

Paving on Langaunet Lane

PERC Update- After years of planning, the Poulsbo Events and Recreation Center (PERC) project is moving forward! Groundbreaking will take place in spring 2026, next to the Olympic College campus on Reliance Street. The PERC will encompass 20,000 sf with an events space, sports fields, restrooms, pickleball and basketball courts, and a playground. Phase 1 of the project is currently under review. This phase will include two multi-use turf athletic fields that can be utilized for sports.

The PERC is a collaboration between the City of Poulsbo, the Kitsap Public Facilities District (KPFD), and the community. 

College Mercantile- A new approximately 18,000 sf concrete building is being proposed for up to six tenants to lease office space in, as part of the College Marketplace development of Poulsbo. The site, located at 21795 Quickstep Court NW near the Home Depot, is on 1.51 acres of industrial land with the potential to bring several new businesses to the Olhava area. 

Oslo Bay Apartments- Work continues at the Oslo Bay Apartments site, located near the intersection of SR305 and Bond Road with water main installation from Vetter Road to Bond Road, and a new sewer line crossing being installed under SR305. Irrigation is also taking place for tree replacement at the site, and roads are being constructed throughout. Once completed, the Oslo Bay Apartments will include thirteen three-story buildings, each with 36 apartment units, encompassing 56-acres. You can read more about this project on our website at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/oslobayapartments.

Building Update- The Building Department gave a presentation at the City Council meeting on September 3rd to give an update on their department’s accomplishments and goals so far this year. The Deputy Building Official mentioned that most building inspections are scheduled within 24 hours and estimated they have already performed approximately 1,800 inspections this year. In 2024, there were 466 permits issued, and 502 permits are projected to be submitted in 2025, which is a 7.7% increase from last year. In the month of August, 35 new permits were issued for a total valuation of $1,565,688.87. Typical plan review time is approximately 4-6 weeks. Please visit the Building Department’s website for fee information, building codes, and answers to common permitting questions at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/building-department.

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. 

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 began 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. 

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

B&O tax on gross receipts collected between June 1 – September 30, 2025, are due October 31, 2025. It is the responsibility of each business to either file taxes through FileLocal, download a B&O/Multipurpose tax form (linked) or from the City of Poulsbo website, or pick up a tax return from the third floor of the City of Poulsbo. Taxes not postmarked/received by October 31, will be assessed a penalty. All businesses are allowed a deduction. Please read the Quick Facts below to understand which deduction/exemption to take:  

QUICK FACTS

• City B&O tax is separate and has different guidelines and exemptions than Washington State B&O Tax.
• 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.

• 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 October 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/

Public Works

Prevent Flooding During Heavy Rain Events 

Fall has arrived and the increased rainfall combined with falling leaves is the perfect recipe for clogged storm drains. Public Works inspects and maintains over 1,500 storm drains annually, but with over 3,000 drains in Poulsbo, we can’t be everywhere at once! With your help, we can keep streets safe, storm drains clear, and reduce flooding and property damage in your neighborhood.

What is a storm drain?

Storm drains are rectangular grates in pavement normally found near the edge of the street. These grates collect water which then flows to the nearest stream or waterway.

HOW CAN I HELP?

CLEAR STORM DRAINS

• If you see a storm drain clogged with leaves or debris, use a rake, shovel handle, or stick to clear the drain. If this does not help, report the blockage to Public Works (see reporting information below).
• STAY SAFE! Only clear a drain if you can do it safely and never remove a storm drain lid or attempt to clean a drain located in a busy street.
• Do not wade into water when you are unsure of the depth.

PROPERLY DISPOSE OF LEAVES

• Do not blow or sweep leaves into the road, ditches, or storm drains.
• Leaves can be turned into compost for your garden. Learn more about composting leaves by clicking here. Leaves can also be disposed of in your yard waste container or by taking them to a local composting facility. If you use a landscaping company, ask them to take the leaves with them.

CHECK YOUR GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
• Replace leaky or broken gutters.
• Make sure downspouts are directed away from your house.

REPORT FLOODING OR BLOCKED STORM DRAINS

• There are three ways you can use to report flooding or clogged storm drains to our Public Works Department:

o  Use the SeeClickFix App

o  Call 360-779-4078

o  Email publicworks@cityofpoulsbo.com

Here are a few reminders for recycling correctly during the fall season. Fall festivities often create a lot of waste and confusion about what can and can't be recycled. Recycle right by sorting these seasonal items correctly:

Job Openings

The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring. Click here to learn more details about open positions!

Parks and Recreation Department Update

The Poulsbo Skate Park is now open!

On Saturday, September 20, about 80 community members of all ages attended the Grand Opening of the new Poulsbo Skate Park. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, followed by music and a skate jam, and was a celebration of the community-led re-build of the park. The City of Poulsbo thanks Erik Payne and the Poulsbo Skatepark Advisory Committee, along with the numerous community members and organizations that devoted time, talent and funding to this exciting project. The Skate Park is located at Frank Raab Park, 18349 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo, and is open dawn to dusk. Bring your board and come try out the newly redesigned and rebuilt elements!

Fall Happenings at Parks and Recreation

Basketball Season is Here! Register now for the Winter Leagues:

• Middle School Girls Prep, Grades 6/7/8: Practices beginning in November, games held in December and January, Sunday double-headers with EOS playoffs, finishing before school tryouts.
• Winter Recreational League, Girls & Boys, Grades 1-8: Weeknight practices beginning in December as teams form. Saturday games, beginning January 17. Grades 6-8 will have EOS playoffs. For more information and to register online, visit CityofPoulsbo.com/Register.

The cool, rainy days of fall make a great time to explore your creative side. We have new offerings, such as Candle Making, Designing Dishes and Dinnerware and Acrylic Painting for Beginners. There are also some old favorites with new designs, such as Paint Night and Introduction to Glass Fusing.

For the younger children, fall brings the return of Rainy Day Play on October 1, plus some new programs, including Tiny Tales Theatre and Preschool Dance.

For our older youth, the ever-popular NKHS Cheer Workshop has returned, as well as Indoor Lacrosse and Flag Football Skills Workshops.

For more information, the pdf version of our online brochure can be found at Parks & Recreation > Class & Activity Brochure | City of Poulsbo, or you can visit CityofPoulsbo.com/Register to both view program descriptions and register online. Prefer to call? You can reach us at 360-779-9898. 

Spooktacular Halloween Preschool Party

Friday, October 31, 3:30-5:00 pm, Recreation Center

Witches, Ghosts, and Pumpkins too… We’re having a party and inviting YOU! Kick off your Halloween festivities with this free family event! Geared towards youth ages 5 & under, families can participate in crafts, cupcake walks and over ten carnival games. Each trick-or-treater will leave with age-appropriate candies, prizes, a craft and lots of smiles! Help bring smiles to others by bringing non-perishable food for our Fishline donation bin. 

Kitsap Salmon Tours

Saturday, November 1, 11 am- 3 pm, Poulsbo’s Fish Park

Join us at Poulsbo’s Fish Park as we explore all things salmon with biologists, local environmental organizations, and trained docents. This FREE event offers exciting opportunities such as interactive activities, guided walks, and much more, with different activities at each site. You can discover local salmon species, their lifecycles, and the role you play in their survival. Bring your family, gather your friends, and prepare your questions. Join us in experiencing this remarkable migration firsthand.