The Director's Chair

The Washington state legislature began its 105-day session on January 13, 2025. As has been practiced in recent years, there are many bills proposed that may impact the planning department and necessitate changes to our municipal code. Below is a snapshot of some of the bills the department is currently tracking along with a brief description. The session is set to end on Sunday, April 27, at which point we will know which bills will go into effect and their effective date.

HB1818 – Subdivisions. This bill would increase short plats from 4 to 9 units, rename plats as subdivisions and make the decision-making authority on subdivisions administrative or by the director rather than require a hearing before the hearing examiner.

SB 5555 – Zoning Regulations. This bill proposes changes to zoning regulations in commercial, retail, and mixed-use areas in cities and code cities. If passed, Poulsbo must adopt zoning regulations that allow for greater building height and increased density in all commercial and mixed-use zones for developments built with all mass timber products.

HB 1299 & SB 5184 – Minimum Parking Requirements. These bills address minimum parking standards for residential and commercial development. If the state mandates reduced parking requirements, Poulsbo will need to adjust its zoning code accordingly. Examples of the parking reductions proposed include no more than 0.5 parking spaces per residential unit and no more than 1 parking space per 1,000 square feet of commercial.

SB 5421 – Small Businesses in Residential Zones. This bill proposes allowing neighborhood businesses to be permitted in any zone allowing residential uses. The City of Poulsbo already allows neighborhood commercial and this bill could change some of our current standards.

SB 5612 – Multiunit Housing SEPA Exemption. This bill proposes exempting residential, mixed use and commercial development up to 65,000 square feet from certain State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements within urban growth areas so long as the density is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

HB1353 – ADU Self-Certification Program. This bill would establish a self-certification process for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit applications. This program would allow registered architects to self-certify compliance with applicable building code requirements for the construction or development of one or more detached ADUs on residential properties. Once a permit application is self-certified and deemed procedurally complete, the city may accept it without additional review, streamlining the permitting process.

Comprehensive Plan Update:

Draft EIS - Comment Period Closes February 17th

The City of Poulsbo is updating its Comprehensive Plan consistent with the Growth Management Act (GMA; RCW 36.70A). The plan is designed to help the City meet its long- term vision for land use and growth management in incorporated city limits and associated unincorporated urban growth area.

In accordance with GMA, the 2024 Update addresses a 2044 horizon year, and considers new population, housing and job targets, changes to the future Land Use map, a fair share of affordable housing, housing policy amendments to address racially disparate impacts, and supporting investments in parks and multimodal/active transportation, utilities, and public services. The comprehensive plan is also required to be consistent with the Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), and with regional plans such as the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC’s) Vision 2050 which contains the Multi-County Planning Policies (MPPs).

This Draft EIS studies four land use and growth alternatives that include a no action and three action alternatives. All four alternatives assume growth consistent with PSRC’s Vision 2050 and the Kitsap CPPs: 5,646 new persons, 4,000 new jobs, and 1,977 new housing units.  

The City of Poulsbo is requesting comments from citizens, agencies, affected tribes, and all interested parties on the Draft EIS from January 17, 2025 to February 18, 2025. Comments are due by 4:30 PM, Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The Poulsbo City Council will select a preferred alternative based upon this Draft EIS in March 2025. The preferred alternative may include or combine elements from each alternative as presented in this Draft EIS.

All written comments should be directed to:

Via Email:

Nikole Coleman, AICP, Planning Manager, plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com

Or via US Mail:

Nikole Coleman, AICP, Planning Manager

City of Poulsbo Planning and Economic Development

200 NE Moe Street

Poulsbo, WA 98370

The Draft EIS is available below and on the project website here.

Full Document:

• Cover Letter
• Fact Sheet
• Chapter 1: Summary
• Chapter 2: Proposal and Alternatives
• Chapter 3: Affected Environment, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
• Chapter 4: References
• Chapter 5: Scoping

2024 Poulsbo Housing Unit Report

Poulsbo continues to grow and add needed housing units. The two diagrams are a representation of single family and multi family housing that were new to Poulsbo in 2024. While there was a slow down in residential building permits in 2024, 2025 continues to be a promising year for new housing opportunities within our special city! 

Planning for Housing

Housing for people is the foundation of any community. Most people identify strongly with the community in which they live. Cities that grow in number of people and jobs are the most vibrant—and the most in need of housing. To serve a variety of household sizes, ages, incomes, and preferences, a variety of housing choices are critical.

Poulsbo is a city with many assets that make it a desirable community of over 13,000 residents. While the city has benefited in years past from relatively lower costs compared to King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, rapid population growth coupled with a lack of housing supply has resulted in an increased demand for housing and rising costs. The limited supply of certain housing types and resulting cost pressure is contributing to a displacement of long-term Poulsbo residents, while also presenting a barrier for middle to low-income households to find housing.

Local governments mainly do not provide housing directly. Typically, private developers produce most housing units in a jurisdiction. Local governments set the conditions in place to encourage the market to develop housing affordable to all members of the community. Housing planning and policymaking are integral functions of cities, and essential for supporting inclusive, diverse, and economically vibrant communities. Reviewing, evaluating, and updating housing plans, policies, and associated development regulations can help jurisdictions meet evolving community needs for housing variety and affordability, as well as achieve other planning goals for land use, economic development, transportation, and the environment.

Check out the Planning for Housing Summary Document here (amended December 2024).

From the Parks and Recreation Department:

Tree Board Openings

The Many Roles of PED Staff

Did you know? On top of the larger land use applications, the PED Department staff also responds to public records requests, business license applications, sign permits, tenant improvements, deck permits, grading permits, and code enforcement requests.

For the month of January PED staff reviewed/responded to:

• 15 Business Licenses
• 3 Public Record Requests
• 7 New Single Family Residences
• 3 Signs

Planning Commission Calendar

See below for agenda items for Planning Commission meetings. Please note that agenda items are subject to change. Check the website for the official agenda.

February 11

• Cancelled

February 25

• Review of Comprehensive Plan Section 2: Capital Facilities Plan

Planning Commission meetings are held as a hybrid - virtually via zoom webinars and in-person at the City Hall Council Chambers. Please check the agenda for meeting information.