The Director's Chair

Rory Returns!

The PED Department has the privilege to bring back Rory Clark as our late summer and 2023-2024 school year intern. Rory interned for us last summer where he worked with historical records and researched various planning initiatives such as historic preservation. This summer, he will be researching other jurisdictions that have successfully administered an Accessory Dwelling Unit program to prepare us for adoption and implementation of HB 1337. Rory will also be supporting our 2024 Comp Plan efforts by assisting in research, writing and photography. 

Rory will enter his senior year at Kingston High School in the fall. His time with the City has furthered his interest and curiosity in the world of planning and development of cities. “I enjoy learning and thinking about all of the topics surrounding planning and being here has really helped me expand more on it!” He hopes to attend a university with a major in Urban Studies. 

New Type of Project Review to Bring Affordable Housing to Poulsbo

Senior Planner, Nikole Coleman, brought forth the first project to utilize PMC 18.310.050, Exceptions for Housing Authorities. This section allows exceptions to the zoning code to provide for affordable housing and is supported by RCW 35.83.010, Housing Cooperation Law. The purpose of this Law was to “provide for the cooperation of the city with the goals and objectives of the housing authority for the development of low-income housing.”

The proposal from Housing Kitsap, working in partnership with the City of Poulsbo and Gateway Fellowship, is to build two duplexes providing a total of eight, deeply affordable permanent housing units on the city owned property known as “the triangle.” The Planning Commission provided a unanimous recommendation of approval with exceptions to allow multifamily as a permitted use, to increase the density, reduce the front yard setback and parking requirements. A final decision will be made by the city council at a public hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, August 16.

The Nordic Cottages City Council Public Hearing is scheduled for August 16, 2023. You can find more information here.

Above: Building Design Perspective

Above: City owned "Triangle Property"

2024 Comprehensive Plan Update

The City of Poulsbo is undertaking a periodic review and update of its comprehensive plan, as required by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A.130(5). This is an opportunity to revise population and employment growth forecasts with the most up to date data, review existing policies to ensure they make sense for the community, write new policies that reflect the priorities of the community, and confirm that all federal, state, and local requirements are met. The next update of the Comprehensive Plan is due December 30, 2024. This update will plan for the next 20 years of population and employment growth through the year 2044.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:

• August 8: Planning Commission Meeting 6pm
• August 12: Find us at the Poulsbo Farmers Market
• August 15: Find us at Summary Nights at the Bay
• August 29: Planning Commission Meeting 6pm
• August 30: Find us at the Poulsbo Library from 4:30-6:30pm

Above: PED Department Staff at the July 18th Summer Nights at the Bay.

Washington By and By

A Community Planning Graphic Novel

Washington, By and By, is an educational graphic novel about community planning illustrating how empowered teens can engage and shape the future of their state. The 48-page story follows the adventures of four diverse Washington teens as they grapple with the complex issues of development, equity, displacement, and preservation in their communities. The novel encourages readers to examine some critical questions about planning and growth management: How does planning happen? Why does it matter? And what is the role and responsibility of youth in shaping where they live – now and in the future?

Washington, By and By is free to download and was funded by the APA Washington Chapter and numerous Kickstarter backers.

Pre-Production

A Pre-Application Conference is a meeting between a project team and staff conducted prior to the submission of a detailed application. Nearly all projects change after the pre-application conference and prior to application submittal. Typically, projects at this stage are very preliminary. Dates, fees, and application forms for pre-application conferences can be found here. 

The following pre-app conferences are from July and August:

• Armor Storage Master Plan Amendment. Amendment to the OMP to allow additional square footage in the Business Park zone.
• Pugh Rd PRD. Preliminary subdivision/PRD.
• Viking Settlement. 52 attached multifamily units.
• Santa Lucia. 4 Units of Commercial under 20 Units of Multi-Family,
• Poulsbo Assemblage. Preliminary subdivision/PRD.

Above: Santa Lucia Conceptual Design.

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 July PED staff reviewed/responded to:

• 22 New Single Family Homes
• 15 Business Licenses
• 6 Public Record Requests

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.

August 8:

• Comprehensive Plan Land Use Chapter Goal and Policy Review

Aug 29:

• Comprehensive Plan Utilities Full Chapter Review
• Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities Full Chapter Review
• Comprehensive Plan Parks, Rec, and Open Space Full Chapter Review

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.