The Director's Chair

City Council Gives a Green Light to the Timing of Downtown Parking Improvements



On March 19, 2025, the Poulsbo City Council adopted a resolution confirming the phased implementation of downtown parking improvements. The plan includes improved signage, employee parking, and enforcement in 2025, followed by the introduction of paid parking in the summer of 2026. This decision came after two years of discussions, the formation of a Downtown Parking Advisory Committee, and studies conducted by expert parking consultants Walker, as well as insights from the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association (HDPA). Additionally, nearly 20 years of previous parking studies and reports helped inform this policy decision.

The resolution provides staff with the green light to move forward with implementation, beginning this summer. Staff has worked closely with the HDPA, which hosted city representatives at two meetings this year and distributed a survey to assess employee parking needs. The city acknowledges and appreciates HDPA’s involvement, particularly the leadership of its new president, Denver Smyth, in addressing the impacts of parking on business owners, employees, visitors, and residents.

The goal of the phased parking strategy is to support local businesses by increasing parking availability for Poulsbo’s growing residential and customer base. The current parking capacity remains flat, and by designating employee parking, enforcing existing regulations, and eventually implementing paid parking, it is expected that employees will utilize designated areas, freeing up spaces for customers and visitors. The City Council has also committed to using revenue from paid parking to secure additional parking solutions.

To learn more about Downtown Parking studies and recent actions, check the following webpages:

https://cityofpoulsbo.com/boards-commissions/downtown-parking/

https://cityofpoulsbo.com/parking-implementation-page/

PED Visits the Windermere Office

Planning Manager Nikole Coleman and I visited the Windermere office to provide an annual update on Poulsbo Planning happenings. An interested and fun group of realtors gathered to learn about the code changes that passed in 2024 and those on the horizon, with particular focus on the allowance for two Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on each lot. The group was particularly excited to learn about the pre-approved ADU plans that will soon be released. The group was also interested in the many ways that the city is promoting housing choice and variety, as well as the improvements we have made to ensure the public is informed of current land use projects with our large notice boards and mapping websites. 

Comprehensive Plan Update:

EIS Preferred Alternative Selected

On March 11, the Planning Commission hosted their final joint Comprehensive Plan update meeting with the City Council. The purpose of this meeting was to select a preferred growth alternative for the next 20 years. This important milestone provided the necessary guidance for the PED staff to complete the final steps before proceeding with the adoption process of our Comprehensive Plan Update, 6 years in the making. 

Staff kicked off the meeting with a presentation on the four growth alternatives and provided a summary of the six comment letters received during the comment period. Following the presentation, staff requested the commission and council take their vote to action by standing before their preferred growth alternative which was spread to the four corners of the room.

The overwhelming majority of council and commissioners present stood before Alternative 4, which would implement the vision of increasing missing middle housing in our residential zones, furthered by increasing the density in the Residential Medium (RM) and Residential High (RH) zoning districts, and to continue supporting focused growth by increasing residential capacity in our SR 305 corridor. Alternative 3, which eliminated the RM and RH density increase, received one vote of support and no votes supported Alternative 1 (no change) or Alternative 2 (‘missing middle housing’ focus only). 

Comprehensive Plan Update:

Final EIS and Draft Comprehensive Plan Scheduled for Release April 11

The City of Poulsbo is nearing the culmination of a multi-year effort to update its Comprehensive Plan, a foundational document that will guide growth, development, and community priorities through 2044. This update has included extensive public engagement, technical analysis, and collaboration with regional partners to ensure the plan reflects Poulsbo’s long-term vision and values. While the update was originally due in December 2024, the city chose to delay its completion to allow time for finalizing key Functional Plans for Sewer, Water, Stormwater, and Transportation. Taking six extra months was a strategic decision—well worth it when planning for the next 20 years of essential infrastructure and community needs.

The Draft Comprehensive Plan Update is now set for formal review and approval by the Poulsbo Planning Commission and City Council between April and June. This final phase includes opportunities for public comment and refinement before adoption, ensuring the plan is aligned with community input and state requirements. Once adopted, it will serve as a blueprint for managing Poulsbo’s future growth while maintaining the city’s unique character and quality of life.

​As part of this process, the City will also release the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). This Final EIS will incorporate feedback from the Draft EIS, which was open for public comment from January 17 to February 18, 2025. The Final EIS is a comprehensive document that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a proposed plan, project, or policy—in this case, Poulsbo’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan update. Required under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), the Final EIS examines how different development scenarios could affect areas such as land use, transportation, natural resources, and public services. It responds to public and agency comments received during the Draft EIS phase, refines the analysis, and identifies a preferred alternative. Ultimately, the Final EIS helps decision-makers and the public understand the environmental trade-offs before the plan is adopted.

Spring Cleanup: Guidelines for Tree Cutting and Clearing After Winter Storms

As spring arrives in Poulsbo, residents are eager to restore their properties following the harsh winter storms that have left many trees damaged or downed. Understanding the local regulations for tree cutting and clearing is essential to ensure safety and compliance with city ordinances.

Understanding Tree Cutting and Clearing Regulations in Poulsbo

The City of Poulsbo has established specific guidelines under Chapter 15.35 of the Poulsbo Municipal Code to regulate tree removal and land clearing activities. These regulations aim to maintain the city's wooded character, protect its urban forest, and manage land alteration responsibly.​

When Is a Permit Required?

A tree cutting and clearing permit is generally required for activities that involve:​

• Removing or cutting trees on developed, partially developed, or undeveloped lots where the total area disturbed exceeds 7,000 square feet per calendar year.​
• Full site tree clearing, which is permitted only after obtaining a land use development permit.
• Tree removal associated with developing property for substantial permanent improvements such as buildings, streets, or utilities.​

For detailed information on activities requiring a permit, refer to Section 15.35.060 of the Poulsbo Municipal Code.

Exemptions from Permit Requirements

Certain activities are exempt from requiring a tree cutting and clearing permit, including:​

• Routine Maintenance: Normal upkeep of existing landscaping, such as mowing lawns, pruning shrubs, and gardening.
• Limited Disturbance: Tree removal or cutting on properties where the total disturbed area is 7,000 square feet or less per calendar year.​
• Weather-Damaged Trees: Removal of trees damaged during weather events like windstorms.
• Emergency Situations: Immediate removal of trees that pose an imminent danger to life or property.
• Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees: Elimination of trees that are dead, dying, or deemed hazardous.​

It's important to note that while these activities may be exempt from permit requirements, they must still comply with other applicable regulations, such as critical area protections or homeowner association rules. For a comprehensive list of exemptions, see Section 15.35.070 of the Poulsbo Municipal Code

Tree Cutting and Clearing Exemption Form

Even when a permit is not required, property owners may need to submit a Tree Cutting and Clearing Exemption Form to the City of Poulsbo. This form serves to document the planned activities and confirm that they meet the criteria for exemption. The exemption form requires details such as:​

• A site plan depicting the location of the proposed tree cutting and clearing.​
• An arborist report, if necessary.​

The form also includes questions to determine the nature of the clearing, such as whether it is associated with commercial timber harvesting or if any trees have been removed earlier in the calendar year. The exemption, once approved, is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Property owners can access the exemption form on the City of Poulsbo's official website.

Compliance and Best Practices

Adhering to local regulations is crucial to avoid potential violations, which can result in penalties and the requirement to restore affected areas. Property owners are encouraged to consult with the City of Poulsbo's Planning and Economic Development Department before initiating any tree removal or land clearing activities. This ensures that all actions are in compliance with city codes and helps preserve the natural environment that defines Poulsbo's charm.

By understanding and following these guidelines, residents can effectively clean up their properties after winter storms while contributing to the conservation and beauty of Poulsbo's urban forest.

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. The following pre-app conferences were held in March:

• Figgis Planned Residential Development. 23 single-family dwellings.
• Johnson Forest PRD - 2nd Pre-App. 160 single-family dwellings.

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 March PED staff reviewed/responded to:

• 31 Business Licenses
• 5 Public Record Requests
• 7 New Single Family Residences
• 1 Sign
• 1 Tree Cutting and Clearing Exemption

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.

April 8

• Cancelled

April 22

• Public Meeting: Kitsap Transit Maintenance Facility
• Workshop: Revised Development Regulations Amendments
• Workshop: Comprehensive Plan Update full document 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.