I think it’s important as a department and a city to make our information as readily available and accessible as possible, especially now with so many tools available. With that, the Planning and Economic Development department has added two new options for our public; a map of land use permits and a new scheduling software for appointments.

One of the main things I enjoyed about studying geography in undergraduate school was an introduction to cartography or the art of studying and making maps. A simple map can relay so much information in a short period of time, while showing trends in behavior. We know there is a lot of development happening in the community and many people want to know ‘where’ it is happening. To help answer this question, we have added a new feature to our website; a map of current, approved and under construction land use and building permits. For now, we will update this map monthly along with our Spotlight newsletter.

For convenience and efficiency, the Planning and Economic Department allows the public to schedule appointments online to meet with planning staff. The three types of appointments we offer are a 1-hour consultation, 20 minute permit submittal and a 20 minute permit meeting to get general questions answered. To improve the customer experience and make it easier for the public to schedule appointments with the planning department, we have purchased a new scheduling software, Calendly. One of the features we think the public will appreciate, which we hope to soon release, is the routing questionnaire to guide the individual to the type of meeting they need. In addition, our public will receive a confirmation email and even a text if desired to remind them of their appointment. We hope that these features will make meeting with us even more convenient.

Spotlight on Poulsbo Middle School Addition 

The Poulsbo Middle School Addition would add to the existing middle school on Hostmark St. The site currently serves students with 2 main buildings, a pool/gymnasium and 10 portables. Following the demolishing of the portables and redevelopment, the middle school will have an additional 8 classrooms, a science lab, a resource classroom, restrooms and 2 new offices. In addition. the entire structure will comply with current building, energy, and mechanical codes. Furthermore, the addition will provide an internal connection from Building 1 to Building 2. The classrooms will be designed to service the same amount of students as the existing portables do.

Above: Proposed Addition to PMS

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 were held in November:

• Ryan's Roost Apartments. 18,470 SF, 20 Unit Mixed Use Building.

Above: Proposed Location of Ryan's Roost

Above: Kasniak Short Plat Proposal

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 October PED staff reviewed/responded to:

• 1 Single Family
• 1 New Commercial
• 2 Grading Permit
• 1 Existing Accessory Dwelling Unit
• 5 Tree Cutting and Clearing (3 exemptions)
• 1 Neighborhood Meeting
• 1 Shoreline Exemption
• 27 Business Licenses
• 4 Public Record Requests

Planning Commission Calendar -November

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

November 8:

• Cancelled

November 22:

• Cancelled

November 29 (Special Meeting):

• Religious Properties Density Bonus Discussion
• Economic Development Chapter, 2024 Comp Plan Update

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

What's a parking spot worth? Poulsbo leaders mull future of downtown 'streatery' areas

Kitsap Sun

City leaders have begun discussions about how to handle the future of a pandemic-era program that has allowed businesses to turn spaces like downtown parking spots into outdoor eating and drinking areas for patrons. Read More..

Poulsbo forges ahead with 'Nordic Cottages' housing project for low-income seniors

Kitsap Sun

The city of Poulsbo is moving ahead with a small affordable housing project on Lincoln Road that city leaders hope will be a model for future housing in the community. Read More…

Poulsbo votes no on giant troll sculpture

Kitsap Daily News

A giant troll sculpture won’t be coming to Poulsbo after all.

The City Council voted Oct. 5 to not go through with the statewide Pacific Northwest Troll Project, which would have implemented a giant troll sculpture at Fish Park. Read More…

Thanksgiving Observance

The Planning Department will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday November 24th and Friday November 25th.