Planning and Economic Development
Spotlight
August 2022
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This monthly update is published by the City of Poulsbo Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department to highlight news and trends in planning and development. For details on these topics and the department, visit our website.
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At a recent planning and economic development committee meeting it was asked by a council member ‘what is the city of Poulsbo doing for affordable housing?’ and ‘wouldn’t it be nice if we could see all that we are doing in one spot’? With so many initiatives and discussions under way and opportunities for advancement in this area, it seemed appropriate to have all the City’s efforts in one place for anyone to access.
With that, the newest addition to our department, Amanda Negi, began the task of compiling a list of the areas the city is increasing the supply, subsidy and stability of our affordable units. In addition, there is a list of all strategies discussed to date, including strategies to consider. In short, the city is making great strides, entertaining new opportunities and determining the needs and wants of our community. Check out the list here.
Amanda Negi began working with the Department in April and is primarily funded through the Housing Action Plan and Implementation grant and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan budget. She received her Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Southern California and dual bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Global Studies from Pacific Lutheran University. Her vocational passions are community engagement and resiliency, health and social equity, and storytelling. Amanda was drawn to Poulsbo due to its small-town charm. Amanda has found that working for a small, close-knit community like Poulsbo provides for a better sense of who she is serving and why. She hopes by focusing primarily on affordable housing she will be able to help at least one family accomplish their housing goals. Amanda lives on Bainbridge Island where she and her husband are raising their three children.
This month’s issue is primarily dedicated to affordable housing and showcases the codes we currently have in place to promote affordable housing as well as a code amendment we are pursuing to expand opportunities on religious owned properties. We also have an article showing casing Fishline, one of the United States oldest foodbanks located in the city. In addition, this issue showcases our Historic Museum and their upcoming restoration exhibit to celebrate the return of the native Olympia Oyster to Liberty Bay. We also highlight how we have been partnering with the museum in the last few months on the review of planning permits and upcoming efforts to promote historic preservation in our community.
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Get to Know The Code - Affordable Housing |
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As costs in the city increase and the city makes progress with implementation of the Housing Action Plan, and 2024 Comprehensive Plan update, many people have questions about affordability. Poulsbo does have active code sections that are meant to help with affordable housing options.
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As the Poulsbo Municipal Code (PMC) defines, “Affordable housing” means housing with a sales price or rental amount within the means of a household that may occupy low-income housing (i.e. the people within the home can afford it within the means of their low-income budget). The price of affordable units is based on that amount a household can afford to pay for housing as determined by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for Kitsap County; and when the household pays no more than thirty percent of household income for housing expenses.
An additional housing option the city allows are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s). An ADU is an additional, smaller dwelling unit on a lot with, or in, an existing home. These units are intended to facilitate land efficiency, encourage affordable housing options, and provide a range of choices of housing types in the city’s residential districts, while not being deed restricted as affordable. The ADU is intended to be subordinate in size, location, and function to the primary residential unit. An ADU permit is required for all new accessory dwelling units. We offer a handout and website with additional information about ADUs.
Another way the city encourages affordable housing is to provide a density bonus to build affordable low-income ownership and rental housing. For every affordable unit that a developer agrees to build, the developer may build additional units greater than would be allowed otherwise. If you would like to learn more, please check out our code.
The Poulsbo code also provides exceptions to building, housing and development codes as deemed appropriate by the city council for housing authority projects. The purpose of PMC 18.310.050 is to provide for the cooperation of the city with the goals and objectives of the housing authority for the development of low-income housing.
There are many challenges in providing affective affordable housing. The planning team is working on methods to help increase the housing variety and affordability in the future. Keep an eye out on Planning Commission or Planning and Economic Development meeting agendas to be informed and be a part of future conversations.
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Over on Viking Ave. there is a building facing the waterfront. If you’ve never been there, you may not realize just how immense the property is and all the important work being done there. The landscaping is unique, every plant has an edible portion. There’s strawberry’s covering the front of the building, lavender as you walk towards the entrance, fruit trees on the outer spaces and if you swing by soon the blueberries will be fresh and ready. |
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There are two portions to the fishline building, the downstairs is the food bank. You can walk in, check in with the front counter to check your “Fishbucks” (A very unique opportunity for those that use the bank as it allows them to CHOOSE the food they want) and then being the walk around to check out the available options, almost like a mini-market (The local grocery stores (including Central Market, Safeway, Grocery Outlet and many more). contribute to the products available.
The upstairs lobby is a space open to the community with tables to play games or chat and even a computer. This area is also where you would fine services like rental assistance, mental health counselors and even a dentist office. People can come here to receive information about services in the area or receive assistance like a bus ticket to a job interview.
At the back of the property people needing services will find a large warehouse with a clothing “store”, food storage, a shower service, some offices, fire wood collection and storage to give to anyone who needs fire wood and a small food garden in the back. There is also a larger garden out on a private piece of land that fishline uses to grow food. Fishline’s innovative team works to provide the community with what they need.
Fishline began in 1967, this makes it one of the oldest foodbanks in the United States. Over time It has moved around the city and has operated a thrift store as well, but it has always stuck around. There is a need for services in any city, but the residents of Poulsbo and North Kitsap have given greatly. The foodbank, shower service and most moving parts of the operation are supported by volunteers. The volunteers here are equivalent to 21 full-time workers but there’s always need for more since the Pandemic and summer happenings can wear on the numbers of available volunteers. Fishline encourages anyone to volunteer and would love to have some younger generations in the mix as well. If you think you want to volunteer or know someone who may want to please reach out to the Volunteer manager, Collin, at (360) 208-0102 or volunteer@fishlinehelps.org.
In case you missed it Fishline just held their Summer Escape fundraising event and Auction. The Fishline Director, Lori Maxim, spoke with me about how wonderfully it went. This was the most sponsors they have ever had, and they raised more money than in any previous year. They also mentioned that they simply had a wonderful time! It took a lot of work and preparation. There were games, silent auctions, and other fun happenings that really made it a wonderful night, alongside a gorgeous venue. If you are sad you missed it keep an eye out for next year, they plan to move it closer to August, but they are already excited to get the planning started.
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There is always work to be done and ways to help but Fishline thanks the community for always being there to support each other. There are many additional needs for the portion of the community that is struggling but we have a good team to hold us together. Feel free to check out the Fishline website or reach out to a member of the team for anything you may need, info@fishlinehelps.org.
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All photos are courtesy of Kevin Sheen, Marketing & Communications Coordinator Fishline |
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Celebrating & Preserving Poulsbo History |
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“Old timers used to meet at the Sons of Norway – a morning coffee group. They observed that all of Poulsbo’s history was going to the Kitsap Museum. Worried we would never see it again. Started collecting our own stories and interviews. As more people were aware of the artifacts; such as piano’s buggies, etc…” (the Poulsbo Historical Society was started.) They run the Poulsbo Maritime, Heritage, and Martinson Cabin museums. The first iteration of the Poulsbo Heritage Museum was started as a soft open in 2010 and formally opened in 2011 within City Hall. The Maritime building was purchased in 2015 and the Heritage Museum in 2020 with an April 2021 opening. |
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The Planning & Economic Development Department recently worked closely with the Poulsbo Historical Society to commemorate the history of a 1904 home located on the premises of the Jackson Short Subdivision. In the process, we learned that the Historical Society does so much more than run the Poulsbo Maritime, Heritage, and Martinson Cabin museums.
The Historical Society has been working for years to document and preserve the history of many homes and businesses throughout our city. The Historical Society has been so kind as to provide these digital files to the department so that they may inform future planning and preservation efforts. We also learned that Judy Driscoll, a retired elementary school teacher who has been working with the Historical Society since they assisted with Centennial Celebrations, has actively engaged our city government in historic preservation. She wishes to continue doing so by assisting our efforts to explore becoming a certified local government for historic preservation.
On a smaller scale. the Historical Society provided us with information regarding the 1904 home located at 21554 Urdahl Rd NW Poulsbo, WA 98370. The owner at the time of application for a short subdivision, Ms. Jackson, further provided us with the possibility of visiting the home and documenting the interior and exterior of the home. This information was included in the staff report and the photos will be handed to the Poulsbo Historical Society for safekeeping.
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Working together, we were able to uncover the untold the story of this home. Prior to being owned by Ms. Jackson, it was earned by her parents, Ernest and Fay Linger. The Historical Society allowed us to dig further back to the origins of the home which was built by the Urdahl family for whom the adjacent arterial is named after. The four bedroom home retains some of the original character including original kitchen cabinetry, wood floors, and trims. While this home may or may not be demolished in the future, the story and photos will be in good hands with the Historical Society. |
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Future Code Amendment:
Density Bonus for Religious Properties
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Religious organizations often have underutilized real estate and amenities, such as parking, building structures and offices, that could be used to address Poulsbo’s affordable housing needs. Increasing a housing development proposal’s density can strengthen the financial feasibility for project applicants and developers making it far more likely that projects move from the vision and idea stage to construction and completion.
In 2019 the Washington State Legislature enacted SHB 1377, which is implemented by state law provision RCW 36.70A.545, which mandates that cities increase density bonuses to affordable housing projects located on property owned or controlled by religious organizations if developments adhere to local land use, environmental standards and regulations, and serve local needs. The basic tenets of the law are:
- Affordable housing developments must be exclusively for low-income households for at least 50 years.
- Low-income households are defined as having income less than 80% AMI (area median income).
- Sales price and/or rental amounts may not exceed 30% of the income limit for the unit.
- Religious organizations must pay all fees, mitigation costs, and any other related charges.
RCW 36.70A.545 does not specify the amount of density bonus nor the ways in which municipalities may further incentivize projects. This allows Poulsbo to craft an ordinance that best suits our community needs.
In 2022, Poulsbo was awarded a Housing Action plan and Implementation (HAPI) grant from the Department of Commerce. A portion of the grant is being used to fund a part time project planner to review and prepare a code amendment package for review by the Planning Commission, City Council, and the community at large. Staff spent the last month researching how other jurisdictions have implemented RCW 36.70A.545 and compiling a list of Poulsbo properties that may be available for this bonus. The next step in the process is to reach out to stakeholders and engage religious property owners in the process. A timeline for a draft amendment package has not been determined, but updates on this project will be provided in future Spotlight articles and on the PED code update webpage here.
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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 on August 2:
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Armour Storage. Self storage with five buildings and RV/boat storage.
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Kasniak Short Plat. 2 lot short plat.
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Stockton Short Plat. 3 lot short plat.
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Above: Conceptual Landscaping Plan for Armour Storage at College Marketplace |
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The following projects are currently under review with the PED Department:
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Northway Estates Plat. Counter complete 7/15
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Eliason Building SPR. NOA/ODNS public comments due 8/5
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Westry Village SPR. NOD issued 8/4
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Lincoln Cottages PRD: NOD issued 8/2
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Spencer Plat Post Decision Review. NOD issued 7/14
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Jackson Short Plat. NOD issued 7/14
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MOD/Chipotle SPR. NOD issued 7/11
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McCarry - OMP Lot 5F SPR. NOD pending
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Winslow Ridge PRD/Plat. Planning Commission Public Meeting 9/13
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Vinland Elementary Minor SPR. Prepping staff report
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NKSD Minor SPR. Prepping staff report
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4th Avenue Apartments SPR: Waiting for resubmittal
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Musick Multifamily SPR/BLA: Waiting for resubmittal
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Blackmore Multifamily SPR: Waiting for resubmittal
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Oslo Bay SPR: Prepping staff report
Keep up to date with active land use projects by visiting our website.
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Above: Northway Estates Initial Proposal |
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The Many Roles of PED Staff |
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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:
- 9 New Single Family Homes
- 5 Commercial Signs
- 2 Retaining Walls
- 3 Single-Family Remodel/Addition/Deck
- 15 Business Licenses
- 2 Public Record Requests
- 1 Administrative Determination
- 1 Shoreline Exemption
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Planning Commission Calendar - August |
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See below for agenda items for August Planning Commission meetings. Please note that agenda items are subject to change. Check the website for the official agenda.
August 9:
August 23:
- Economic Development Chapter Update - Workshop
- Floodplain Management Code Update - Workshop
- Affordable Housing Summary - Workshop
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.
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Poulsbo in the Press
Get Caught up with What's Going on in Poulsbo
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What's Brewing at Poulsbo's College Marketplace: Animal Hospital, MOC Pizza, Chipotle
Kitsap Sun
Primary care clinic opens in Poulsbo
Bainbridge Island Review
Kinwell, a new approach to primary care headquartered in Seattle, opened its latest location in Poulsbo July 14. Read More…
Denny’s, Aceituno’s coming to Poulsbo
Kitsap Sun
POULSBO – Plans are taking shape for a new Denny’s location to open in the former Elmer’s Restaurant building in the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center. Read More…
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Special Hours
City Hall will be closed on September 5th in observance of Labor Day.
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Planning & Economic Development
200 NE Moe Street | Poulsbo, WA 98370-7347
(360) 394-9748 | fax (360) 697-8269
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