Planning and Economic Development Spotlight June 2022

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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The Director's Chair

Our planning commission is comprised of seven volunteers that meet bi-monthly on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The planning commission is an essential arm of the planning process as they review and make recommendations on certain land use applications and conduct public hearings related to the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. A few notable changes will occur at the planning commission this month. First, there will be a special, third meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 7th. The purpose of the meeting to hold a public hearing to amend the code to adjust the planning commission meeting start time from 7 pm to 6 pm. The hope is that an earlier start time will lend to increased participation, especially as we launch our comprehensive plan update.  In addition, the planning commission will be meeting for the first time in person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is still able to join remotely via zoom or to call in during the meetings. With the hybrid platform and technological advances, the meetings will continue to be recorded and made available for viewing on our webpage.   This month, the commission will continue their good thinking and provide input on the community character element of the comprehensive plan, as well as discuss stormwater vaults serving as community parks. Please join one of our discussions on June 7, 14 and/or 28 and see the calendar of topics below.

Get to Know The Code - Fencing

As the summer draws closer and closer you may start to think “Oh Geez, I really would enjoy a nice lounge in my hot tub, but my neighbors can see me”. You may consider building a fence, but you aren’t quite sure what the regulations on fences are. Well, we are here to help. Fence regulations are going to be restricted by a variety of things including location, height, property lines, HOA’s and more. Locations may be limited by wetlands or shoreline restrictions, public right of way and line of sight from the road. Property lines may be outdated, and it is the property owner’s responsibility to determine the property lines. There are prohibited fences like barbed or razor wire and electric fencing (with a livestock exception in PMC 18.70.070 P). Your Homeowners Association (HOA) may also have rules on fencing, so it is always best to check with them. Also, it can be helpful to be considerate of your neighbors including communicating about putting up your fence and having the front yard fence be no more than 3ft 6in (this can help keep your neighborhood safe by limiting ‘hiding places’). Don’t forget fences over 7ft will require a permit! You can obtain an application by calling the building department at 360.394.9735 or stopping by the 2nd floor of City Hall. Want to know more? Please, visit our website or review the handout here.

Uff Da Comes to Downtown Poulsbo!

Have you heard of or seen the term Uff Da? Uff Da is a vernacular term that originated in Norway. You may hear the term used to express unpleasantness, discomfort, surprise, astonishment, relief, and sometimes dismay. In this case, Uff Da has taken over a building… LITERALLY! We recently checked out the new mural located along Queen Sonja Vei and have included a photo for you to see.

Spotlight on Juicy J's Smoked Burgers

One of the newest additions Downtown, with less than two weeks at their current location, is Juicy J’s Smoked Burgers and it is already becoming a fan favorite. We had a chance to chat with the owners Juse and dana to learn about this new eatery. The take-out restaurant is centrally located across from the new “Uff Da” mural on the south end of waterfront park and the Port of Poulsbo. They sell 100% plant-based burgers. The name by the way, Juicy J’s is a take on Juse.

Entering the establishment, we were greeted by Juse Barros, Dana Hansen, and the appetizing scent of smoked plant-based burgers. We asked why they opened their business in Poulsbo and the answer was quick: “We love Poulsbo!” They both reside in Poulsbo and wanted to start a business here. When asked about the vision behind the business they stated that is has been forming for quite some time. They pointed at their smoker and indicated that it came before the vision had ever materialized. It was clear that the two are truly dedicated to their work and they admitted that Juicy J’s is not simply a business but also a passion. They have been plant-based for five years and they truly enjoy the benefits that being plant-based brings to people’s health as well as the planet. Also, the happy look on people’s faces when they taste their burgers – especially those who are skeptic of plant-based foods. We asked for a menu recommendation and the Fire House Burger was the top suggestion – for those who like spicy food. Fear not, as they have a wide variety of burgers including the Classic Cheese Burger, a plant-based Bacon Cheese Burger, and even a Hawaiian Burger. You can visit Juse and Dana Tuesday-Sunday between 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Development In Progress - The Sophie

When City Hall moved to its current location on Moe Street in 2010, it left a void on Jensen Way NE. The outdated old City Hall facility was unfit to accommodate staffing needs and the facility was nearing the end of its life. The building was torn down and several proposals were made for the structure that would take its place.

Finally, we are seeing a building take shape at the old city hall site. The name of the project is named “The Sophie” and is a mixed-use building containing 44 units, flexible storefront/residential units, landscaping, a new sidewalk, and a public art installation. The project was recommended for approval on April 1st 2021 and has since started taking shape. Photos taken by our Intern Rory Clark on May 31st, 2022 show the building frame well under construction.

Once completed, the building will bring more residents downtown. And will fill the gap left behind with a structure that complements the architecture and Scandinavian heritage of our city.

Unboxing Olhava

You may have noticed new buildings in the Olhava Master Plan (OMP) area, also commonly known as College Market Place. Did you know that the master plan set forth a set of guidelines that apply to development projects proposed within its boundaries? These guidelines, sometimes overlap with overall design guidelines for the city, but other times they can be quite specific. In essence, the guidelines are in place to create a neighborhood with a distinct architectural style that is complemented by native landscaping and consistency in common public amenities such as benches, lighting, and bicycle racks. We are now beginning to see the masterplan take shape as new buildings and businesses breathe new life to Olhava. The planning department works closely with developers and their architects from the Pre-Application stage to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Part of our role is to ensure that the building proposed reflects the master plan vision while enhancing the urban design, and building neighborhood character. A recent project that was very successful in meeting the design guidelines set forth by the OMP was the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Poulsbo located at the NE corner of Quickstep Court NW and NW Reliance Street. The initial building design displayed a contemporary architectural style. The two images below show how simple modifications to the design helped the project move through design review. The largest change is the change in materials and color palette. The dark cladding was replaced by stone and the simpler tan color was replaced by wood. Additionally, the entrance canopy, initially a contemporary design, turned into a more traditional wood canopy. Similarly, the roof design was changed to better reflect northwest architecture. The hotel has since been constructed and it fills a void in hotels in Olhava.  Below, this image is of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Poulsbo at the time of Pre-Application.

Below, this is an image of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Poulsbo following review and conversations between our department, the development team, and Varitone Architecture.

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 are scheduled for June: Viking Ave PRD. 62-lot single family subdivision. Strickland PRD. 44-lot single family subdivision. North Kitsap Medical Center SPR. Repave and repair existing parking lot, modify landscaping, and add signage.

Above: Conceptual Site Plan for Viking Ave Planned Residential Development.

In the Queue

The following projects are currently under review with the PED Department: Northway Estates. Neighborhood Meeting held 5/16. Vinland Elementary Minor SPR. Resubmitted 5/23, under review. Jackson Short Plat: Request for revisions sent 5/10. McCarry - OMP Lot 5F SPR: Request for revisions sent 5/6. MOD/Chipotle SPR: Request for revisions sent 5/25. Westry Village SPR: Resubmitted and under review. Lincoln Cottages PRD: PC Public Meeting 6/7 (subject to change). 4th Avenue Apartments SPR: Request for revisions sent 4/12. Musick Multifamily SPR: Resubmitted and under review. Blackmore Multifamily SPR: Waiting for resubmittal. Winslow Ridge PRD/Plat: Prepping staff report. Oslo Bay SPR: SEPA comment period ended 5/2, appeal submitted. Keep up to date with active land use projects by visiting our website.

Above: Conceptual Home Designs for Lincoln Cottages PRD.

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 May PED staff reviewed/responded to: 23 New Single Family Homes 2 Commercial Signs 1 Commercial Tenant Improvements 1 Single-Family Remodel/Addition/Deck 2 Tree Cutting and Clearing Exemptions 35 Business Licenses 1 Public Record Request 1 Neighborhood Meeting

Planning Commission Calendar - June

See below for agenda items for June Planning Commission meetings. Please note that agenda items are subject to change. Check the website for the official agenda. June 7: Lincoln Cottages PRD Public Meeting (subject to change) Public hearing for change of time for Planning Commission meetings June 14: Initial review of Community Character Chapter June 28: Second review of Community Character Chapter Review of proposed code amendment for stormwater vaults as public parks 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.

Poulsbo in the Press Get Caught up with What's Going on in Poulsbo

The Kitsap Sun's Story Walk series 2022: Curiosities in Kingston to burial grounds in Bremerton Kitsap Sun You're invited to join the Kitsap Sun on an adventure throughout the peninsula this year, and all you'll need to do is move. We're taking the Sun's 2014-founded Story Walk series on the road, from curiosities in Kingston to burial grounds in Bremerton. Read More... Poulsbo considers free transfer of Iverson Street property to farmers market, Coffee Oasis Kitsap Sun Poulsbo’s Public Works operations will soon move from a campus on Iverson Street across town to a new location on Viking Avenue. In the build-up to the move a question has lingered: What to do with the Iverson site? Read More... Sea creatures at home at SEA Discovery Center in Poulsbo after pandemic closure Kitsap Sun About 300 sea creatures have returned home from "foster" facilities around Puget Sound nearly two years after leaving their home aquarium in Poulsbo following a pandemic shutdown. Read more... Poulsbo won’t pursue affordable housing program Kitsap Daily News The city of Poulsbo will not proceed with the Multifamily Tax Exemption program after the planning commission recommended against it after finding out it would result in a tax shift not just to Poulsbo taxpayers but to all Kitsap County residents. Read More...

Special Hours On Monday, June 20th, City Hall will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.

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Planning & Economic Development 200 NE Moe Street | Poulsbo, WA 98370-7347 (360) 394-9748 | fax (360) 697-8269 www.cityofpoulsbo.com | plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com