Planning and Economic Development
Spotlight
April 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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In honor of both Arbor Day (April 29) and Earth Day (April 22), this issue of Spotlight is primarily dedicated to showcasing the tree programs the City is involved in as well as special events that are planned this month in honor of Arbor Day. This issue highlights the City’s Heritage Tree Program, a voluntary program designed to recognize significant trees within our community. This year also marks the City’s 24th year participating in Tree City USA, one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs designed to inspire change nationwide with a vision for a healthier and green America. Finally, in this issue, we showcase the City’s arborist and Tree Board member, Kevin McFarland.
We asked Kevin if he could share a few words about his position as arborist:
"I have been involved with the City of Poulsbo for over 25 years as its contracted urban forester. I helped establish the Tree Board in 1997 and we have seen a lot a changes and growth within the City over that time. It has been a great pleasure working with the Board and participating in numerous plantings and offering advise to the staff and citizens. The City has solid urban forestry program with the goals of maintaining the quality of life that reflects the community."
If you have questions about tree protections on your property, the planning department in coordination with the engineering department and in partnership with our city arborist administer the tree retention chapter of the Poulsbo Municipal Code (PMC Chapter 18.180). The purpose of the chapter is to retain trees in the city to preserve and retain clusters of existing trees that contribute to the city’s community character; maintain and protect property values; enhance the visual appearance of the city; reduce the impacts of development on the storm drainage system and water resources; and provide a better transition between the various land uses permitted in the city. The chapter has regulations that provide tree retention requirements as well as best practices to ensure tree protection measures. If you have any questions about the trees on your property or are interested in nominating a tree for the Heritage Tree Program, please check out our webpage or visit our offices.
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Get to Know the Poulsbo Heritage Tree Program |
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The goal of the City of Poulsbo Heritage Tree Program is to find and give official recognition of trees that are significant within our community, whether on public or private property. The older, more mature, trees are the most important elements in the tree canopy. The aesthetic and environmental benefit and the contribution of the trees in our urban forest is a notable element of that character.
The purpose of the program is to:
- Increase public awareness of the environmental benefit of Heritage Trees, trees in general and specifically the tree canopy in Poulsbo’s urban forest.
- Reinforce that trees are one of the key components of our City’s unique character and sense of space.
- Draw attention to and educate the public about protecting unique and significant Heritage Trees.
- Encourage public participation in the identification and perpetuation of heritage trees throughout the city now and for generations to come.
- Establish a process of designating Heritage Trees located on either public or private property.
- Encourage proper maintenance, care, and protection of Heritage Trees.
- Engage citizens with the purpose of the City of Poulsbo Tree Board and the urban forestry program.
- Recognize that Heritage Trees planted by our early settlers represent a portal to our past.
A “Heritage Tree” is a tree or collection of trees that is acknowledged and valued for unique characteristics that set it apart from other similar trees. A Heritage Tree may be designated according to the following criteria:
- Has historical significance related to a person, place or event.
- Has attained significant size in height, caliper or canopy spread for its age and species.
- Is prominently visible to the public along roads or public places.
- Has a special Aesthetic quality for its species.
- Possesses rare horticultural value.
- Is not a nuisance, hazard, or obstruction.
- This program is by owner consent. The owner, in the case of a tree on private property, must agree to the Heritage Tree designation.
If you think you have a Tree that should be in the Heritage Tree Program or you simply want to know more, please, visit our website. Click here.
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Celebrating Our Tree City USA |
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Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs, the program having its start in 1976. The vision was for a healthier and greener America with a goal to inspire change nationwide. The city of Poulsbo has been a part of Tree City USA for 24 years.
Tree City USA recognition awards and honors the arborists, foresters, tree board members, volunteers and others who provide care and attention to the city’s trees. Being a part of a Tree City brings pride to the community and provides positive reinforcement towards conservation measures in the future. Being a Tree City USA recognized city can help the city get beautification grants.
Trees give back to the community too:
- They reduce pollutants in the air like dust, greenhouse gas emissions and help absorb carbon monoxide.
- They lower energy consumption and can reduce home energy costs by shading buildings or protecting them from winds.
- They help provide shade around the city, cooling and lengthening the life of pavement and helping prevent skin conditions that can lead to skin cancer.
- They help neighborhoods by absorbing sounds from traffic, providing shade so things stay cool and potentially increasing property value.
- They provide beautiful green spaces which can improve mental and physical health and they can boost business in commercial areas.
- They help capture storm water runoff and hold water to assist the hydrologic cycle.
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Arbor Day Celebration at Centennial Park
Saturday, April 30th! In-Person, Outdoor, All Ages
Join Poulsbo’s Tree Board Members and City Arborist in planting a tree at Centennial Park as a celebration of Arbor Day. We will discuss how to choose a tree, and the care of a spring-planted tree, including proper planting technique, a watering plan and mulching. Enjoy a FREE guided tree walk prior to the planting.
Walk & Talk- Tree Talk: Spring has Sprung! (Pre-Registration Required, max 30)
Sat Apr 30 - 10:30a-12p
Arbor Day Tree Planting (All Welcome)
Sat Apr 30 - 12-12:30p
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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 are scheduled for April:
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Hawks Landing Townhomes. Development of 18 townhomes.
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NKSD - NKHS Parking Lot and Tennis Courts and Vinland Access Improvements. Pave existing gravel parking lots and repair and replace tennis courts at NKHS. Clearing and access improvements at Vinland Elementary.
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Above: Conceptual Building Design for Hawks Landing Townhomes. |
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The following projects are currently under review with the PED Department:
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Jackson Short Plat: Application submitted 3/31.
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McCarry - OMP Lot 5F SPR: Application submitted 3/30.
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MOD/Chipotle SPR: Application under review.
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Westry Village SPR: Resubmitted and under review.
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Lincoln Cottages PRD: Staff prepping staff report.
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4th Avenue Apartments SPR: Resubmitted and under review.
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Musick Multifamily SPR: Waiting for resubmittal.
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Blackmore Multifamily SPR: Waiting for resubmittal.
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Winslow Ridge PRD/Plat: Resubmitted and under review.
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Oslo Bay SPR: Staff prepping SEPA documents and staff report.
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Noll Terrace Critical Area: Notice of Decision issued 3/14.
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Viking Fuel Tank Install ACUP: Notice of Decision issued 3/21.
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Noll Terrace Final Plat: Engineering Dept. processing application.
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Blue Heron Final Plat: Engineering Dept. processing application.
Keep up to date with active land use projects by visiting our website.
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Above: Initial Site Plan Drawing for Chipotle Poulsbo. |
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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 March PED staff reviewed/responded to:
- 1 New Commercial Building
- 3 Commercial Signs
- 4 Commercial Tenant Improvements
- 25 New Single-Family Homes
- 1 Single-Family Addition/Deck
- 1 Retaining Wall
- 34 Business Licenses
- 2 Public Record Requests
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Poulsbo in the Press
Get Caught up with What's Going on in Poulsbo
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Poulsbo discusses population, employment growth
Kitsap Daily News
The Poulsbo City Council and Planning Commission held a joint meeting Tuesday to discuss population and employment growth. Read More…
Poulsbo Council, Planning Commission discuss 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Kitsap Daily News
The Poulsbo City Council and Planning Commission held a joint meeting last week to discuss the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Read More…
Ex-BI assistant fire chief to help improve Poulsbo’s emergency plans
Kitsap Sun Daily News
The Poulsbo City Council approved Wednesday to have an outside expert help update and identify areas of improvement for the city’s Comprehensive Emergency Management and Emergency Operations plans. Read More...
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...
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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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