The public is invited to attend a presentation on Kitsap County’s upcoming update to its comprehensive plan on May 3.
The May 3 meeting of the Manchester Community Advisory Council will feature a presentation from Deputy Administrator Eric Baker. The virtual meeting takes place 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom.
The Washington State Growth Management Act requires Kitsap County to enact a comprehensive plan for the unincorporated county.
The municipalities located within the county — such as Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Bremerton and Port Orchard — develop their own comprehensive plans.
The comprehensive plan is a “20-year blueprint for local policy, planning and capital facility investment,” according to a news release from the county. “It also guides day-to-day decisions of elected officials and local government staff.”
The plan “directs physical, social, and economic development into targeted areas while protecting and preserving established neighborhoods and natural resources,” according to the county’s website.
Major updates to the comprehensive plan are mandated to take place every eight years according to state law. Between major updates, the county may elect to make minor amendments annually.
Components of the comprehensive plan include (with commentary on each component taken from the county's website):
Urban areas. “Healthy urban areas that are the region’s centers for diverse employment and housing opportunities, all levels of education, and civic and cultural activities." There are seven urban areas in Kitsap County, four of which are incorporated cities — Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo and Port Orchard.
Urban Growth Areas. There are six Urban Growth Areas in the county:
Unincorporated Port Orchard
Poulsbo Urban Transition Area
Unincorporated Kingston
Unincorporated Silverdale
Unincorporated Central Kitsap
Unincorporated Bremerton (Includes Gorst; Bremerton East; Bremerton West; and Puget Sound Industrial Area)
Rural Areas. “Rural areas and communities where unique historical characters, appearances, functions, and pioneering spirits are retained and enhanced."
Housing and Human Services. “Residential communities that are attractive, affordable, diverse, and livable supported by appropriate urban or rural services. A variety of housing choices are available, meeting a full range of resident income levels and preferences.”
Open Space. “An open space network — including greenbelts, wildlife habitat, forested areas, and active and passive parks — that is accessible, interconnected, provides opportunities for recreation and defines and distinguishes urban and rural areas.”
Economic Development. “A stable, prosperous and diversified economy that provides living wage jobs for residents, supported by adequate land for a range of employment uses and that encourages accomplishment of local economic development goals.”
Environment. “Natural ecosystems including interconnected wetlands, streams, wildlife habitat, and water quality that are rehabilitated, protected and enhanced and that allow for flexible and innovative development to meet environmental and growth goals. In developed areas, the growth pattern supports conservation of non-renewable energy and minimizes impacts on air quality and climate.”
Transportation. “An efficient, flexible, and coordinated multi-modal transportation system — including roads, bridges and highways, ferries, transit, and non-motorized travel — that provides interconnectivity and mobility for county residents and supports our urban and rural land use pattern.”
Public Service and Facilities. “Public services and facilities — including, but not limited to, parks and recreation, law enforcement, fire protection, emergency preparedness, water/sewer, roads, transit, non-motorized facilities, ferries, stormwater management, education, library services, health and human services, energy, telecommunications, etc. — are provided in an efficient, high-quality and timely manner by the County and its partner agencies.”
County Government. “County government that is accountable and accessible; encourages citizen participation; seeks to operate as efficiently as possible; and works with citizens, governmental entities and tribal governments to meet collective needs fairly while respecting individual and property rights.”
The Manchester Community Advisory Council holds monthly meetings for the Manchester community on different topics with guest speakers and opportunities for public comment, according to the county’s news release. More information on the council can be found at http://kcowa.us/ManchesterCAC.
Learn more about Kitsap County’s comprehensive plan on the county’s website.
