Poulsbo planning commission recommends approval of 2025 critical areas ordinance update (Phase 1)

The Poulsbo Planning Commission on Sept. 12 recommended that the City Council approve the 2025 Critical Areas Ordinance update (Phase 1), moving required amendments under Washington state law toward final adoption.

The update implements changes required under the Growth Management Act and related state guidance; Nicole, planning staff, said, "This update is due by December 2025." The commission voted to forward the staff recommendation to council after a public hearing with no in-person speakers and one brief online comment.

The ordinance package updates definitions and regulations in Poulsbo Municipal Code Chapter 16.20 and relies on a 2024 best-available-science report produced for the city, staff said. Major regulatory changes include renaming stream buffers to "riparian management zones" and establishing a 100-foot minimum riparian management zone for all stream types. Staff also proposed changing the construction setback from 25 feet to 15 feet to reflect increased stream widths, and updated mitigation and replacement ratios for wetland impacts.

Staff said the maps and goals underlying the ordinance were adopted with the comprehensive plan (natural environment chapter) and that this Phase 1 work focuses on the regulatory text. Nicole told the commission the draft incorporated early comments from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; the Department of Ecology provided additional comments that were marked in the draft; and the Department of Natural Resources supplied input on geologically hazardous areas. The city also received a detailed comment letter from the Suquamish Tribe and notified potentially affected property owners by postcard; staff reported only limited response following those contacts.

During the hearing staff noted that the CAO requirement is to achieve no net loss of ecological functions measured against the present baseline, and that best-available science must be documented in the code update. The staff report referenced "Exhibit A" to the 09/12/2025 staff report as the package the commission considered.

A commissioner moved to "recommend approval to the Poulsbo City Council, application number P‑08‑04‑25‑02, the 2025 Critical Areas Ordinance update Phase 1 as identified in Exhibit A to the 09/12/2025 staff report." Another commissioner seconded the motion. The chair called for the vote; commissioners answered "aye" and the motion was advanced to the council with no recorded opposition or abstentions during the meeting.

Staff told the commission the next steps include a council workshop scheduled for Nov. 5 and a hoped-for City Council public hearing on Nov. 19; staff also said some discretionary amendments will be brought forward in a Phase 2 process expected in 2026. No in-person public testimony was offered at the commission hearing; one online participant asked only about a minor typographical correction.

The commission's recommendation completes the Phase 1 regulatory step required by state law; Phase 2 will consider discretionary code changes that may require additional consultation with state agencies and broader public discussion.