Bremerton planning commission backs 2044 comprehensive plan update, forwards implementing development regulations to city council

The Bremerton Planning Commission on April 21 voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the city’s 2044 comprehensive plan update and a corresponding set of implementing development regulations, forwarding both items after public testimony and staff presentations.

Planning Manager Garrett Jackson told the commission the staff recommendation was “that the planning commission conduct a public hearing tonight on the proposed comprehensive plan update, consider public testimony, deliberate, and forward a recommendation to the city council for adoption.” Commissioners then voted to send the plan and the implementing regulations to the council; both motions carried with six ayes and one abstention (Commissioner Anna Doering abstained).

The recommendation covers the comprehensive plan’s land use, housing, economic development, transportation, city services and environmental elements; a new public participation appendix; and changes intended to conform with Washington State requirements, Puget Sound Regional Council guidance, and Kitsap County planning policies. The package includes: expanded urban growth area (UGA) mapping; updated housing capacity and emergency housing figures tied to Department of Commerce guidance; added renter-protection text referencing adopted Ordinance 5510; increased height limits in several zones (including an 80-foot maximum for the new downtown mixed-use zone and 65 feet in existing high-density residential areas); minimum density floors in multiple commercial and residential zones; and removal of minimum parking requirements within the downtown subarea plan.

Why it matters: the comprehensive plan and the implementing code will shape where and how Bremerton grows through 2044 — including where new housing is allowed, how dense it can be, and what the downtown built environment will look like. The commission heard testimony both…