Port Orchard planning commission tables rezone after residents raise access, wells and traffic concerns

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — The Port Orchard Planning Commission on May 6 postponed action on a city-initiated 2025 comprehensive plan amendment and an applicant-requested rezone that would change land now designated industrial to residential after dozens of residents raised concerns about legal access, groundwater wells, traffic and safety.

The commission voted to table the entire 2025 amendment docket — which includes the applicant’s requested change from light industrial to medium-density residential for parcels near Old Clifton Road and Anderson Hill Road and city-initiated updates to the capital facilities element and the Transportation Improvement Program — and kept the public record open through the June meeting to allow written comments.

The public hearing drew more than a dozen in-person and Zoom speakers who live along Durfee Lane and adjacent private roads. Many said the principal concern is how future development would access the site, with residents saying an applicant-proposed use of an existing easement across private property could force a public-standard road next to homes, threaten private wells and increase traffic at the Old Clifton / Anderson Hill intersection.

"We are not considering a development application at this time," said Jim, planning staff, reminding the commission that the current vote is on…