Kitsap ADU plan sets move toward builder review; staff, cities to coordinate outreach

Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council members on Feb. 4 heard an update that four licensed accessory-dwelling-unit plan sets have been reviewed by local planners and returned to the project architect for revisions, and that two additional plan sets are in early development.

The plan-set work is part of a countywide ADU project intended to make ready-to-build designs available to homeowners and builders across Kitsap County, Kiz Prusa, director for CARESCC at KRCC, told the board. "The first four plan sets ... have been sent to the planners. They've reviewed them. They've sent comments back to the architect," Prusa said.

Why it matters: ready-made ADU plans are one tool jurisdictions expect to use to expand small-scale housing options. Board members discussed how to ensure the designs fit a range of lot sizes and how to promote the plans to builders and the public.

Board members and staff sketched next steps. KRCC staff plan to meet with local builders' groups, starting with the Kitsap Builders Association developer council on April 3, to solicit input on where the plan sets will work and how to market them. The architect has recommended a phased publishing approach: a soft launch with the first four plan sets, followed by publishing of the next two and a broader publicity push once all plans are available, Prusa said.

Councilmember Christine Stern asked whether the plan sets will work on very narrow lots such as some in Bremerton. "There’s kind of four lot sizes, and that's part of the conversation the architect wants to have with the builders," Prusa replied, adding that the two new plan sets offer more room for design adjustments. "There's room for customization ... especially with the two new plan sets."

Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler suggested that professional planners from member jurisdictions could lead local presentations instead of relying solely on KRCC staff travel. "We can also just take on that responsibility and not put it on KRCC staff to do a traveling road show," Wheeler said, adding that local planners can explain why options were selected and under what conditions they might succeed.

KRCC staff said they will pursue both recorded materials from the architect and in-person appearances, using available staff budget and member-jurisdiction participation to reach homeowners and builders. Staff identified contacts for builder outreach, including Randall King of the Kitsap Builders Association and a local contact, Judy Gates, and noted Heather Cleveland from Artisans will participate in outreach.

Board members emphasized marketing and local presentations as important to adoption. No formal board action was taken; staff will continue meetings and return with updates.