Poulsbo building department reports steady permit volume, digital plan-review goals and staffing changes

Deputy Building Official Alan Chappell and his team briefed the council on Sept. 3 about building-department activity and plans to expand digital services.

Chappell introduced staff members Faye Peaslee (permit specialist) and James Sorensen (building inspector) and highlighted that the department issued 466 permits in 2024 and projects issuing about 502 permits for 2025, with certificate-of-occupancy activity projected to increase as well. Staff said they've completed roughly 1,800 inspections to date in 2025 and that inspector James Sorensen recently passed the residential building-inspector exam.

Chappell said the department's priorities are improving digital plan intake and reviews, moving toward paperless workflows where legally possible, cleaning up handouts and internal procedures, and continuing cross-training with planning, engineering and public works. He said an iPad-based field-review capability is expected by October and that the department has posted a new "Do I need a permit?" handout on the website.

Council members praised staff responsiveness and described contractor and developer feedback that Poulsbo is a "can-do" jurisdiction with relatively quick turnaround times. Chappell said the department uses retired building official Jeannie Vaughn for overflow and complex plan review when needed. No formal actions or budget requests were approved at the meeting; staff were invited to submit budget requests through the normal budget cycle if they identify tool or staffing needs.