Port Orchard staff propose shifting final‑plat approvals to administrative track to cut delays

Jim Busk, the city’s principal planner, told the Land Use Committee the proposed amendments would align city code with state law and “create an administrative pathway for approval.” He said final plats currently require a public hearing and council action “even though all improvements have already been completed and reviewed under the preliminary plat and land disturbing activity permit.”

Busk said the change is intended to reduce redundancy and uncertainty: “At this stage, the question is simply whether the conditions have been met. So, another hearing adds redundancy and uncertainty.” He told the committee the red‑line draft in the packet is the same version reviewed by the Planning Commission, which indicated support.

Community Development Director Nick Bond confirmed the staff plan is to present the amendments to the Planning Commission for a noticed public hearing in May, then return an ordinance to the City Council “by late May or the beginning of June.” Committee members expressed broad support for the concept as a way to improve predictability for applicants.

One committee member noted precedent in county practice and said the change could remove delays that arise when final‑plat timing depends on another authority. Staff emphasized the change would apply only when all technical conditions are satisfied; it would not remove substantive review of improvements.

What’s next: staff will pursue the SEPA determination and other department notifications, present the proposal at a Planning Commission hearing in May, and return a final ordinance to the Council for consideration in late May or early June.