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Planning commission reviews 2026 administrative code edits and tables removal of master‑planning chapter
Summary
At a June 2 work study, Kitsap County planners proposed 2026 administrative code edits including adding co‑living to the group‑living definition, clarifying multifamily to include side‑by‑side units, correcting tree‑canopy math, and codifying two director's interpretations; commissioners asked staff to remove the proposed deletion of the seldom‑used master‑planning chapter from this package for further review.
Kitsap County planners presented a package of proposed 2026 administrative code edits at the Planning Commission's June 2 meeting and scheduled a public hearing for June 16, 2026. Staff described most changes as non‑substantive clarifications and grammatical corrections but highlighted several substantive items that will require discussion in public hearing and deliberations.
April Gasman, long‑range planner with DCD, said the purpose of the administrative edits is to reduce conflicting provisions, clarify ambiguous language, and catalog prior and new edits. Staff highlighted nine edits and two director's interpretations the department proposes to codify.
Notable proposals discussed:
- Co‑living definition: staff proposed adding "co living" to the group‑living definition (alongside boarding house and lodging house) to reflect state House Bill 1998 and to ensure co‑living is classified as group living, not as "family." April Gasman said the change is intended to match state law permitting co‑living where multifamily is allowed.
- Multifamily definition: staff proposed clarifying that "multifamily" can include horizontal (side‑by‑side) units, not only vertical stacked units, so that attached side‑by‑side buildings with three or more units are treated consistently under county code. Commissioners asked for follow‑up on how triplexes, townhomes, and condominium unit‑lot divisions interact with the clarified definitions.
- Tree canopy correction: staff identified a math error in the deciduous tree credit and proposed a correction so the credit math is consistent with the updated credit values; commissioners asked for a future discussion about the value of retaining large diameter trees versus replanting smaller stock.
- Director's interpretations for codification: staff proposed to formally add two director's interpretations to code: (1) wireless facilities — a leasehold division for personal wireless service facilities (per RCW 57.18.040) is exempt from minimum lot‑size requirements provided other code performance requirements are met (for example, fall‑zone setbacks and avoidance of critical areas); and (2) replacement of certain legal nonconforming homes — a DI to allow replacement structures up to 10% larger than the original where variance criteria are satisfied so owners can reasonably rebuild after destruction while limiting new nonconformities.
- Master planning chapter deletion: staff proposed removing a long-unused master planning chapter that was developed decades ago for an area later annexed by the City of Bremerton. The Kitsap Builders Association told staff it had no objection to removal. Several commissioners argued the code could be useful in the future and urged that deletion be pulled from the current non‑substantive package for further consideration; staff said removal could be tabled. After extended discussion, the commission directed staff to remove the master‑planning deletion from this round and to return with more information if deletion is to be pursued.
Staff confirmed the public hearing on the administrative code updates is set for June 16 and that deliberations and findings of fact are proposed for July 21; BOCC review would follow in late summer and fall.
