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Kitsap DCD proposes administrative code edits aimed at clarity and quick adoption
Summary
April Glassman, the Department of Community Development's new long-range planner, presented proposed administrative (non-substantive) code edits including tree-canopy clarifications, removal of an unused master-planning chapter, and codifying two director interpretations covering cell towers and replacement of nonconforming homes; work study and hearings are scheduled in June and July.
April Glassman, the Department of Community Development's new long-range long-range planner, briefed the Planning Commission on proposed annual administrative code updates that staff described as non-substantive fixes intended to streamline references and codify existing director interpretations.
"We're not intending to change any meaning behind any existing code at all. We're not proposing any additional regulations. It's just supposed to be some quick fixes and some incorporations of existing directors interpretations," Glassman said.
Key proposed edits listed to the commission include: adding side-by-side units to the definition of multiple-family housing to clarify that multi-family is not only stacked units; removing a master-planning chapter the department says has not been used; clarifying that tree-canopy requirements apply to commercial uses; correcting a footnote to require replacement of three deciduous trees, not six; adding a definition for "sign face"; clarifying what constitutes a "building site" with respect to critical-area buffers; and fixing a reference in a water-oriented storage/boat-launch section.
Glassman also described two director interpretations staff intends to codify: one concerning cell towers and land division (work is ongoing with current planning), and the other addressing replacement of certain nonconforming homes — particularly older mobile homes — with proposed language to allow a 10% increase in size if variance criteria are met.
The department plans a work study on June 2 to review the draft ordinance, a public hearing on June 16, a finding of fact on July 7, a 60-day notice to the Washington State Department of Commerce, and hopes for full adoption by October. Glassman said staff will post the SEPA notice and distribute materials by GovDelivery to begin the comment period.
Commissioners asked whether the Planning Commission's role is mainly a public-process check and whether potentially controversial edits should be flagged; staff said any items that raise red flags should be brought forward during the work study. A commissioner suggested staff consult Silverdale Water for practical experience on cell-tower leasing.
