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Kitsap planners clarify Title 17 definitions after staff moves to limit data‑center loopholes
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved staff edits to Title 17 definitions for research laboratories and warehousing and distribution, removing subjective wording and adding 'physical' inventory language to make it harder to classify large server facilities under other use types.
Garrett Beaulieu, Long Range Planner for the Department of Community Development, told the commission the proposed Title 17 changes are a narrow definitional update intended to preserve the original intent of existing use categories and prevent large server farms or colocation facilities from being permitted under ill‑fitting classifications.
Beaulieu emphasized that the amendment “is not introducing a new use” and that the change chiefly clarifies two definitions: research laboratories — which the draft ties to on‑site researchers, technicians or similar personnel conducting testing or experimental activities — and warehousing and distribution — which staff recommended be limited to facilities that maintain only physical inventory on‑site for storage or transfer.
During deliberations staff recommended removing the term “regular” from the research‑lab language after public comment raised concerns that the qualifier could invite subjective interpretation. Commissioners unanimously accepted that edit. Commissioners then debated the warehousing language and, on a motion, amended the draft to use “physical” for consistency where the draft had used “tangible,” a change the commission also approved unanimously.
Commissioners asked whether any data‑center or AI‑server applications were currently active in Kitsap; Beaulieu said there were none at this time and that the county is monitoring state and federal guidance on data‑center siting and operations. The commission approved the ordinance as amended and adopted the related findings of fact by unanimous vote.
What’s next: staff will transmit the amended draft to the Board of County Commissioners and continue to monitor state guidance on data centers and related proposed legislation.
