Kitsap planners propose formal boundary‑line‑adjustment code to reduce title problems
Summary
County planners proposed a new, ministerial boundary‑line‑adjustment (BLA) code to create a predictable online application, prevent improperly recorded BLAs that leave buyers with nonconforming lots, and standardize review; SEPA comments close Dec. 1 and staff expect a Planning Commission hearing in early December.
County planning staff told the Kitsap County Planning Commission on Nov. 18 that a new boundary‑line‑adjustment code is intended to prevent improperly recorded BLAs that can create nonconforming lots and cloud titles for future buyers. "As Scott said, a boundary line adjustment is a way to make minor adjustments to property lines," Carrie Salee, long‑range planner for DCD, said during the briefing.
Staff said Kitsap is one of the few Washington counties that lacks a discrete BLA code and proposed a Type 1 ministerial process designed to minimize delay for applicants while ensuring consistency with state subdivision law. The presentation noted the county received public comment in October (three weeks), that many responses came from the health district and licensed surveyors, and that staff issued a SEPA determination; the SEPA comment period closes Dec. 1.
Planners emphasized that the draft code would create a predictable application checklist and online process, help identify and correct nonconforming lots when applicants seek permits, and reduce the risk that buyers later find they cannot build because a lot lacks legal status. Scott (DCD staff) illustrated past problems, including a case staff called "Skyfall," where about 150 lots were effectively created by BLAs without adequate county review.
Commissioners pressed staff on workload and implementation details. Staff said the proposal is intended as a ministerial, online Type 1 decision and that DCD will provide a guidebook and a checklist; technical checks such as lot‑closure reviews would be done in development engineering, and the county surveyor would be consulted as needed. Staff said three public comments were identified for incorporation into the draft language and that they will follow up with commenters before the public hearing.
The Planning Commission scheduled additional review: a work study Dec. 2 (to follow the SEPA comment window), a tentative deliberations meeting Dec. 9, and a Board public hearing planned for February, with staff hopeful for final adoption by late February.
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