Kitsap County details implementation plan for new boundary line adjustment code

Kitsap County long-range planner Garrett Beaulieu told the Planning Commission that the county adopted a Boundary Line Adjustment ordinance on June 22 that creates a new code section to standardize reviews before recordation. "01/01/2027 is when this ordinance will become effective," Beaulieu said.

The ordinance (presented in the briefing as Ordinance 647-2026) establishes review criteria in a new Title 16, section 16.64, and introduces two parallel review paths: a traditional permit process and a new over-the-counter review for simple BLAs—defined in the presentation as adjustments involving only two parcels and a single line movement. Beaulieu said the over-the-counter option is intended to make non-complex adjustments "quick, easy, and simple" and to prevent property owners from unknowingly creating unbuildable lots.

On implementation, Beaulieu described operational steps: finalize application materials (checklists, cover sheets), update a one-stop BLA web page, prepare public guidance and brochures, and conduct staff training and interagency coordination with current planning, the health district, and the auditor's office. He said staff are targeting early December to have implementation materials available so the January effective date will be workable for applicants.

Commissioners asked timing and applicability questions; Beaulieu clarified that BLAs submitted before Jan. 1 will be reviewed under the prior code but remain subject to legal lot review if issues emerge later. He also said a proof-of-sale policy will allow prioritization of reviews for BLAs tied to property sales.