Draft critical-areas buffers and tree-canopy rules factored into Kitsap County plan

County planning staff told the Planning Commission that the comprehensive-plan preferred alternative assumes elements of the March 8 draft Critical Areas Ordinance, including a proposed 50-foot increase in stream buffers for both fish and nonfish streams.

"We are operating out of the March 8 draft where streams, both fish and nonfish, are potentially going to increase in buffers buffer width by 50 feet," Planner Eric Baker said. He added that while increased buffers reduce developable land on some sites, many urban growth areas already have associated wetlands or ravine protections that absorb some buffer area.

Baker also outlined proposed tree canopy provisions for projects with four or more units: the code would require a certain number of "tree units" per gross acre, count retained larger trees preferentially over replacements and require protection measures to keep trees healthy during construction.

Staff said these environmental measures are not solely regulatory and noted Kitsap's use of land-acquisition and incentive programs; Baker cited the county's recent acquisition of more than 5,000 acres of open space and referenced partners such as the Great Peninsula Conservancy and Forterra.

What to watch: The March 8 Critical Areas Ordinance draft and tree canopy rules could reduce developable acreage on some parcels and affect where multiunit projects pencil, but staff argued clustering, flexibility and incentive tools may mitigate some losses to capacity.