Kitsap County planning commission opens comprehensive-plan work study, schedules Sept. 24 public hearing

The Kitsap County Planning Commission on Sept. 3 held a hybrid work study where staff reviewed the draft 2024 comprehensive plan update and the DEIS comment-response matrix and set a public hearing for Sept. 24. Staff said the process includes deliberations on Oct. 1 and, if needed, Oct. 15, with a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners and public testimony slated for Oct. 28; staff said the county is aiming to conclude the process by Dec. 2.

Planner Eric Baker told commissioners the work sessions are a re-entry and a chance to identify additional data needs before the public hearing. "This is more of a refresher or a reentry," Baker said, and he directed commissioners to Appendix E of the DEIS for comment-response records, noting a specific entry that addresses a submission from the Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners.

Why this matters: Baker said the plan centers on three priorities — housing, climate change and regional/countywide centers — and that staff built the preferred alternative to balance new housing types, environmental protections and employment. He emphasized that additional meetings, public testimony and deliberations are planned to narrow issues before a formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

Next steps: Staff reiterated the dates for public engagement and deliberations and asked commissioners to send remaining questions to staff contact Amanda (written comments by e-mail are accepted by 2 p.m. the day of a meeting).