Kitsap County's 'Year of the Rural' Initiative





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Kitsap County News











*June 12, 2025*

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *

Board of Commissioners to Consider Residential Rural Rezone Requests at June 23 Public Hearing

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PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Following a comprehensive staff review at their Monday, June 9, 2025, PM briefing, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners made decisions regarding 17 rural rezone requests as part of the County's 'Year of the Rural' initiative [ [link removed] ]. 

The Board unanimously moved three rural commercial and industrial rezone requests forward for additional review. A final decision for these three will not be made until the end of the year. 

Then, in a split 2-1 decision, they voted to remove residential rezone requests. Commissioners Katie Walters and Christine Rolfes affirmed the decision, while Commissioner Oran Root dissented. 

A revised docket removing all residential reclassification requests will be presented at a public hearing during the June 23, 2025, regular business meeting of the Board of Commissioners. This action could potentially remove 14 residential rezone requests that would have added up to 135 to 140 additional residential units across rural Kitsap County. 

A Department of Community Development evaluation found that the cumulative effect of residential requests conflicted with the County's rural growth targets and Comprehensive Plan policies to direct growth to urban areas. 

*Let us know your thoughts* 

Public comment will be accepted during a public hearing at the Board’s June 23, 2025, regular business meeting. Written comments are preferred no later than Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. Comments can be emailed to [email protected]. All correspondence will be shared with the Board of Commissioners. 

*Next Steps* 


* *Monday, June 23, 2025:* Public hearing for the amended docket will be held during the Board of Commissioners regular business meeting at 10 a.m. 

This decision represents one component of the broader 'Year of the Rural' initiative, which includes updating rural policies, reviewing development codes, and engaging with rural communities throughout 2025. 

Information about Board of Commissioner meetings is available on our e-Agenda page [ [link removed] ]. For questions, contact [email protected]. 



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*About Kitsap County*

"Located in Washington, ""Kitsap County" [ [link removed] ]" is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities. " 

"Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development." 

"For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]" or follow us on social media ""@KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]"." 

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*Links in this document*

County's 'Year of the Rural' initiative / [link removed]. 

[email protected] / [email protected]

E-agenda page / [link removed]

"Kitsap County: "www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]"

"@KitsapWA: ""www.facebook.com/KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]

"Website: ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]

"Sign up for our updates: ""[link removed]" [ [link removed] ]

 






Contact Information

Krista Carlson, Communications Manager & PIO, Board of County Commissioners [email protected], (564) 222-0375

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