PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – Kitsap County's Department of Community Development (DCD) has earned a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for creating the PREP Report Map — a user-friendly mapping tool that helps property owners understand their land's natural features and development potential before applying for permits.

This award acknowledges the County's ongoing dedication to enhancing public service, promoting transparency, and refining the permitting process. The PREP Report Map—developed as part of the Permit Review Efficiency Plan (PREP)—empowers applicants and staff with a user-friendly, color-coded map to identify environmental features and permitting considerations early in the project planning process.

"We believe that informed property owners make better decisions," said Rafe Wysham, director of Community Development. "The PREP Report Map gives people the information they need upfront to plan thoughtfully and work effectively with our staff throughout the permitting process."

A Tool That Puts Knowledge in the Hands of the Public

The PREP Report Map allows users to:

• Search a parcel by address and view a generated report based on environmental conditions.
• Determine if potential permits or technical studies, such as wetland, geological, or stream reports, are required.
• Use intuitive, color-coded parcel indicators:
• Red – Critical environmental areas are present on the parcel.
• Yellow – Proximity to critical areas may inform additional documentation needs.
• Green – No critical environmental areas identified.
• Draw and measure potential future structures or site improvements directly on the map.
• Access Community Development contact information and relevant permitting codes directly from the report.

"I'm proud of our team's innovative approach to solving real problems for our residents," said Christine Rolfes, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "This award shows what's possible when we combine technology with a genuine commitment to public service."

Why the PREP Report Map Matters

More than 60% of Kitsap County's landscape consists of environmentally critical areas, including wetlands, streams, geologic hazards, aquifer recharge zones, and frequently flooded areas. To support responsible development, DCD reviews and processes more than 4,000 permit applications annually, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The PREP Report Map provides a continuously updated platform for understanding environmental conditions on properties throughout the county. Critical area data is sourced from federal, state, and local agencies and is refreshed weekly, ensuring the public and staff work with the most current information available.

By providing immediate access to relevant codes and requirements, the PREP Report Map enables property owners to plan thoughtfully from day one. This early preparation leads to more complete permit applications and better-designed projects that contribute to socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable communities.

Commissioner Katie Walters, who represents Kitsap County on NACo's Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee and serves as vice chair of NACo's Arts & Culture Innovation Council, emphasized the broader significance of the recognition.

“Innovative solutions like our PREP Report Map can transform local government service delivery. This award validates our Board's commitment to supporting creative, technology-driven approaches that truly benefit our community,” said Walters.

Part of a Larger Vision: Transforming Permitting in Kitsap County

The PREP Report Map marks a notable achievement in Kitsap County's Permit Review Efficiency Plan (PREP) — a bold initiative aimed at transforming the permitting experience through innovative tools, clearer guidance, and a more transparent, user-friendly process. It reflects the county's ongoing commitment to innovation, service, and helping applicants succeed from the very start.

For more information or to explore the PREP Report Map, visit kcowa.us/prep or contact the Kitsap County Department of Community Development at 360.337.5777.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.

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About NACo

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org