Planning and Economic Development

Spotlight

April 2023

This monthly update is published by the City of Poulsbo Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department to highlight news and trends in planning and development. For details on these topics and the department, visit our website.
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The Director's Chair

In March, the PED Department saw a welcome promotion within the team. Tiffany Simmons has been serving as the Administrative Assistant for just over a year, and during that year she broadened her duties from administrative towards those of a planning technician. For example, Tiffany began by assisting the department in maintaining the front lines by answering common code questions from the public. She is now providing assistance to planning staff in researching historic planning actions to shape our response to current land use issues.


Tiffany has a degree in Urban Studies with a focus on Global Urbanism from the University of Washington. During her studies she learned about GIS (Geographical Information Systems). GIS is essential to create maps used for visual displays of local or nationwide planning information. She is now making maps that are available on our website, such as the current projects map (updated quarterly) or the Zoning Ordinance map.


Tiffany’s willingness to take on more advanced planning responsibilities, and her ability to perform those duties well resulted in an official title changed from Administrative Assistant to Planning Technician. Please join me in congratulating Tiffany Simmons!

2024 Comprehensive Plan Update

The City of Poulsbo is undertaking a periodic review and update of its comprehensive plan, as required by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A.130(5). This is an opportunity to revise population and employment growth forecasts with the most up to date data, review existing policies to ensure they make sense for the community, write new policies that reflect the priorities of the community, and confirm that all federal, state, and local requirements are met. The next update of the Comprehensive Plan is due December 30, 2024. This update will plan for the next 20 years of population and employment growth through the year 2044.


Pop Up Event - Farmers Market April 15th


Look for us on April 15th at the Poulsbo Farmers Market! We will have information and an opportunity to provide more public comment!


Planning Commission Continued Review


The Planning Commission has completed an initial review of the goals and policies for the Introduction, Community Character, Natural Environment, Economic Development, Capital Facilities, Utilities, Parks, Implementation, Housing, and Health and Human Services Chapters. You can find those meeting minutes, videos, and documents here.


Survey Response Summary


The Planning and Economic Development Department launched the Comprehensive Plan Update story map and survey on January 23, 2023. The survey closed on February 21, 2023. Thank you to those who completed the survey! We value your input and appreciate those who took the time to complete it! Over 400 responses were submitted and you can review a summary of the results here and the full results here.

In the Queue

The following projects are currently under review with the PED Department:


  • Eliason Phase II. Technically complete review underway.
  • Stockton Short Plat. Technically complete review underway.
  • Thistle Court BLA. Not counter complete.
  • Nordic Cottages. NOA/ODNS comments due 4/19.
  • Hawks Landing Duplex. Technically complete, under review.
  • Elmstrom ADU. Under review, prepping staff report.
  • Audrey Estates Plat. Under review.
  • Plateau at Liberty Bay. Under review.
  • Musick Multifamily SPR/BLA. Revisions requested.
  • Blackmore Multifamily SPR. Under review.
  • Volk Day Care Center Minor SPR. Under review.


Keep up to date with active land use projects by visiting our website.

Above: Eliason Phase II design perspective looking from Hostmark towards 3rd Ave

The Many Roles of PED Staff

Did you know? On top of the larger land use applications, the PED Department staff also responds to public records requests, business license applications, sign permits, tenant improvements, deck permits, grading permits, and code enforcement requests.


For the month of March PED staff reviewed/responded to:


  • 27 Single Family
  • 3 Sign
  • 1 Commercial Tenant Improvement
  • 15 Business Licenses
  • 8 Public Record Requests

Planning Commission Calendar

See below for agenda items for Planning Commission meetings. Please note that agenda items are subject to change. Check the website for the official agenda.


April 11:

  • 2024 Comp Plan Update: Housing Chapter Goals and Policies 2nd review
  • Environmental Impact Statement, Scoping overview
  • Affordable Housing Targets – HB1220


April 25:

  • Cancelled


Planning Commission meetings will be held as a hybrid - virtually via zoom webinars and in-person at the City Hall Council Chambers. Please check the agenda for meeting information.

Poulsbo in the Press
Get Caught up with What's Going on in Poulsbo

State of city shows Poulsbo has much to consider

Kitsap Daily News


Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson presented the State of the City at the March 8 City Council meeting, going over each of the department’s recent progress as well as planning for the future. Read More...


North Kitsap School District eyes plans for new school in Poulsbo

Kitsap Sun


North Kitsap School District officials have begun planning for a new elementary school site off Finn Hill Road in Poulsbo. Read More...


Planning & Economic Development
200 NE Moe Street | Poulsbo, WA 98370-7347
(360) 394-9748 | fax (360) 697-8269
www.cityofpoulsbo.com | plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com