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Planning and Economic Development

Poulsbo’s Planning and Economic Development Department staff are your resource for questions related to land use and economic development within the city.

Mission: To partner with the community, residents, elected officials, and private entities to promote Poulsbo’s charm, character, and livability. This is achieved through sustainable comprehensive planning, efficient permit review and processing, and deliberate economic development strategies.

Active Land Use Permits Interactive Map

PED Department News

  • Planning and Economic Development Department Monthly Newsletter: Check it out here, read past issues here, and sign up for the monthly newsletter here!
  • Permit Ready ADUs are now available! Sometimes referred to as mother-in-law unit, granny shack, or backyard cottage, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small, independent residential units located on the same lot as the principal residential unit. ADUs provide the same essential functions as a typical residence, complete with a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom, but are smaller or “accessory” to the principal unit. The Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program offers property owners pre-approved, designed, and engineered ADU model base plans ranging in size from 480 to 800 square feet and varying architectural styles. Two 1,000 square foot versions coming in October 2025. PRADUs provide reduced permitting wait times, streamline permit approval and provide significant cost savings.
  • Sandstone Ridge Hearing Examiner Public Hearing. The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday June 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM or soon thereafter. public meetings are being held as a hybrid virtual/in-person meeting at the web address and call-in number noted below and at City Council Chambers, 200 NE Moe Street, Poulsbo, WA. This call in number: 1 253 215 8782 and meeting id: 876 3593 1588 are provided for virtual attendance, in addition to this webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87635931588. Written comments may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the staff contact indicated below. To ensure consideration, all written comments must be received prior to close of the public hearing. At the hearing, the public will have an opportunity to provide written and verbal testimony to the Hearing Examiner regarding the proposed project.
  • Spring 2025 Code Amendments: Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, State Mandates, and Clean-Up City Council Public Hearing June 18, 2025. The City Council Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:00 pm, or soon thereafter. Public hearings are being held as a hybrid virtual/in-person meeting at the web address and call-in number noted below and at Poulsbo City Hall Council Chambers, 200 NE Moe Street, Poulsbo, Washington. This call-in number: 1-253-215-8782 and meeting id: 898 4841 6447 are provided for virtual attendance, in addition to this webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89848416447. Oral comments can be made in-person only. Please state your name and limit your comments to 5 minutes unless additional time is granted by the Council. As a rule, the Council will not respond to citizen comments. Written comments can be emailed to cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, and they will be distributed to the Council before the meeting. Written comments will not be read into the record. Project documents can be found here.
  • 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update City Council Public Hearing June 18, 2025.The City Council Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 5:00 pm, or soon thereafter. Public hearings are being held as a hybrid virtual/in-person meeting at the web address and call-in number noted below and at Poulsbo City Hall Council Chambers, 200 NE Moe Street, Poulsbo, Washington. This call-in number: 1-253-215-8782 and meeting id: 898 4841 6447 are provided for virtual attendance, in addition to this webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89848416447. Oral comments can be made in-person only. Please state your name and limit your comments to 5 minutes unless additional time is granted by the Council. As a rule, the Council will not respond to citizen comments. Written comments can be emailed to cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com by 2:00 p.m. the day of the meeting, and they will be distributed to the Council before the meeting. Written comments will not be read into the record. Project documents can be found here.
  • Downtown Parking Implementation Page: Click here to find more information about the downtown parking implementation process.
  • Questions about current development? Check out the website here.
  • Questions about Comprehensive Plan Update? Check out the project website here.

Contact

Prior to calling the PED Department, we offer the following tips:

1. Are you within the City limits?

  • The 98370 zip code extends beyond city limits.
  • if you are unsure, go to Kitsap County Parcel search to confirm that you are within the City of Poulsbo.
  • If you are outside of city limits, please contact Kitsap County DCD.

2. Determine if another City Department would be more appropriate for your inquiry.

  • To schedule a building inspection call: (360) 394-9882
  • For building/sign permit questions call: (360) 394-9882
  • For transportation/engineering questions call: (360) 394-9882
  • For stormwater/engineering questions call: (360) 394-9882
  • For garbage/sewer/water questions call: (360) 779-4078
  • For public records request go here
  • To file a complaint go here

3. Check out the list of land use/planning handouts and application forms here (including accessory dwelling units, tree cutting, animal keeping, fences, and food trucks)!

4. Email us! Please provide as much detail as possible in your email so that we can respond more efficiently (including an address or parcel number).

5. Call us at (360) 394-9748. Please note that due to the high volume of calls and staff availability, there is a 3 business day response time for phone calls.

 

Planning & Economic Development (located on 2nd floor)
200 NE Moe Street
Poulsbo, WA 98370-7437

Phone: (360) 394-9748
Fax: (360) 697-8269
Email: plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com

 

Office Hours

Monday-Friday, excluding Holidays:

  • Due to limited staff availability, PED Department staff is currently available by appointment only
  • Appointments:  8:30 am – 3:30 pm (dependent on staff availability)
  • Appointments may be made online or by email 

Helpful Handouts

Additional handouts and application forms can be found here

Staff

Heather Wright, AICP, Planning and Economic Development Director
Nikole Coleman, AICP, Planning Manager
Edie Berghoff, Senior Planner
Ashley Weller, Assistant Planner
Tiffany Simmons, Planning Technician
Karla Boughton, Special Projects Planner

Public Notices

If would like to be notified of public notices by email, we welcome you to sign up here to receive public notices