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) . The GMA sets forth that Kitsap County and its cities should review and revise, if needed, their comprehensive plans to ensure the plan complies with GMA requirements. The GMA requires state and local governments to manage Washington’s growth by identifying and protecting critical areas and natural resource lands, designating urban growth areas, preparing comprehensive plans, and implementing them through capital investments and development regulations. This approach to growth management is unique among states. Rather than centralize planning and decision-making at the state level, the GMA is built on Washington’s strong traditions of local government control and regional diversity. The GMA establishes state goals, sets deadlines, and offers direction on how to prepare local comprehensive plans, and sets forth requirements for early and continuous public participation.
Accommodating and Planning for Growth
The periodic update must plan to accommodate a portion of the overall growth (population, employment, and housing) that is forecast for the Central Puget Sound region (i.e. Kitsap, Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties). Growth allocations are determined through a regional process coordinated through the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC). The City actively participates in both coordination organizations. Within the context of this regional allocation process, local jurisdictions adopt 2044 growth targets that will be used as the basis for their periodic updates.
Poulsbo is required to plan for the following 2044 targets:
- Population: 5,646 new residents
- Employment: 4,000 new jobs
- Housing: 1,977 new housing units
Engagement Opportunities:
- May 13: Planning Commission Public Hearing for Development Regulations and Draft Comprehensive Plan (subject to change)
- June 4: City Council Workshop for Development Regulations and Draft Comprehensive Plan (subject to change)
- June 18: City Council Public Hearing for Development Regulations and Draft Comprehensive Plan (subject to change)
Note: Summary of Public Engagement Opportunities (updated August 2024)
Planning for Housing
Housing for people is the foundation of any community. Most people identify strongly with the community in which they live. Cities that grow in number of people and jobs are the most vibrant—and the most in need of housing. To serve a variety of household sizes, ages, incomes, and preferences, a variety of housing choices are critical.
Poulsbo is a city with many assets that make it a desirable community of over 13,000 residents. While the city has benefited in years past from relatively lower costs compared to King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, rapid population growth coupled with a lack of housing supply has resulted in an increased demand for housing and rising costs. The limited supply of certain housing types and resulting cost pressure is contributing to a displacement of long-term Poulsbo residents, while also presenting a barrier for middle to low-income households to find housing.
Local governments mainly do not provide housing directly. Typically, private developers produce most housing units in a jurisdiction. Local governments set the conditions in place to encourage the market to develop housing affordable to all members of the community. Housing planning and policymaking are integral functions of cities, and essential for supporting inclusive, diverse, and economically vibrant communities. Reviewing, evaluating, and updating housing plans, policies, and associated development regulations can help jurisdictions meet evolving community needs for housing variety and affordability, as well as achieve other planning goals for land use, economic development, transportation, and the environment.
Check out the Planning for Housing Summary Document here (amended December 2024).
Project Documents
City Council Review and Approval
June 4, 2025: City Council Workshop
- City Council Workshop Memo
- Section 1: Policy Document (Full Chapters 1-12, Clean Copy)
- Chapter 1: Introduction Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 2: Land Use Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 3: Community Character Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 4: Transportation Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 5: Natural Environment Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 6: Capital Facilities Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 7: Housing Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 8: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 9: Economic Development Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 10: Utilities Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 11: Health and Human Services Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 12: Participation, Evaluation and Implementation Strikethrough/underline
Section 2: Capital Facilities Plan/Chapter 13
Section 3: Appendices
- Appendix A.1: Housing Needs Assessment
- Appendix A.2: Land Use Inventory
- Appendix A.3: Racially Disparate Impacts Review
- Appendix A.4: Housing Land Capacity and Adequate Provisions
- Appendix A.5: Land Development and Review Evaluation
- Appendix B.1: 2024 Water System Plan
- Appendix B.2: 2024 General Sewer Plan
- Appendix B.3: 2025 Stormwater Management Plan
- Appendix B.4a: 2024 Transportation Comprehensive Plan
- Appendix B.4b: 2024 Poulsbo Complete Streets Plan
- Appendix B.5: 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
- Appendix B.6: 2018 Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Appendix B.7: Solid Waste Utility Plan
- Appendix B.8: Poulsbo Fire Department 2024-2044 Capital Facility Plan
- Appendix C.1: Public Participation Plan
- Appendix C.2: Summary of Public Participation
- Appendix D.1: References
- Appendix D.2: Map Definitions and Citations
Maps:
- Figure LU-1: 2044 Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- Figure TR-1: WSDOT Functional Street Classification
- Figure TR-2: Complete Streets Typology
- Figure TR-3: 2044 New Roadway Segments
- Figure TR-4: Active Transportation
- Figure NE-1: Hydric Soils and Delineated Wetlands
- Figure NE-2: Critical Aquifer Critical Area
- Figure NE-3: Potential Geological Hazard Areas
- Figure NE-4: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
- Figure NE-5: Shoreline Master Program
- Figure PRO-1: Citywide Parks and Open Space
- Figure PRO-2: 2044 Park Development and Land Acquisition Goals
- Figure PRO-3: Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Figure UT-1: City Managed Utilities
- Public Comments Received Prior to May 14, 2025
June 18, 2025: City Council Public Hearing
Planning Commission Review and Recommendation
May 13, 2025 – Planning Commission Public Hearing
- Planning Commission Findings of Fact, Conclusion and Recommendation
- Meeting Video and Minutes
- Notice of Public Hearing (including attendance information)
- Staff Report
- Exhibit A: Section 1: Policy Document (Full Chapters 1-12, Clean Copy)
- Chapter 1: Introduction Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 2: Land Use Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 3: Community Character Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 4: Transportation Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 5: Natural Environment Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 6: Capital Facilities Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 7: Housing Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 8: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 9: Economic Development Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 10: Utilities Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 11: Health and Human Services Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 12: Participation, Evaluation and Implementation Strikethrough/underline
Section 2: Capital Facilities Plan/Chapter 13
Section 3: Appendices
- Appendix A.1: Housing Needs Assessment
- Appendix A.2: Land Use Inventory
- Appendix A.3: Racially Disparate Impacts Review
- Appendix A.4: Housing Land Capacity and Adequate Provisions
- Appendix A.5: Land Development and Review Evaluation
- Appendix B.1: 2024 Water System Plan
- Appendix B.2: 2024 General Sewer Plan
- Appendix B.3: 2025 Stormwater Management Plan
- Appendix B.4a: 2024 Transportation Comprehensive Plan
- Appendix B.4b: 2024 Poulsbo Complete Streets Plan
- Appendix B.5: 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
- Appendix B.6: 2018 Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Appendix B.7: Solid Waste Utility Plan
- Appendix B.8: Poulsbo Fire Department 2024-2044 Capital Facility Plan
- Appendix C.1: Public Participation Plan
- Appendix C.2: Summary of Public Participation
- Appendix D.1: References
- Appendix D.2: Map Definitions and Citations
Maps:
- Figure LU-1: 2044 Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- Figure TR-1: WSDOT Functional Street Classification
- Figure TR-2: Complete Streets Typology
- Figure TR-3: 2044 New Roadway Segments
- Figure TR-4: Active Transportation
- Figure NE-1: Hydric Soils and Delineated Wetlands
- Figure NE-2: Critical Aquifer Critical Area
- Figure NE-3: Potential Geological Hazard Areas
- Figure NE-4: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
- Figure NE-5: Shoreline Master Program
- Figure PRO-1: Citywide Parks and Open Space
- Figure PRO-2: 2044 Park Development and Land Acquisition Goals
- Figure PRO-3: Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Figure UT-1: City Managed Utilities
- Exhibit B: Notice of Application and Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing
- Exhibit C: Final EIS
- Exhibit D: Public Comments received up to April 23, 2025
- Exhibit A: Section 1: Policy Document (Full Chapters 1-12, Clean Copy)
April 22, 2025 – Planning Commission Workshop
April 11, 2025 – Notice of Application and Planning Commission Public Hearing
Release of Draft Comprehensive Plan - April 11, 2025
Section 1: Policy Document (Full Chapters 1-12, Clean Copy)
- Chapter 1: Introduction Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 2: Land Use Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 3: Community Character Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 4: Transportation Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 5: Natural Environment Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 6: Capital Facilities Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 7: Housing Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 8: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 9: Economic Development Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 10: Utilities Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 11: Health and Human Services Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
- Chapter 12: Participation, Evaluation and Implementation Clean Copy or Strikethrough/underline
Section 2: Capital Facilities Plan/Chapter 13
Section 3: Appendices
- Appendix A.1: Housing Needs Assessment
- Appendix A.2: Land Use Inventory
- Appendix A.3: Racially Disparate Impacts Review
- Appendix A.4: Housing Land Capacity and Adequate Provisions
- Appendix A.5: Land Development and Review Evaluation
- Appendix B.1: 2024 Water System Plan
- Appendix B.2: 2024 General Sewer Plan
- Appendix B.3: 2025 Stormwater Management Plan
- Appendix B.4a: 2024 Transportation Comprehensive Plan
- Appendix B.4b: 2024 Poulsbo Complete Streets Plan
- Appendix B.5: 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
- Appendix B.6: 2018 Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Appendix B.7: Solid Waste Utility Plan
- Appendix B.8: Poulsbo Fire Department 2024-2044 Capital Facility Plan
- Appendix C.1: Public Participation Plan
- Appendix C.2: Summary of Public Participation
- Appendix D.1: References
- Appendix D.2: Map Definitions and Citations
Maps:
- Figure LU-1: 2044 Comprehensive Land Use Plan
- Figure TR-1: WSDOT Functional Street Classification
- Figure TR-2: Complete Streets Typology
- Figure TR-3: 2044 New Roadway Segments
- Figure TR-4: Active Transportation
- Figure NE-1: Hydric Soils and Delineated Wetlands
- Figure NE-2: Critical Aquifer Critical Area
- Figure NE-3: Potential Geological Hazard Areas
- Figure NE-4: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
- Figure NE-5: Shoreline Master Program
- Figure PRO-1: Citywide Parks and Open Space
- Figure PRO-2: 2044 Park Development and Land Acquisition Goals
- Figure PRO-3: Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- Figure UT-1: City Managed Utilities
Final Environmental Impact Statement:
EIS/SEPA
April 11, 2025
March 11 2025 – Selection of Preferred Alternative – Joint Planning Commission and City Council Meeting
January 17, 2025 – Draft EIS Release
The City of Poulsbo is requesting comments from citizens, agencies, affected tribes, and all interested parties on the DEIS from January 17, 2025, to February 18, 2025. Comments are due by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Chapter Summaries and Topic Pages
Chapter Summaries:
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Land Use
- Chapter 3: Community Character
- Chapter 4: Transportation
- Chapter 5: Natural Environment
- Chapter 6: Capital Facilities
- Chapter 7: Housing
- Chapter 8: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
- Chapter 9: Economic Development
- Chapter 10: Utilities
- Chapter 11: Health and Human Services
- Chapter 12: Participation, Evaluation, and Implementation
Supporting and Informational Documents
- Housing Needs Assessment – draft, updated March 2024
- Racial Disparate Impacts Report – draft, updated March 2024
- Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 Consistency Checklist – draft, updated March 2024
- WA Dept of Commerce GMA Consistency Checklist – draft, updated March 2024
- Comprehensive Plan Update Progress Report – Updated August 2024
- Planning for Housing (Updated May 2024)
- SR305 Market Analysis and Feasibility Study (June 2023)
- What is the Comprehensive Plan Story Map (En Español)
- Housing Definitions
- Comprehensive Planning Road Map
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Capital Facilities and Functional Plans Overview
- What is the Growth Management Act?
- What is the Buildable Lands Report?
- Kitsap County Buildable Lands Report
- Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies
- Commercial Land Market Analysis
- Housing Action Plan
- Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
- Urban Paths of Poulsbo
- 2023 General Sewer Plan
- 2024 DRAFT Water System Plan (appendices available upon request, very large files)
- 2025 DRAFT Stormwater Functional Plan (appendices available upon request, very large files)
Section 2/Chapter 13: Capital Facilities Plan
Planning Commission Recommended Clean Copy Clean Copy and Strikethrough/Underline – March 2025
February 25, 2025 Planning Commission Workshop:
- Memo
- Draft Capital Facilities Plan Clean Copy
- Draft Capital Facilities Plan Strikethrough/Underline
- Minutes
- Meeting Video
Introduction Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Introduction Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – April 2024
- April 3, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
PC Recommended Amendments to Introduction Chapter – June 2023
For information on how to attend Planning Commission meetings go here.
- May 10, 2022 Planning Commission Workshop
- May 24, 2022 Planning Commission Workshop
- May 9, 2023 Planning Commission Workshop
- June 13, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
Land Use Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Land Use Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – April 2024
- April 3, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
PC Recommended Amendments to Land Use Element Full Chapter – January 2024
August 8, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Land Use Element Goals and Policies – August 2023
January 23, 2024 Planning Commission:
- Agenda Item
- Meeting Video
- Meeting Minutes
Transportation Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Transportation Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – August 2024
For information on how to attend City Council meetings go here.
- August 7, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
October 24, 2023
November 14, 2023
May 28, 2024
PC Recommended Amendments to Transportation Full Chapter – May 2024
Community Character Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Community Character Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – April 2024
- April 10, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
June 28, 2022 Planning Commission:
July 12, 2022 Planning Commission:
May 9, 2023 Planning Commission Workshop
June 13, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
PC Recommended Amendments to Community Character Chapter – June 2023
Natural Environment Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Natural Environment Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – July 2024
- July 10, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
July 26, 2022 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Natural Environment Goals and Policies – July 2022
September 26, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
PC Recommended Amendments to Natural Environment Full Chapter – October 2023
January 23, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting
PC Recommended Amendments to Natural Environment Full Chapter – January 2024
Capital Facilities Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Capital Facilities Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – May 2024
- May 1, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
January 24, 2023 Planning Commission:
February 7, 2023 Planning Commission:
February 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Capital Facilities Element – February 2023
August 29, 2023 Planning Commission:
Housing Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Housing Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – April 2024
- April 17, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
March 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
April 11, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Housing Element Goals and Policies – April 2023
November 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
December 12, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Housing Chapter – December 2023
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed PROS Chapter – Strikethrough Underline Version and Clean Copy Version– May 2024
- May 8, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
January 24, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting:
PC Recommended Amendments to PROS Goals and Policies – January 2023
August 29, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to PROS Full Chapter – September 2023
Economic Development Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Economic Development Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version– July 2024
For information on how to attend City Council meetings go here.
- July 17, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
- August 23, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting:
- December 13, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting:
- January 10, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting:
PC Recommended Amendments to the Economic Development Goals and Policies- January 2023
- June 13, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
PC Recommended Economic Development Full Chapter – June 2023
Utilities Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Utilities Chapter – Strikethrough and Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – May 2024
- May 8, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
February 7, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Utilities Element Goals and Policies – February 2023
August 29, 2023 Planning Commission:
Health and Human Services Chapter - NEW
City Council Review
CC Reviewed Health and Human Services Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – June 2024
- June 26, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
February 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
March 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
PC Recommended Amendments to Health and Human Services Goals and Policies – March 2023
January 9, 2024 Planning Commission:
January 23, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting
PC Recommended Amendments to Health and Human Services Goals and Policies – January 2024
Participation and Implementation Chapter Update
City Council Review
CC Reviewed PEI Chapter – Strikethrough/Underline Version and Clean Copy Version – August 2024
For information on how to attend City Council meetings go here.
- August 21, 2024 City Council Workshop
Planning Commission Review
PC Recommended Amendments to Participation and Implementation Chapter – June 2023
February 28, 2023 Planning Commission:
May 9, 2023 Planning Commission Workshop
June 13, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
Joint City Council and Planning Commission SR 305 Meeting - May 23, 2023
- Meeting Minutes (coming soon)
- Meeting Video
Joint City Council and Planning Commission Kick-Off - Feb 23, 2022
Joint City Council and Planning Commission Growth Target Meetings - March 22, 2022
Joint City Council and Planning Commission Growth Strategy Meeting - September 27, 2022
Community Participation
- Summary of Public Engagement Opportunities (updated August 2024)
- 2023 Year in Review (as presented to City Council on 1/17/24)
- June 3rd Farmers Market Missing Middle Housing Exercise
- Winter 2023 Community Survey Results Summary and Full Report
- What is the Comprehensive Plan Story Map (En Español)
- Washington By and By – A Community Planning Graphic Novel
- Public Participation Plan
If would like to be notified of future public participation opportunities by email, we welcome you to sign up here.
Helpful Links
- Current Poulsbo Comprehensive Plan
- Puget Sound Regional Council – Vision 2050
- Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council – Land Use Planning
- Kitsap County – Buildable Lands Report
- Kitsap County – Countywide Planning Policies
- RCW 36.70A – Washington State Growth Management Act
- WA Department of Commerce – GMA Periodic Update
- WA Department of Commerce – Keeping Your Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Current
- WA Department of Commerce – Short Course on Local Planning
- MRSC – Comprehensive Planning
- MRSC – Comprehensive Plan Update Process
- Association of Washington Cities – GMA Comp Plan Conversation Starters
To provide comment email plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com or ncoleman@cityofpoulsbo.com