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KCAA + DCD

Year of the Rural - Land Use Toolkit
Written by Scott Hall, Heather Cleveland, and Karissa Holcombe

KCAA Vision:
To host three community engagement events centered on the Year of the Rural, providing policy recommendations for agriculture-related land use and guiding updates to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, with a focus on the Rural Lands Element.


Event Agenda:

6:00–6:10 PM: Welcome & Introductions - Bob Geballe (KCAA), and Scott Hall (KCAA) 

6:10–6:20 PM: Year of The Rural Overview + Presentation - Heather Cleveland (DCD)

6:20–6:30 PM: Agriculture-related goals, policies, strategies, and code — what are they and where they are in the Comp Plan? - Scott Hall

6:30-7:00 PM: May 10th only - Permits - Questions and Process - Darren Gurnee (DCD)

7:00-7:45 PM: KCAA Presentation & Prioritization Activity - Scott Hall and Jeremy Anunson (KCAA) will lead a community discussion focused on whether current agricultural land use policies meet the future needs of Kitsap County. They will present several land use goals and policy ideas/ revisions for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan, inviting participants to share their perspectives and what matters most to them. The discussion will help identify key priorities for shaping the future of agricultural land use in the county.



        

Breakout Session #1

7:45-8:30 PM: KCAA Presentation & Prioritization Activity - Scott and Jeremy will switch focus to whether current ag-related codes meet the future needs of Kitsap County. They will present several code goals and possible revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, inviting participants to share their perspectives on what matters most. The discussion will help identify key priorities for shaping the future of agricultural land use in Kitsap County.

        
        
Breakout Session #2

Closing Remarks: Thank you for attending - encourage participants to stay engaged by attending the upcoming Year of the Rural Project Update meetings in June.

Note: Darren Gurnee will not be present at the May 14 and May 24 meetings. Therefore, each breakout session will be extended by 15 minutes.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

I. LAND USE: GOALS AND POLICIES

The KCAA propose three Land Use Goals to guide updates to the Comprehensive Plan, along with supporting policy ideas to help achieve them.

Land Use Goal #1 (New, Proposed by KCAA) - Whenever possible, remove obstacles to land uses related to primary agriculture, accessory agricultural activities, and agritourism, so these uses can thrive and continue contributing to the rural character, economy, and local food system.

Land Use Goal #2 (New, Proposed by KCAA) - Whenever possible, promote and expand land use opportunities for primary agriculture, agricultural accessory uses, and agritourism, ensuring these uses remain integral to Kitsap County’s rural landscape, economy, and local food system.

Land Use Goal #3 (Existing 2016, Update Proposed by DCD) - Strengthen the local food economy by supporting farmland preservation and protecting working landscapes through effective policies and strategies.


Below is a list of potential Land Use Policies to support these goals. Some are updated versions of existing policies, and others are brand new suggestions. Which five do you believe are most important?

  1. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy)
    ➡️ 
    Appoint a Kitsap County Agriculture Advisory Council to assist county elected officials and planning staff regarding agriculture-related issues

    Simply put:
    Farmers and stakeholders possess critical knowledge about the challenges and opportunities within the local agricultural sector. By establishing this advisory council, the county can directly engage agricultural experts, farmers, and stakeholders in the decision-making process, making sure their insights and concerns are taken into account when shaping policies that impact farming and rural communities.
  2. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy)
    ➡️ Create the framework for a “no-net-loss” policy for agricultural lands.

    Simply put: If any farmland in the county is converted to another use (like housing or commercial development), an equal amount of farmland must be preserved, restored, or protected elsewhere. This ensures that the amount of agricultural land in Kitsap does not decrease over time.

  3. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy) 
    ➡️ Conduct an inventory of publicly owned properties and facilities to determine if any portion of these could be made available for one or more facets of the food system loop - including, but not limited to: primary production, value adding/ processing, storage, distribution, marketing, composting.

Simply put: Identifying underused or overlooked public spaces is a valuable step toward building a stronger, more resilient local food system. Since public land and facilities are already community-owned, repurposing them for food-related uses adds value without requiring new land or infrastructure investments.

  1. Land Use Policy (New!)
    ➡️ Establish a local Purchase of Agricultural Easement (PACE) program that allows landowners to preserve their land for agricultural use by restricting future non-agricultural development.

    Simply put: PACE programs preserve farmland permanently and support farmers financially. Landowners receive fair market payment for the development rights they give up, providing capital that can help them invest in equipment, reduce debt, or transition their farm to the next generation. As urban and suburban growth spreads, farmland is often lost. A PACE program offers a proactive way to protect agricultural land before it’s converted.
  2. Land Use Policy (New!) 
    ➡️ Review and update conditional use regulations to remove unnecessary or redundant requirements, especially when meeting one condition already fulfills the intended purpose of others.

    Simply put: Eliminating redundant or overlapping requirements makes it easier and faster for farmers, small businesses, or landowners to navigate the permitting process. In short, it's about making sure the rules still do their job—protecting the public and guiding development—without being harder than they need to be.
  3. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy)
    ➡️ Re-examine “Strategies for Resource Lands Designations and Interim Development Regulations”, adopted by Kitsap County Board of Commissioners in April 1992, to identify any strategies that may still be relevant and useful in current farmland preservation efforts, particularly voluntary land designation programs.

    Simply put: If certain strategies were effective in the past, they can be updated and refined to continue helping farmland preservation efforts in the present day.


  1. Land Use Policy (New!) 
    ➡️ Identify which code requirements, typically designed for residential development, can be modified, exempted, or relaxed on farm properties without significantly impacting neighboring residential areas or the rural character of the region.

    Simply put: By revisiting zoning rules that apply to farms, farmers can be freed from unnecessary or overly restrictive requirements that are designed with residential development in mind. Relaxing certain rules can make farms more adaptable and sustainable, allowing them to thrive without compromising the integrity of surrounding residential areas or the rural community at large.
  2. Land Use Policy (New!)
    ➡️ Conduct a comprehensive assessment of agricultural processing facilities, including an inventory of existing facilities, their locations, capacities, and permitted uses. Identify regulatory, infrastructure, and economic barriers limiting current and future processing potential, and develop strategies to support the expansion of local processing aligned with community and agricultural needs.

    Simply put: A comprehensive assessment is a critical step in ensuring that Kitsap has the infrastructure needed to support local farming and meet the growing demand for locally processed food.
  3. Land Use Policy (New!)
    ➡️ Identify which code requirements designed for residential development can be modified, exempted, or relaxed on farm properties without significantly impacting neighboring residential areas or the rural character of the surrounding area.

    Simply put: Most zoning and development codes are written with housing in mind - not agriculture. Adjusting these rules for farms helps reduce unnecessary burdens that can make it harder or more expensive to operate a viable farm. By easing regulations where appropriate, farm properties become more functional for agricultural purposes, helping to preserve working farmland rather than letting it be lost to non-farm uses.
  4. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy) 
    ➡️ Develop and implement an expedited Agricultural Activity Permit review program, reducing regulatory burdens on farmers.

    Simply put: This would make it faster, easier, and more cost-effective for farmers to operate and adapt to changing needs. Implementing a permit program that acknowledges the unique needs of farming shows that the county is proactively supporting local agriculture, reinforcing its importance in land use planning and economic development.


  5. Land Use Policy (New!)
    ➡️ Establish an “Ombudsman”- style role within the Department of Community Development to ensure that customers with agriculture-related code questions receive clear, consistent, and reliable guidance.

    Simply put: County codes can be complex and open to varying interpretations. Establishing a dedicated point of contact ensures farmers receive consistent, accurate information.

    ***

    Additional Existing and Proposed Policies from the DCD and the Agricultural Community:
  6. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy)
    ➡️ Continue to support the preservation of historic and working farmland using both regulatory tools - such as zoning and conservation easements, and non-regulatory approaches like incentives, partnerships, and voluntary stewardship programs. This will sustain agricultural heritage and ensure the long-term viability of local farming.

    Simply put: Farmland is a finite resource. Once it's developed, it's rarely recovered. Preserving it ensures future generations can continue to grow food locally. Preservation also helps maintain a sense of place and history within the community. Protecting farmland through a mix of regulatory and non-regulatory tools ensures that farming remains a viable, visible, and valuable part of the community's future.
  7. Land Use Policy (Re-stated version of an existing Land Use Policy) 
    ➡️ Review and, if needed, update the criteria used to identify Agricultural Resource Lands under the Growth Management Act to ensure eligible farmland is accurately designated and protected within the county.

    Simply put: The Growth Management Act provides a framework for protecting valuable farmland. This policy is saying, “Let’s take a fresh look at how we decide what land counts as agricultural resource land, make sure our criteria are still appropriate, and update if needed.” The goal is to ensure that land with long-term value for farming is correctly identified and protected.
  8. Land Use Policy (New!) 
    ➡️ Establish animal density requirements that support sustainable farming practices on agricultural lands. These requirements will align the number of animals per acre with land capacity, environmental protection standards, and animal welfare while preventing negative impacts on soil, water, neighboring properties, and rural character.

    Simply put: Setting limits helps prevent issues like animal odors, noise, or water overuse that could affect neighboring properties and residents. It also ensures animals have adequate space and resources to live healthily, while promoting farming practices that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially acceptable.
  9. Land Use Policy (New!)
    ➡️ Develop and adopt a clear definition of “gardens” in the land use code to distinguish them from agricultural activities.

Simply put: Many residents and organizations grow food on a small scale. Defining “gardens” separately ensures that these efforts aren’t discouraged by rules meant for commercial farming and helps ensure that gardens are supported where appropriate without unintended impacts.

Is there anything that we missed? Please use the space provided below to share additional thoughts and suggestions. 

** If you are attending the virtual meeting on May 10th, or cannot attend any meetings but want to provide feedback, please email your responses to info@kitsapag.org

II. CODES: GOALS AND POTENTIAL REVISIONS

The KCAA proposes four Code Goals to guide updates to the Comprehensive Plan.

Code Goal #1 - Make a comparison with Mason County Code (MCC) to determine if some of the agriculture-related exemptions/allowances/protections found in MCC could be implemented in Kitsap County without creating more than a de-minimis impact on the human and natural environments.

Simply put: Comparing Kitsap County’s regulations with Mason County’s could reveal practical, proven strategies for supporting agriculture. Mason County may already have effective exemptions or allowances that make farming easier or more viable. Learning from a nearby, similar jurisdiction provides a realistic roadmap for improvements.

Code Goal #2 - Review and make recommendations for initial and achievable revisions to Kitsap County Code (KCC) 17.455 that can be adopted within the Year of the Rural (YOTR) docket time-frame.

Note: Kitsap County Code (KCC) Chapter 17.455, known as the Agriculture Code, establishes regulations to support and guide agricultural activities in rural areas of Kitsap County. Its primary objectives are to encourage agricultural uses, provide clarity for rural landowners, and integrate agriculture into the county's land-use framework.

Code Goal #3 - Once the Agriculture Advisory Council is seated, conduct further in-depth analysis of KCC 17.455 to add to user friendliness by making INTENT of requirements/conditions/exemptions/allowances more easy to ascertain by ALL USERS, including residents, planners, and code enforcement.

Simply put: When rules are vague, they can be interpreted differently by different people. Clarifying intent ensures planners and code enforcement apply the code consistently, promoting fairness and reducing frustration. Making the code more user-friendly means residents and agricultural stakeholders can more easily navigate regulations and advocate for themselves.

Code Goal #4 - Whenever possible, incorporate exemptions and allowances from other parts of the Kitsap County Code (KCC) into an appendix in KCC 17.455 to limit the number of other places a person needs to look for agriculture related code issues that may not be fully addressed as part of the Agriculture Code.

Simply put: When exemptions and allowances are scattered across different sections of the Kitsap County Code, it can be confusing and time-consuming to track them down. Consolidating them in an appendix within KCC 17.455 makes the information more accessible and user-friendly.

Below is a list of potential Code revisions suggested for adoption by the end of the Year of the Rural docket timeframe. Which one or two do you believe are most important?

  1. 17.415.020 Code Revision - Exempt shipping container prohibitions on farms. We may need to do more to have them blend in or be out of sight, but containers are by far the most cost effective means of providing multiple types of solutions on farms.
  2. 17.415.020 Code Revision - Exempt farm equipment from consideration as “Heavy Equipment” when the property is a farm.
  3. 17.455.060 Code Revision - Remove the requirement that limits alcoholic beverage service containers to 4 ounces in tasting rooms. If the county permits serving four 4-ounce pours (16 ounces total), there's effectively no difference from a single 16-ounce pour. Maintaining this rule adds unnecessary dishwashing for businesses seeking to avoid disposable containers, without serving a meaningful regulatory purpose.
  4. Code Revision - Kitsap County should adopt an inspection fee schedule to help determine whether an agricultural structure built to KCC Title 14 Building Construction standards can be exempt from an occupancy permit. This would apply to buildings intended for public access related to agricultural activities such as washing, packing, processing, storage, aggregation, and distribution.

    ***

    Potential additions to Code Revisions from the Ag Land Use Working Group meeting:
  5. 17.455.080.B.2.a. Code Revision - Currently, agricultural structures are exempt from building permits only if they are 864 square feet or smaller. This size limitation does not support the needs of commercially significant farming. Consider aligning with Jefferson County’s code, which allows for significantly larger agricultural buildings.
  6. 17.455.060.A Code Revision - Include clear language in the agricultural code specifying compliance requirements for farm stands. Currently, many farm stands operate out of compliance with Health District regulations due to the lack of a grocery permit. This creates a barrier, especially for farms not connected to public water systems or those unable to access them.

Is there anything that we missed? Please use the space provided on the next page to share additional thoughts and suggestions.

** If you are attending the virtual meeting on May 10th, or cannot attend any meetings but want to provide feedback, please email your responses to info@kitsapag.org

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BONUS: The DCD Wants to Hear from You!
 Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is interested in your feedback. Please take a moment to share your concerns, ideas, and solutions by answering any of the following questions - or adding your own thoughts!

  1. Do you think the current Comprehensive Plan effectively supports the sustainability of agriculture in Kitsap County





  2. How do zoning regulations affect your ability to maintain or expand your agricultural activities?



  1. What barriers, if any, have you encountered when navigating permitting or land use processes related to agriculture?






  2. What are your concerns regarding access to necessary infrastructure - such as water, transportation, or processing facilities?






  3. Do current policies help or hinder your ability to participate in a local or regional food system?




Questions to Explore Possible Solutions and Strategies

1. What creative approaches have you seen (locally or elsewhere) that Kitsap County could adopt to support agriculture?

2. Are there underutilized assets—people, places, programs—that could be better leveraged to support agriculture?


3. How can the county support young or beginning farmers who want to enter into agriculture?



4. Are there examples from other counties or regions that you think Kitsap should look to for agricultural policy?





5. Would an agriculture advisory council or ombudsman position help ensure agricultural perspectives are considered in county decisions?





Figure 3-4 on page 51 of the 2012 Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan's Rural and Resource Lands chapter presents a visual representation of the county's rural and resource land designations as of that year. This map illustrates various land use categories, including rural residential areas, agricultural lands, forest resource lands, and mineral resource lands.

RESOURCES


Year of the Rural Project Webpage:
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Year_of_the_Rural.aspx

Rural and Resource Lands Chapter - Community Engagement Plan:
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/PEP%20Documents/20250214_Final%20Rural%20Community%20Engagement%20Plan.pdf

2012 Rural and Resource Lands Chapter:
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/PEP%20Documents/03-Rural%20and%20Resource%20Lands%202012.pdf

        2024 Comprehensive Plan
        
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Kitsap_County_Comprehensive_Plan.aspx 

What is a Comprehensive Plan and why do we need one?
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/ComprehensivePlanUpdate_2024.aspx

Permitting Process:
https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/permitpathway.aspx

Permit Application: https://co-kitsap-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/ApplicationPublic/ApplicationHome

Contacts:
• Heather Cleveland, Kitsap County Long Range Planner:
hcleveland@kitsap.gov
• Darren Gurnee, Kitsap County Current & Environmental Planning Supervisor:
dgurnee@kitsap.gov
• Scott Hall, Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance Board Member:
scott@kitsapag.org
• General KCAA inbox:
info@kitsapag.org