Inform Yourself and Plan Ahead to Make the Most of Your Building Project
by Commissioner Patty Lent

When you are building or updating a house, there is certainly a lot to think about, and although the permitting process is just one factor, it is an important one. Permits are required for many projects you may wish to do on your property, so there’s a good chance you will need to pay a visit to the Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD). In fact, this should probably be one of the first steps you take.

There are several kinds of permits, including Site Development Activity Permits; land use permits, which are required for projects like new subdivisions; and building permits. There are over 100 types of building permits, and these are the permits that most private property owners’ projects will require. However, no matter what kind of permit you need, your application will pass through all DCD divisions, with each step of the process tied directly to code and procedural requirements.

So, where do you start? Depending on the project, a number of preliminary steps can be taken, including feasibility studies and civil and structure designs, which are commissioned privately by the permit applicant. You can also meet with the county to discuss your project in a pre-application meeting. A pre-application meeting is not always required, but even those who don’t need one can choose to have one. A pre-application meeting is a helpful step that provides you with more information about the permitting process and can prevent problems later on. Those interested in a pre-application meeting will need to fill out a Pre-Application Meeting Request form. But, interested applicants should take note: there may be a waiting period of several weeks before your pre-application meeting will take place. Because the permitting process takes time, patience and planning ahead are especially important.

Next, it is time to submit your permit applications. Applications are distributed to each DCD division concurrently. Development Engineering, Environmental Review, the Health Department, Zoning and Planning, Building and the Fire Marshal will all review the application. If any division finds a problem with the application materials, they will notify the applicant and explain what needs to be adjusted. The revised plans will then need to be re-reviewed by each division, until all divisions can approve the application. During this period, it is up to the applicant and any professionals they have hired to keep track of what is happening and make sure any necessary revisions are made to their plans.

When all DCD divisions have approved a permit application, it is sent to the Permit Coordinator, who then issues the permit. With coordination, cooperation and planning, the permitting process can go smoothly and allow you to get your projects done.

A visit to the Department of Community Development at the Kitsap County Administration Building in Port Orchard can provide even more details about the process and what is needed for your specific project. DCD also provides a number of brochures and fliers that outline permitting requirements, which are available in their office and online at kitsapgov.com/dcd/forms.

I encourage citizens not to wait to inform themselves of the permitting process. By working together with the county, you can be sure to successfully see your plans to completion!

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