Kitsap County
Buildable Lands Program

(RCW 36.70A.215)

In 1997, the Washington State legislature adopted an amendment to the Growth Management Act (GMA) that requires six counties (including Kitsap) in Western Washington, and the cities and towns within their boundaries to conduct a Buildable Lands Analysis and monitoring program (RCW 36.70A.215).

The Buildable Lands Program requires participating jurisdictions to gather data each year and evaluate, in five-year intervals, the level of development occurring within their jurisdiction. The purpose of this quantitative approach is to determine if a county and its cities are achieving urban densities within Urban Growth Areas (UGAs).

In compliance with the GMA requirements, Kitsap County published the 2002 Buildable Lands Analysis Report (BLR) in August 2002. The report analyzed development data from 1995-1999 and identified a process for the County and its cities to monitor development trends and thereby ensure that the UGAs are being developed at urban densities. 

If the buildable lands review and evaluation demonstrates inconsistencies in how growth and development occurred, compared to what was envisioned in the local comprehensive plans and county-wide planning policies, then jurisdictions must consider implementation of what “reasonable measures” to take to increase consistency between plans and development over the next five year period. 

In 2004, Kitsap County identified a list of reasonable measures (Resolution No. 158-2004, with Attachment “A”) that were added as an addendum to the Buildable Lands Analysis Report.  In addition to those reasonable measures, Department of Community Development adopted new reasonable measures through the 10-Year Comprehensive Plan Update (Appendix C).

The Department of Community Development is currently drafting the 2007 Buildable Lands Report as required by RCW 36.70A.215.  The report will analyze development data from 2000-2005.  A draft report will be released for public comment in August 2007.

If you would like to know more information about the Buildable Lands Program please contact Katrina Knutson at (360) 337-5777.