Urban Growth Areas Hearings Board Remand Order
Kitsap County hosts public Open House and release of Draft Environmental Documents

(Port Orchard) - Kitsap County will be hosting two open houses to present the findings of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and Capital Facilities Plan relating to the recent Central Growth Management Hearings Board decision regarding the 2006 Comprehensive Plan. In September 2011, the Hearings Board (Case No. 07-3-0019c) rendered a decision that Kitsap County must re-examine is Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) expanded during the 2006 Comprehensive Plan update process. This decision followed a five year legal challenge that ultimately went to the Court of Appeals and then remanded back to the Hearings Board for decision. This re-examination will require the reduction of many urban growth areas to address these state-required issues.

The draft SEIS and Capital Facilities Plan contains information on potential impacts (transportation, wastewater, environmental, etc) of three UGA alternatives. These UGA alternatives look at accommodating future population growth through different zoning and UGA boundary scenarios. The alternatives apply to the following unincorporated UGAs:  

• Kingston
• Silverdale
• Central Kitsap (south of Waaga Way and north of Riddell Road)
• East Bremerton
• West Bremerton
• Gorst
• McCormick Woods/ULID#6
• Port Orchard/South Kitsap

 The deadline for the County to revise its Comprehensive Plan consistent with the remand order is August 31, 2012. The two upcoming public open houses provide an opportunity for residents to hear about the Hearings Board order, gather information about proposed UGA alternatives and learn about upcoming public comment opportunities. These workshops will be at the following dates/times:  

Public Open Houses

May 15, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Kitsap County Fairgrounds - Eagles Nest
1195 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton

May 17, 2012
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Kitsap County Administration Building
Commissioners Chambers
619 Division Street, Port Orchard

“The release of the Draft SEIS and Capital Facilities Plan is a major milestone towards the County’s efforts to resolve the Hearings Board Order by the August deadline," according to Eric Baker, Special Projects Manager. "Many properties affected by this order may see zoning changes from urban to rural or vise versa.  It is important for residents to provide testimony whether verbal or in writing about these proposed alternatives and how it affects them,” Baker added.

For more information, please visit the project website (http://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/community_plan/remand%202011/remand.htm).