Skip Navigation LinksKitsap Kitsap County News

Kitsap County News


TitleUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
PublishDateUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
One minute a month to make Kitsap County better8/12/2022

​Kitsap County is testing FlashVote, a new way for the county to engage the community and gather valuable input from residents. FlashVote allows people to sign up and give their opinion on topics important to the Kitsap County community. "We are interested to see if this is a good way to engage residents on current issues," said Doug Bear, the County's Communication Manager. "This is a quick and easy way for residents to give their opinion on current issues," Bear added.

Sign up at flashvote.com/kitsap, or on the phone  by calling 775.235.2240. It takes less than a minute to sign up!

When youi sign up you decide how to  get your surveys. You can choose to have them sent by email, text message, or phone call. Surveys are short, usually 3-5 questions, and typically take about a minute or two to complete. You get a notification when there is a new survey and have 48 hours to share you opinion. Once closed, all participants receive a summary of the results.

Personal or demographic information collected by FlashVote is not shared with Kitsap County or anyone else.

The first survey is coming soon! Help us see if this is a good way to get your opinion on the topics that matter most.


Overnight single-lane closures planned on Silverdale Way NW August 14-19 for paving project8/10/2022

​A section of Silverdale Way NW between NW Bucklin Hill Road and NW Anderson Hill Road has reached the end of its useful life. Kitsap County Public Works road crews will repair and replace asphalt on both the northbound and southbound lanes during overnight hours when traffic volumes are lower.

There will be nightly single-lane closures on Silverdale Way NW from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 through 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19. One lane of traffic will remain open with flaggers in place to help guide travelers.

Please use caution when traveling through the area, especially at night. Removing old sections of pavement can be loud and disruptive and crews will work quickly and efficiently to minimize nighttime noise. Inclement weather could delay paving and striping.

Contact: Eirik O'Neal, Roads Education and Outreach Coordinator, 360.337.4568, eoneal@kitsap.gov

TITLE VI

Kitsap County Department of Public Works Roads Division assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and as amended, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.I. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation. For more information visit our Title VI page.





Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Framework revised draft released8/10/2022

Kitsap County Parks is pleased to present the revised draft of the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Framework, formerly known as the master plan. Edits are based on review, comments and suggested changes to the original draft framework received from the public, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, focus groups, the Parks Advisory Board, project steering committee, Port Gamble Stewards, Kitsap County staff and County Commissioners.

Due to technical challenges, the documents could not be uploaded to the project site and are instead posted to the Kitsap County Parks website. Please note in the newly released draft documents, new text and changes made are indicated in red text within the documents. The original draft framework, comments matrix and frequently asked questions are posted and available on the project website here.

This revised draft framework will go before the Board of County Commissioners on August 22, 2022 for deliberations and potential approval.

Visit the project website for background on this planning effort, maps and other reference materials at portgambleforestpark.com.


Celebrate Kitsap County Farmers Market Week!8/8/2022

Kitsap County Commissioners proclaimed August 7-13 as Kitsap County Farmers Market Week, in conjunction with National Farmers Market Week.

Farmers markets benefit our communities and economy, providing access to healthy, locally produced food. Markets are also outlets for new small businesses to generate revenue, supporting the sustainability of family farms and building connections between rural and urban communities. Read the proclamation and learn about Kitsap farmers market at https://bit.ly/KitsapFarmersMarkets.​

Kitsap County extends deadline for Comprehensive Plan reclassification requests through Sept. 158/5/2022

​August 5, 2022

In an effort to increase public participation and receive additional requests for amendments to the 2024 Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan, the deadline for submittals is extended through Sept. 15, 2022.

Public requests for reclassifications and other amendments may include urban growth area sizing, property zoning, goals and polices as well as County Code. Examples could include:

  • Zoning changes that increase the amount of housing or development allowed on a property.
  • Zoning changes that allow commercial or industrial uses on a property.
  • Code changes that impact the development of certain uses in a specific area.

Submission forms, along with a link to schedule a virtual appointment with staff to answer submittal and process questions, are available at the Comprehensive Plan Update website at kcowa.us/compplan.

Kitsap County began soliciting requests last June in an effort to increase public participation and receive specific requests for amendments as early in the process as possible. Proposals will be reviewed for potential inclusion in land-use alternatives or draft documents that will be approved by December 31, 2024.

The Comprehensive Plan establishes the direction for Kitsap in addressing land use, environmental protections, employment, housing, transportation, and other facility and service priorities over the next 20 years. The Board of County Commissioners use this document to guide decisions on policy, County Code, and development review.

For more information, to sign up to receive Comprehensive Plan updates and notice of opportunities for public input, visit kcowa.us/compplan or contact Colin Poff at compplan@kitsap.gov or (360) 337-7181.


Kitsap County kicks off Comprehensive Plan Update at virtual public meeting Aug. 188/5/2022

Kitsap County will hold a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 18 to discuss the upcoming update to the Comprehensive Plan. Visit the project website at kcowa.us/compplan for the Zoom link to join.

The Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan helps guide decision making in addressing population and job growth, environmental protection and infrastructure investments through 2044. This includes the potential for new development, what it may look like and how it impacts our communities. Beyond the usual requirements of the Plan, this update will emphasize housing affordability and climate change impacts.

At the upcoming meeting, staff will review the update process, key milestones and ways for the public to participate and provide feedback at various stages. Public input will be critical in this update, which concludes in 2024.

For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Update, please visit the project website at kcowa.us/compplan. The site is updated regularly with upcoming public meeting information, interactive surveys, policy questions, story maps on planning concepts, draft documents and other informational materials. The site also includes a link to sign up to receive related news and updates via email and text.

Send specific questions and comments to compplan@kitsap.gov or call Kitsap1 at (360) 337-5777 and ask for Planning and Environmental Programs.


Partial ban on outdoor burning starts Aug. 58/3/2022

​August 3, 2022


The Kitsap County Fire Marshal announced a Stage One ban on outdoor burning starting midnight, Friday, August 5.

Outdoor burning is prohibited under the ban and burning permits are suspended. Most outdoor burning is prohibited with a few exceptions including:

  • Recreational fires in approved appliances and locations
  • Permitted state or federal campgrounds

Recreational burning includes small fires for cooking, religious, or similar purposes, less than three feet in diameter in fire pits, fireplaces, or outdoor appliances.

"The elevated temperatures last week dried fuels to a seasonal level making the ban on larger outdoor fires necessary," says David Lynam, Kitsap County Fire Marshal.

Lynam does not expect to lift the ban until typical fall weather brings rainfall to the area.

Those who have recreational fires are asked to always have a sufficient water source handy to put the fire out. Never leave any fire unattended as even small recreational fires can spread to surrounding areas.

Stay up to date on current burn bans at the Kitsap County Fire Marshal's site: kcowa.us/burnban.


2022 Primary Election information7/13/2022

Registered voters in Kitsap County will begin receiving ballots for the 2022 Primary. The 2022 Primary includes 65 candidates in 18 races for federal, statewide, state legislative and county races. The top two candidates in each race advance to the General Election.

Registered voters who have not received their ballots by Thursday, July 21, can email auditor@kitsap.gov or call (360) 337-7128 to ask for a replacement.

The county's 25 drop boxes open Friday, July 15, and will remain open until 8 p.m., Election Day, August 2. Voters can find the locations for all drop boxes at kcowa.us/vote.

Voter registration is available online at VoteWA.gov for residents with a Washington Driver's License until July 25. Residents can register in person at the Kitsap County Administration Building in the Elections Office at 619 Division Street in Port Orchard or at one of the three vote centers.

The Vote Centers are open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and Monday, August 1. On Election Day, August 2 the vote centers are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. The Port Orchard Vote Center will be in the Commissioners' Chambers of the Kitsap County Administration Building at 619 Division Street. In Bremerton the Vote Center is in the Marvin Williams Recreation Center at 725 Park Avenue. In Poulsbo the Vote Center is at the Poulsbo Fire Station, 911 Liberty Road.

The public is welcome to observe ballot processing in person in the Elections Office in Port Orchard, or online at Kitsap.gov/elections. The Elections Division will host a training for ballot observers at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16 in the Commissioners Chambers in the County Administration Building, 619 Division Street in Port Orchard. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online at Kitsap.gov/elections. The training will review what to look for and rules for observers.


Learn about the North Sound to Olympics Trail Planning Study7/5/2022

This study is a continuation of a series of efforts to advance the North Sound to Olympics (NSTO) Trail feasibility analysis.  In 2011, the North Kitsap community completed an extensive grass-roots process to explore and identify how to link their communities and access parks and open spaces.  This effort resulted in the “String of Pearls” plan, which was adopted by the County Commissioners and incorporated into the County’s Non-Motorized Facility Plan (2013, 18). Go the project page to learn more! 

Human Resources Office closed for in-person business until Tuesday, July 56/30/2022



Public hearing July 11 on Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park draft planning framework6/30/2022

The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park Draft Master Plan at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 11 in the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, and virtually via Zoom. This takes place during the Commissioners' regular business meeting. Written and verbal testimony will be taken on the draft master plan released earlier this year. No decision is expected at this meeting.

The Master Plan, renamed Framework as a result of public input, was developed over the last two years as a guiding document for future discussions of conservation, restoration, recreation and education opportunities within Kitsap County's 3,500-acre Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. The draft framework acknowledges ongoing efforts such as the mountain biking ride park, Sound-to-Olympics Trail and Stottlemeyer trailhead, and proposes discussion of a 33-acre recreation and education campus adjacent to the ride park in the northwest portion of the park.

Other elements include updates to the trail system to create more loop trails while decommissioning trails that impact the environment or provide little meaningful access. The framework also details conservation priorities for a majority of the park acreage with an emphasis on timber acquisition, restoration and passive recreation.  

Also available for review and comment are a matrix of previous public comments on the draft plan including staff responses, and a frequently asked questions brochure. These documents, the draft plan and additional information on the park, the planning process and other proposals may be found at https://portgambleforestpark.com under the 'Draft Plan' and 'Reference Materials Library' tabs.

The Board of County Commissioners' meeting agenda for July 11, including the Zoom link to attend virtually, will be available here.


NW Bucklin Hill Road single-lane closures coming July 6-156/28/2022

Go to https://www.kitsapgov.com/pw/Documents/NW%20Bucklin%20Hill%20Road%20Single%20Lane%20Closures%20July%206%20-%2015%20Flyer.pdf for more information about these closures.

Consumer fireworks sales begin today6/28/2022


 


Treasurer's Office remains closed for in-person business until Tuesday, July 56/27/2022



Sewer utility proposes increase to newcomer assessment fee6/13/2022

​Kitsap County Public Works Sewer Utility Division is proposing an increase to the fee for new connections to all Kitsap County owned sewer systems. The Newcomer’s Assessment set in 2021 is $6,481 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). The proposed fee for 2022 based on current data is $7,020 per ERU.

The newcomer fee is calculated on the current data of net present value of the sewer system, ten years of existing debt interest, growth portion of the six-year capital facilities plan, and the available capacity of the sewer system.

The resolution for the fee increase will be presented at a public hearing at 5:30 PM on Monday, June 27 at the regular business meeting of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners.  The proposed fee would go into effect August 1, 2022.   

Attendance options are person or via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83065062878. By phone, dial 1-253-215-8782; Webinar ID: 830 6506 2878. Start times are estimated and subject to change. Agenda items may be taken out of order.

For more information on the Sewer Utility Division and current sewer rates and fees, visit kitsap.gov/pw.


​North Sound To Olympics Trail Planning Study Open House6/13/2022

Kitsap County Public Works invites you to an in-person and virtual Open House to learn about the feasibility analysis for the North Sound To Olympics Trail (NSTO). 


Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Doors Open at 6 PM — Presentation at 6:30 PM

Village Green Community Center
26159 Dulay Road NE, Kingston 

Virtual Options for 6:30pm Presentation


Join By Phone: 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID 894 3915 2674

For more information regarding the NSTO Planning Study and to submit a question or comment electronically, visit the project page: http://kcowa.us/NSTO


Kitsap County accepting reclassification requests for 2024 Comprehensive Plan update5/27/2022

​

Kitsap County kicks off its 2024 Comprehensive Plan update this summer. The plan establishes the direction for Kitsap in addressing land use, environmental protections, employment, housing, transportation, and other facility and service priorities over the next 20 years. The Board of County Commissioners uses this document to guide decisions on policy, County Code and development review. 

In an effort to expand public participation and receive specific requests for amendments as early in the process as possible, the Board is soliciting proposals for changes to the Comprehensive Plan including urban growth area sizing, property zoning, goals and polices as well as County Code. Examples could include:

  • Zoning changes that increase the amount of housing or development allowed on a property.
  • Zoning changes that allow commercial or industrial uses on a property.
  • Code changes that impact the development of certain uses in a specific area.

This will be just one of many opportunities for the public to participate in the 2024 update.

The period for submitting proposals begins June 6 and runs through August 18, 2022. Proposals will be reviewed for potential inclusion in land use alternatives or draft documents to be approved by December 31, 2024.

Land use change forms and a link to schedule a virtual appointment with staff to answer submittal and process questions, as well as other information, can be found here.  

To learn more, please visit the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update website and the Comprehensive Plan storyboard.     

For more information, contact Colin Poff at compplan@kitsap.gov or 360-337-7181.

Special virtual events to celebrate Older Americans Month5/6/2022



The 2022 theme of this Older Americans Month in May is Age My Way, an opportunity to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. Several virtual presentations hosted by Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care take place this month.

For questions or help registering, call 360-337-5700, 1-800-562-6418 or 
Email: seniorinfo@kitsap.gov and check https://www.agingkitsap.com for more information.


The Unforgotten, Run to Tahoma Celebration Memorial Day weekend honors five deceased veterans5/6/2022

In what has become a time-honored observance by veterans across Kitsap County since 2011,  the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, Kitsap County Coroner's Office, Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board and Combat Veterans International, with support from the City of Port Orchard, host The Unforgotten, Run to Tahoma Celebration of Life Ceremony on Memorial Day weekend. 

Veterans will gather at the County Administration Building plaza, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, for a brief ceremony that begins promptly at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28 to honor the lives and service of their fallen comrades. 

The Unforgotten, Run to Tahoma commemorates five deceased veterans who passed away in Kitsap County in the last year, whose remains were unclaimed by their families. The remains of these veterans will be received from the Kitsap County Coroner and escorted to Tahoma National Cemetery near Kent in a formal processional including local veteran motorcycle clubs. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and participate in the processional. 

The ceremony at the Administration Building is expected to attract hundreds of people this year as COVID restrictions have lifted. Organizers ask for the public’s patience and understanding as the motorcycle processional departs Division Street and makes its way down Sydney Avenue to Tremont Street on its way to Highway 16 at about 11 a.m. For those who wish to travel to the cemetery, instructions will be provided at the Administration Building before departure.

To learn more about the Run to Tahoma click here. For more information on veterans assistance, the Veterans Advisory Board and other resources for veterans in Kitsap County, click here 



Waste facility and pickup service update - Thu., April 21 & Fri., April 22 4/20/2022
 
 

Fire Marshal concludes fatal fire was an accident4/19/2022



Waste facility and trash pickup service update - Wed., April 204/19/2022
 
 

Waste facility and trash pickup service update - Mon., April 184/18/2022
 
 

Kitsap County Volunteer Appreciation Week April 17-23, 20224/18/2022

​

Gratitude for Kitsap County Volunteers!

Kitsap County Commissioners proclaimed April 17-23, 2022 as Kitsap County Volunteer Appreciation Week to recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers who so generously contribute their time, expertise and knowledge each year to improve and support our resources and services. The selfless dedication of volunteers keeps communities vibrant and resilient - and makes the county a better place to live, learn, work and play for all!

Thank you, Kitsap County Volunteers❣️

Read the Commissioners' proclamation here.

Olympic View Transfer Station Closed for the Weekend: April 16 & 174/15/2022
 
 

Waste facility and pickup service update - Tues., April 12 4/12/2022
 
 

Waste facility and pickup services update - Mon., April 114/11/2022
View this as a webpage
Recycling and Garbage News

Waste facility and trash pickup service update for Monday, April 11

Closed Monday:

Open Monday: 

Postpone your visit if possible. We are increasing trash haul-out service at open facilities to accommodate increased customers and trash, but may reach capacity and periodically turn away customers.

Mason County customers should use a transfer station in Mason County. The Belfair Drop Box is limiting to maximum 6 trash cans or 2 yards trash per customer until further notice. The Eells Hill Transfer Station can accommodate larger loads. Pierce County customers should use a transfer station in Pierce County.

 

Facility Updates

Pickup service providers plan to operate normally

At this time, all waste pickup service providers plan to operate normally. This could change. Continue to check your provider's webpage for updates:

WM/ Brem-Air

City of Poulsbo

City of Bainbridge Island

 

What happened?

A catastrophic failure of the garbage compactor at the Olympic View Transfer Station has drastically reduced the amount of waste that can be processed. The facility is processing waste as quickly as possible, but needed to reduce incoming trash in order to keep up.

Repairs to Olympic View Transfer Station are nearly complete. We anticipate reopening early this week.

 

Subscribe to updates

To get updates by text or email, subscribe here.

Please continue to check for closures before visiting any waste facility. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. 

Public Works Solid Waste | Recycle.KitsapGov.com | 360.337.5777

​

Waste facility and trash pickup update - Fri., April 84/7/2022

​

Celebrating 40 years serving older adults & caregivers in Kitsap County4/6/2022

Easing aging: new services offered for older adults and their caregivers in Kitsap County

Are you the age of 60 or older and living in Kitsap? Or a family member or friend caregiving to an older adult so they can live safely in the community?

Celebrate 40 years of the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care's designation as the county's Area Agency on Aging! Our mission is to work independently  and through community partnerships to promote the well-being of older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. Services are funded through federal, state and local tax dollars.  

Recovery stimulus funds allowed us to create a variety of new no-cost services to support older adults and the family and friends who help with their care:

  • Senior nutrition programs and services have expanded with an increase in home-delivered and grab-and-go meals; a wider variety of food and supplies distributed through St. Vincent de Paul; partnerships with local farmers and an increase in vouchers distributed through the Senior Farmers Market program.
  • Dementia support through Partners in Memory Care that provides consultations and memory screenings
  • Improve balance and fall prevention through YMCA Enhance®Fitness exercise classes (no membership needed)
  • KN-95 and cloth mask distribution
  • Telephone social check-ins
  • Hospital discharge assistance (to home)
  • Veterans Directed Care Consultation
  • Robotic pet companion intervention for caregivers
  • Caregiver monthly e-newsletter and educational support groups. To sign up for the free e-newsletter, click here and select 'Aging & Long-Term Care News and Information' or call Kitsap1 at 360-337-5777.   
  • Virtual workshops coming in May in celebration of Older Americans Month on topics that include: an overview of our agency services, promoting brain health, what you need to know about aging at home in Kitsap, and cybersecurity awareness. Click on links in the flyer to register for these free events.

To learn more about new and existing services and resources for older adults and their caregivers, please visit our website at www.agingkitsap.com or call (360) 337-5700 to speak with a trusted Senior Information and Assistance team member. We are your tax dollars at work!

ALTC Header 1.png



Waste facility and trash pickup update - Thurs., April 74/6/2022

​

View this as a webpage
Recycling and Garbage News

Waste facility and trash pickup service update for Thursday, April 7

Closed Thursday, April 7:

Open Thursday, April 7:

Postpone your visit if possible. We are increasing trash haul-out service at open facilities to accommodate increased customers and trash, but may reach capacity and periodically turn away customers.

Mason County customers should use a transfer station in Mason County. The Belfair Drop Box is limiting to maximum 6 trash cans or 2 yards trash per customer until further notice. The Eells Hill Transfer Station can accommodate larger loads. Pierce County customers should use a transfer station in Pierce County.

 

Facility Updates

Pickup service providers plan to operate normally

At this time, all waste pickup service providers plan to operate normally on Thursday, April 7. This could change. Continue to check provider webpages for updates:

 

WM / Brem-Air

City of Poulsbo

City of Bainbridge Island

 

What happened?

A catastrophic failure of the garbage compactor at the Olympic View Transfer Station has drastically reduced the amount of waste that can be processed. The facility is processing waste as quickly as possible, but needed to reduce incoming trash in order to keep up.

WM, the contracted operator of the facility, is working diligently with their vendors to get the compactor back in operation, while trying to clear waste from the building. Repairs are underway.

Waste pickup service providers rely on Olympic View Transfer Station for disposal and have been affected by the closure.

 

Subscribe to updates

To get updates by text or email, subscribe here.

We will provide information for Friday, April 8 as soon as it becomes available. 

Please continue to check for closures before visiting any waste facility. Thank you for your understanding and patience. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. 

Public Works Solid Waste | Recycle.KitsapGov.com | 360.337.5777
1 - 30Next

For all current items Click Here

For previously posted items Click Here