Skip Navigation LinksKitsap DCD Before You Buy or Build - Start Here!

Before You Buy or Build - Start Here!

     

Before You Buy Land, Plan Your Dream Home, or

Begin a Building Project, Community Development
Invites You to Start Here!


Utilize these resources to safeguard your investment by conducting thorough research before purchasing or developing property. Kitsap County provides free educational tools and resources to help you research zoning, permitting, environmental requirements, and more—so you can move forward with confidence.

 TOOLS

PREP Report Map

The award-winning PREP Report Map helps you identify critical areas on your property that may require additional reports in the application process. With an easy-to-read color system, you’ll know what to expect as you plan your project.


Parcel Search

Parcel Search is a County tool that provides information on all Kitsap County Properties. The first step is to locate the lot or parcel. Once you have the parcel located, you can answer questions like: 
  • What is the zoning of the parcel?
  • Are there any critical areas (flood hazards, steep slopes, etc.)?
  • Tax information.
  • Size of the parcel.
  • If the parcel uses an easement.
  • Existing Permits.

 IS MY LOT BUILDABLE?

Make sure your lot is legal

  • If your property was created by a Plat, Short Plat, Large Lot, or Binding Site Plan, it’s already considered a legal lot.
  • If it wasn’t—or you’re not sure—DCD can confirm for you through a legal lot determination service (fee applies).
  • Check Kitsap County Code 16.62 for details.

Meet zoning rules

Every property falls under a zoning category that determines what you can build and where.

  • Your project must be allowed in that zoning area—check the Zoning Use Table.
  • Buildings must also follow rules for setbacks, building height, lot coverage, and more.
  • You can look up your zoning at the Kitsap County Parcel Search.

Have a plan for water and sewage

  • You’ll need to show how your property will get water and handle sewage.
  • Hire a licensed septic designer and bring your project idea to the Kitsap Public Health District for review.

Protect critical areas

If your lot includes wetlands, shorelines, or other protected areas, there are extra rules for buffers and setbacks.


 ZONING

Allowed Uses

Certain uses or projects are allowed in some zones and not in others. For example, residential homes are not permitted in Commercial Districts. To find out allowed uses for your property,  visit the Kitsap County Code Chapter 17.410 Allowed Uses, or contact us for help.

 PERMITTING

Permitting is not just about code requirements, but also about ensuring the safety of your family, community, and property. Before you begin any project, verify whether it requires a permit.

Removing trees, building a shed, or adding to your home may require permits.

Visit the Permit Application Portal to determine if your project requires permits.


PERMIT STEPS - Single Family Residence

​Pre-Recorded Webinar ~1 hr. 2 min.
We'll cover the basics of considerations and steps to take when developing a Single Family Residence (SFR) project. This webinar will summarize points from previous webinars and incorporate some new information to consider when developing an SFR.


 ENVIRONMENTAL

CRITICAL AREAS

​Pre-Recorded Critical Areas Webinar ~39 min.
Many properties in Kitsap County are located in or near critical areas. This webinar provides an overview of the environmentally sensitive areas in our county.

Community Development Maps

​Critical Areas Video ~ 10 min

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Stormwater and Site Development Information