Kitsap DCD Before You Buy or Build

Before You Buy or Build

Protect Your Investment and Research Before You Buy

Protect your investment by doing your homework before you purchase or develop 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.

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 in KCC Title 17.
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.

Check the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program for details.
DCD staff can help you plan around these areas before you apply.

Permitting

Permitting is not just about code requirements, but also about ensuring the safety of your family, community, and property. Before you tackle any projects, check to see if the project requires a permit.

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

Allowed Uses

Certain uses or projects are allowed in some zones and not in others. For example, residential homes are not allowed in Commercial Districts. To find out allowed uses for your property, call us at 360.337.5777, or visit the Kitsap County Code Chapter 17.410 Allowed Uses.

Start Here! Land Use and Building Development Basics

With the help of grant funding from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kitsap County DCD has put together a land use and development basics series intended to help you understand some of the steps involved in building or developing land. These have taken place in the form of webinars given by our DCD staff and are available for viewing on our Start Here! page. Also available on the page are brochures and links to our Start Here! Professionals to help you get started on your project.