Environmental Rules in Kitsap County, WA (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Kitsap County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Unincorporated Kitsap County requires a site development activity permit before any construction that involves drainage, under Title 12, the Stormwater Management Ordinance. Work must follow the county's Stormwater Design Manual, and public works can enforce against neglected drainage facilities with civil penalties.
Kitsap County Stormwater Drainage Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 12.04.030
The provisions of this title shall apply to all site development activities requiring land use permits and approvals as defined in Chapter 12.08, both public and private, within the bounds of unincorporated Kitsap County. The provisions of Chapter 12.24 (Operation and Maintenance) shall also apply to existing stormwater facilities in unincorporated Kitsap County. The provisions of Chapter 12.30...
Erosion Control
Unincorporated Kitsap County caps artificial slopes at a 2:1 gradient unless a professional engineer proves a steeper cut stays as erosion-stable as a properly maintained 2:1 slope. Grading of 5,000+ cubic yards or one acre or more of land disturbance requires an engineered grading plan and a site development activity permit before work starts.
Kitsap County Erosion & Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 12.16.080(1)
(1) The maximum surface gradient on any artificially created slope shall be two feet of horizontal run to one foot of vertical fall (2:1). This gradient may be increased to that gradient which can be demonstrated through engineering calculations to be stable, if, in the opinion of the director, it has been demonstrated by the applicant through engineering calculations performed by a qualified p...
Flood Zones
In unincorporated Kitsap County, no one may build, fill, or alter land in a mapped special flood hazard area without a development permit from the Department of Community Development. New residential structures must sit at least one foot above the base flood elevation, and violations draw a $500-a-day civil infraction under Kitsap County Code Title 15.
Kitsap County Flood Hazard Development Permit
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 15.12.010
A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 15.04.040. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in Chapter 15.08... Specifically, the following information is required: A. Elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of...
Boat Dock Permits
Kitsap County requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit for new docks, piers, floats, and mooring buoys anywhere in the unincorporated county's shoreline jurisdiction under KCC § 22.600.160. Docks are barred outright in the Natural shoreline designation, buoys are preferred over piers, and building without a permit draws a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day.
Kitsap County Boat Dock and Mooring Permits
Significant RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 22.600.160(A)
A. Environment Designations Permit Requirements. When mooring structures are proposed in the aquatic designation and are adjacent to the following upland designations, the identified permit requirements shall apply: 1. Natural: a. Prohibited for single use; b. Prohibited for joint or public use, unless the adjoining upland is a public park, then up to two mooring buoys may be permitted with an ...
Defensible Space
In unincorporated Kitsap County, a builder on a lot where water supply cannot deliver adequate fire flow can offset the shortfall under Table B103.3 of the amended International Fire Code: clearing defensible space within 30 feet of a one- or two-family home and planting fire-resistant landscaping earns a 25 percent, or 125-gallon-per-minute, credit toward the 500 gpm total required before a building permit proceeds.
Kitsap County Defensible Space Fire Credit
Some RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 14.04.785, Table B103.3, Item 8
Scope: The following fire protection development standards may apply to one- and two-family residential dwellings. Any combination of fire protection credits listed in the table can be used in areas where fire flow is inadequate or not available. The total fire protection credits shall equal or exceed 500 gallons per minute. ... 8.) Create defensible space within 30 feet around the structure. U...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In unincorporated Kitsap County's mapped special flood hazard areas, new or substantially improved residential structures must have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation, with mechanical equipment and utilities held to the same one-foot freeboard.
Kitsap County Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Significant RestrictionsKitsap County Code § 15.12.090
§ 15.12.090. Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of residential structures shall meet the following standards: A. In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zoned areas where the BFE has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and u...
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