Kitsap County requires a Site Development Activity Permit (SDAP) for any grading activity that moves 150 cubic yards or more of earth, under Kitsap County Code Chapter 12.10. Chapter 12.16 sets the technical grading standards. Fill sites receiving 5,000 cubic yards or more, or any work in a critical area, requires an Engineered SDAP.
Kitsap County's grading and land-disturbance program lives in KCC Title 12 (Stormwater Drainage). Chapter 12.10 (Permits) establishes when a Site Development Activity Permit is required: any grading that involves 150 cubic yards or more of cut or fill, or any clearing on slopes 15% or greater, or any work in a critical area (wetland, geologically hazardous, fish and wildlife habitat conservation area). Chapter 12.16 (Grading) sets the technical standards — maximum cut and fill slope ratios (typically 2:1 horizontal:vertical), benching requirements for cuts and fills greater than 5 feet in height, drainage controls, and erosion/sediment control during construction. Fill sites receiving 150 to 4,999 cubic yards require a standard SDAP. Fill sites receiving 5,000 cubic yards or more, or any site located in a critical area, require an engineered SDAP with a civil engineer's stamped plans. SDAPs are reviewed by the Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD). Volume is calculated as soil disturbance depth (feet) × area (square feet) ÷ 27. The 2017 Kitsap County Stormwater Design Manual applies in parallel to most grading work.
Grading without a required SDAP is a violation of KCC 12.10 and may trigger a stop-work order, restoration to original grade, daily civil penalties under KCC 12.10.290, and potential criminal penalties for repeat offenses. Work in critical areas without permits faces additional fines under KCC Title 19 (Critical Areas).
See how Kitsap County's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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