Skip Navigation LinksKitsap DCD Code Interpretations and Determinations

Code Interpretations and Determinations

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Kitsap County Code, KCC 21.04.040 ‘Administration and interpretation’ allows the Director of Community Development to provide clarification of county code code. Types of interpretations include:

​Director’s Administrative Interpretation. The Director may initiate a code interpretation whenever necessary and the interpretation will be made publicly available as required by code.

Director’s Informal Interpretation. The director may answer informal questions from the public about how code applies in general situations. These informal responses are not binding and cannot be appealed.

Director’s Formal Interpretations. Anyone may submit a formal request for code interpretation. Formal interpretations are binding, may be appealed, and include a fee based on staff and Prosecutor’s Office hourly rates.
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Similar Use Determinations (KCC 17.100.040​). If a proposed land use is not listed in the Zoning Use Table (KCC 17.410), the Director may determine whether it is similar to an existing allowed use. The findings consider things like:
  • whether it supports the goals and policies of the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan
  • if it fits the purpose and intent of the areas land use designation and zoning
  • how it impacts the health and welfare of the public
  • shared characteristics with similar existing uses​​

If the proposed use does not meet all criteria, it cannot be allowed. If the criteria can be met, it follows the permit requirements of the comparable existing use.


The Department of Community Development keeps permanent records of all similar use determinations, code interpretations, and related Hearing Examinder decisions. They may be prioritized and considered in future code updates and are available to the public on the county website and shall be available for inspection.


For more information, visit Kitsap County Code.
Name
  
Date of Decision
  
T21 - Administrative Interpretation - Allowance of Wind Turbine in Rural Residential Zone9/9/2008
T21 - Administrative Interpretation - Vacation Rentals3/4/2013
CBO - DI Formal-Replacement of Certain Nonconforming Homes5/23/2018
T21 - DI Shoreline View Blockage Adjacent Accessory Structure12/27/2018
T21 - DI Formal Height Measurement Standards1/24/2019
CBO - DI Informal Split-level Floor Construction Techniques1/31/2019
T21 - DI Informal Rancho Storage Setbacks3/8/2019
CBO - Accessory Living Quarters Attachment Requirements7/5/2019
T17 - DI Applicable to Development Within Kitsap County3/4/2020
T17 - Similar Use Determination - Outdoor Schools3/4/2020
T21-DI Development Work Within the ROW6/5/2023
T21 - DI Grading Associated with SFR Development3/7/2024
T21 - DI SFR Development with Work in Critical Areas3/7/2024
T17 - Outdoor Storage Vehicles and Equipment12/3/2024
T17 - DI ADU vs Guest House6/30/2025
T16 - DI_Cell Tower10/15/2025
T17 - DI Farm Stand4/23/2026
T17 - DI Definitions7/13/2026