Kitsap County Design Districts

The purpose of design standards is to guide the general character and the look and feel of a designated area; this may include: structures, landscaping, signage, etc.

Standards are baseline requirements for the design of development projects.  Some guidelines are recommendations that are intended to further define the desired character of development within the districts.

Typically projects follow the requirements of Kitsap County Code, Title 17 Zoning (Title 17.420.050), however, if your parcel is located in one of Kitsap County’s design districts you will also need to follow the standards and guidelines of that design district.

If there is a conflict in requirements the more restrictive will apply.

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Silverdale

The design guidelines present and describe overall urban design intent for Silverdale as a compact, diverse, mixed-use urban center. The guidelines use "unique (special) amenities" of Silverdale as a foundation for design intent and actions, organized in nine districts to focus on physical amenities and features specific to each district.

The Guidelines provide as much detail as possible by district to guide development that is compatible with existing development patterns, incorporates unique or special features, or influences a significant change in those patterns. The methodology is more complex by intent. It requires extra effort from all stakeholders to assure the implementation of a compact pedestrian-friendly and safe downtown.

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Keyport

One of Keyport’s unique features is its pedestrian oriented small town “main street” character within the Keyport Rural Village and specifically upon Washington Avenue NE. This character and historical context are of great value and importance to the Keyport community.

These design guidelines were created to provide guidance for new construction on the commercial parcels in a way that will be sensitive to the pedestrian context of the community and is intended to significantly reduce any negative impacts of new development.

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Kingston

The purpose of the following design standards are to help implement the physical aspects of the Kingston community vision for downtown areas that evolved out of the Kingston Community Design Study, developed in 1993. These standards promote Kingston’s small town character and support local economic vitality while accommodating the impact of existing regional transportation and tourism issues. The intent is not only to provide some assurance to the community of basic conformity to the vision statement but also to encourage creativity.

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Manchester

These design standards were specifically formulated to preserve and enhance local businesses, while maintaining the rural village atmosphere, that serve the residents and are part of the neighborhood in the services and support that they provide to the community. Most of the businesses are located in the downtown area (i.e. the Manchester Village Commercial (MVC) zone)—the zone of application for the Design Standards. It is bounded by Daniels Loop to the north, the rear lot-lines of the parcels abutting the eastern side Colchester Avenue to the east, East Spruce Street on the south and Spring Avenue to the west. 

The design standards were also written to complement and augment the plans for the larger Manchester Community Plan—to maintain the community vision, values, and aspirations for the future. The standards recognize what originally attracted visitors in the past and promotes improvements to enhance the atmosphere and visual character of the area—they permit growth that provides infrastructure enhancements and environmental protections while maintaining Manchester’s Village atmosphere for visitors and a safe and inviting home for residents.