Draft Land Use Element_webChapter 2. Land Use
2.1 Introduction
The Land Use element represents the hemintersection point of the Comprehensive Plan, a-swhere land use
goals, policies, map designations, and decisions are created to connect and relate incorporate all other
elements through a future -looking lens as the City continues to develop. The purpose of this section is to
provide a framework to guide future land use to help the city grow in an orderly, rational, and efficient way
and help the community realize its potential during the 20-year planning horizon. The goals and policies
contained herein recognize that haphazard and diseFdeFly develepFn *unplanned growth can reduce
efficiency and increase the cost of utilities, roads, and other services, consume valuable open space, and
result in higher taxes and fees fie to fund and maintain infrastructure and services.
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires Comprehensive P-plans to contain land use elements that
describe the proposed distribution, location, and extent of land uses. Once adopted, land use goals and
policies will be functionally implemented through+n Port Orchard's development regulations. The
,-"^IThe primary goal of this element is to plan for population and employment growth projections in
accordance with GMA requirements while ensuron--_balancing new development needs with eeeurs—in
aceerdance *" the community's aspirations and values and the requirements; of the r-nan
2.2 Key Issues and Concepts
As a community, Port Orchard is growing due to a healthy birth rate, immigration, and annexation. This plan
accommodates Port Orchard's 2036 2044 population and employment growth allocations, as distributed
through the Vision 2040-2050 framework and agreed upon in coordination with other Kitsap County
municipalities in the Countywide Planning Policies. Port Orchard's land use and zoning designations
currently provide sufficient land capacity within city boundaries to accommodate the projected 8-2-3-510,500
additional residents who will make Port Orchard their home (during the 20102024-204436 planning period).
In conjunction with the findings of the Buildable Lands Report, the Future Land Use Map shows how the
��3,552 additional projected and allocated residents in the adjacent Urban Growth Area can be
accommodated.
o Sid r.+S have emphasized that ;t ; r;+;,.-,l +^A common theme heard throughout the public engagement
process for this Comprehensive Plan Update has been focused on how to manage new growth in a way that
protects the sma'�wnsmall-town character of the community while allowing for new and innovative
development that responds to changing household needs and growth press ures._Figure 1 below shows the
changes in different age groupsage brackets from 2000 2010 to 20192021, with a significant ncrease
generationa noted increase in the 35-54 age bracket (+4% since 2010). As Port Orchard's population ages,
the city needs the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs and desires of this age group and the feFesibht
+^ PlaR f.,r these ehanRas as wellthe various age groups and their unique needs and desires from a land -use
perspective.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Port Orchard (2010) Port Orchard (2021) Kitsap County Washington
Figure 1
■ 65 and older
■55to64
45 to 54
■35to44
■ 20 to 34
■ 19 and younger
The fundamental goal of the Land Use element, as established by the GMA, is to establish broad, general
direction forthe City's land use policies. The land use policies are established notonlyin accordance with the forward -
looking population and employment growth projections allocated to the City but are also responsive to the existing
population changes that the City has experienced since the last major Comprehensive Plan update. This element
provides the City's policy plan for growth over the next twenty years. It also implements many of the goals
and objectives in the other plan elements through suggested land use designations and other action
recommendations. The Land Use Element specifically considers the general distribution and location of land
uses; and the appropriate intensity and density of land uses designations given development trends andto
accommodate allocated population and employment growth projections. The City's development
regulations and permitting processes are used to direct establish adequate development standards for
growth, to ensure it occurs in a manner consistent with both the provisions of this PIPmPntGMA and the
community's vision for the future. To accomplish this, the Land Use element establishes goals and policies
that seek to:
• Accommodate changes in population and demographics
• Encourage development in urban areas, reduce sprawl, and deliver services efficiently
• Ensure land use designations reflect need and demand
• Minimize traffic congestion and encourage the development of a multimodal transportation
system
• Protect open spaces and the natural environment
• Promote physical activity
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
• Support a range of employment opportunities
• Allow middle housing types in areas predominantly characterized by single family detached housing.
2.3 Current Land Use Characteristics
Figure 2 shows the pelizeent of lard u-SeS,-and z g based en the ty's +„+,I land of 2 overall
acreage of each zoning district within the City. Most land in the eCity is devoted to housing. Commercial
areas throughout the City offer a range of goods and services, provide employment for
IAPAI residents and those living in surrounding rural areas.; a+�dCommercial areas also provide additional tax
revenue to help fund and maintain public services and facilities. Industrial lands allowfor light manufacturing
and warehousing businesses, which also provide job opportunities and support the area's economy.
Cigar- 2 A sherA,s the a nt of deg eIepahle land On residential land use areas.
Port Orchard
Zoning, 2023
Legend
Q Pert Orchard City Limits
Part Orchard UGA
Water Bodies
Zone
Greenbelt (GB)
Residential) (111)
Residential 2 (R2)
Residential 3 (113)
Residentia 14 (R4)
Residentia 16 (R6)
Neighborhood Mixed Use (NMU)
3usiness Prof. Mixed Use (BPMU)
Commercial Mixed Use (CMU)
Downtown Mixed Use (E)MU)
Gateway Mixed Use (GMU)
Commercial Corridor (CC)
ComD ial Heavy (CH)
Industrial Flex (IF)
Light Industrial (L)
Civic and Institutional (CI)
Parks and Recreation (PR)
Public Facilities (PF)
Roads
State Highway
Collector ( Arteria I
Local Road
M ei-t
2.4 Land Use Designations
o
Navy V.,d
City
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503.4
311.9
2,068.2
1,047.9
123.6
321.1
U 17.1
viu 51.9
U 336.2
The City's comprehensive plan land use element identifies 7-seven different land use designations which are
I+sted- i ishown in the Future Land Use Map below. These land use designations are implemented
through the city's zoning regulations contained in the municipal code. Each land use designation may
correspond to one or more zoning designations for implementation. As the City develops sub -area plans for
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
48.2
35.1
189.6
162.3
7_6
137.6
113.8
134.1
280.6
its designated centers as described in section 2.7, the c-City may wish to create new zones and standards
consistent with this plan, its goals and policies, and these land use designations. When doing so, the Ceity
should ensure that it doesn't significantly alter the land capacity for the Csity such that the City's population
and employment growth allocations adopted in the countywide planning policies can't be accommodated.
Likewise, if sub -area plans are likely to accelerate population and employment growth rates, the City should
take reasonable measures to ensure that it doesn't surpass its 20362044 growth targets.
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CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
2023 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP
Greenbelt
Low Density Resde tial
MOium_Pensly Residential
- High -Density Residential
- Commercial
Urban lrr&a1ral
Publ cand C—munty Spaces
Urban Growth Area
Port Orchard UGA
[Insert UGA Future Land Use Map —Update based on Kitsap County's pending amendmentsl
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.5 Buildable Land Capacity
The Kitsap County 2021 Buildable Lands Report found that the City of Port Orchard has room to develop,
through vacant or underutilized lands, a total of 6,659 dwelling units, or enough space for 16,250 residents
using a variety of housing types, assuming 2.44 people per housing unit. This means that the city has sufficient
capacity to accommodate its growth allocation developed under the Vision 2050 framework, but also that it
has surplus capacity which could potentially allow the city to exceed its growth allocation. The City's
Population Capacity is shown in Table 1:
City of Port Orchard
Population Capacity and Demand
2044 Population Capacity
16,250
2024-2044 Allocated Population Growth
10,500
Net 20-Year Population Capacity (+ or -)
5,750
UGA Pop. Capacity/Demand Ratio
1.55
Table 1
2.5. I Current and Proected Growth and Performance
The growth allocation described in Table 1 above provided a target of 10,500 people that need to be
accommodated between 2024 and 2044. As part of the City's 2024 Periodic Update, the city has the benefit
of reviewing historic population growth data to evaluate its performance in accommodating population
allnr.atinns_
Since the City's last Comprehensive Plan Update in 2016, the City grew at an average rate of 3.5% per year as
shown in Table 2 below. Given the characteristics of the areas annexed by the city, including numerous
entitled projects, the annual growth rates allow the City to project and anticipate future growth rates.
OFM
Population
OFM
Forecasting
Annual Growth
Estimate
Year
Rate
13,810
2016
--
13,990
2017
1.3%
14,160
2018
1.2%
14,390
2019
1.6%
15,587
2020
8.3%*
15,960
2021
2.4%
16,400
2022
2.8%
17,480
2023
6.6%
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
XX 2024 XX
Table 2
* The 2020 annual growth rate includes population adjustments for the 2020 Census, including population adjustments between the 2010 and
2020 Census, resulting in a noticeably higher annual growth rate than adiacent years.
The City of Port Orchard, similar to many communities throughout the Puget Sound region, has experienced
significant growth over the last decade. Annual growth rates between 2016 and 2023 ranged from 1.2% to
6.6%. A unique outlier to the City's growth rates occurred during and immediately following the Covid-19
pandemic, in which the City experienced unprecedented growth rates exceeding 8%. Following 2020, annual
growth rates returned to the more traditional growth rates between 2.4% and 6.6%, indicating continued
development interest. If the City were to continue to grow at the same average annual growth rate as it has
from 2016-2023 (3.5%), the City protects that its 2044 population would be 34,903 people. This protection is
6,923 people above the City's growth allocation from PSRC for the Comprehensive Plan's planning horizon
of 2044.
The City will need to experience an average annual growth rate of 1.925% in order to meet (and not exceed)
P&RGC3the Countywide Planning Policy growth allocation of an additional 10,500 population in 2044. While a
1.925% annual growth rate is lower than the annual growth rates that the City has experienced in the last
five years, it is similar to growth rates that the City has experienced prior to the uniquely high growth rate in
2020. Over the 20-year planning horizon the City anticipates lower growth rates than experienced in the last
five years, bringing overall growth closer to the 1.925% average growth rate needed to meet the City's
growth allocation.
242.6 Overlay Districts
The city's development regulations include land use overlay districts which are applied in parts of the city,
as summarized below.
• Downtown Height Overlay District (DHOD)
• Self -Storage Overlay District (SSOD)
• Ruby Creek Overlay District (RCOD)
• View Protection Overlay District (VPOD)
• McCormick Urban Village Overlay District (MVOD)
Port Orchard's overlay districts accomplish varying objectives including implementing subarea plans,
providing regulations for the development in centers, regulating specific uses, and determining building
heights. The creation of a new overlay district may be appropriate as the City continues to develop subarea
plans under the Centers approach to growth.
2,62.7 Land Use Goals & Policies
Goals are not listed in any particular order. Port Orchard strives to:
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Goal I. Retain Port Orchard's small town commercial and residential
character while accommodating allocated growth citywide.
Policy LU-1. Ensure that land use and zoning regulations maintain and enhance exiStiRg Single ly
r^, a;low density residential neighborhoods, while encouraging that new development
provides a mixed range of housing types.
Policy LU-2. Limit industrial development to locations accessible from arterials or freeways and
discourage industrial access through residential areas.
Policy LU-3. Update and establish Maintain building and site design standards that support an attractive
and functional built environment in all areas of the City.
Policy LU-4. Encourage the subdivision of large parcels and, through private subdivisions and public
acquisitions, the creation of a continuous street grid similar in scale to the downtown's,
especially in designated centers of local importance.
Goal 2. Ensure that sufficient land is available for development to
accommodate allocated growth in population and employment.
Policy LU-5. Ensure land use and development regulations enable a supply of housing units within the
city and adjacent UGA that will accommodate forecasted population growth. Ensure land
use and development regulations enable a supply of commercial retail and office space
within the city and adjacent UGA that will accommodate forecasted employment growth.
Policy LU-6. Ensure adequate land is available for light industrial and commercial uses, including high
technology, medical, and office uses, in appropriate areas to diversify Port Orchard's
economic base and provide for the community's changing needs.
Policy LU-7. Monitor the rate of residential, light industrial and commercial growth against the 20- year
targets established in VISION 20540 and the Countywide Planning Policies, and if growth
appears to deviate from a rate that complies with these targets, consider adopting
reasonable measures such as reducing/increasing adopted transportation levels of service,
reducing/increasing impact fees, or accelerating/delaying projects within the City's Capital
Improvement Program.
Policy LU-8. Provide Allow for a variety of single-family, middle housing, and multi -family housing types
and employment opportunities that meet the needs of diverse socioeconomic interests.
Policy LU-9. Notify adjacent military facilities of relevant local land use decisions.
Peliey LIJ 9.Policy LU-10. Allow for the siting of organic materials (OM) management facilities to meet
OM reduction and diversion goals as identified in the Kitsap County Solid and Hazardous
Waste Management Plan.
Goal 3. Implement a strategy to develop centers.
Pelicy=LIJ 10 Policy LU-11. In consultation with stakeholders and the general public, develop a
comprehensive strategy to implement centers as a means of directing and prioritizing
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
residential and commercial growth.
°=Policy LU-12. Within centers, set minimum building densities that enable lively and active
streets and commercial destinations. Such limits may take the form of: minimum floors or
building height, floor -area -ratios, and lot coverage; and maximum street setbacks and
parking spaces.
Goal 4. Ensure that both public services and infrastructure are developed
in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Policy LU 12-.PolicV LU-13. Prioritize capital facilities and transportation investment in those locations
targeted for growth and higher land use densities.
°TPolicy LU-14. Coordinate with Kitsap County to develop a plan and timeline to annex UGA
land adjacent to the city, consistent with the city's capability to provide municipal services
and applicable law.
Policy LU 14-.Policy LU-15. Identify land in the UGA that is useful for public purposes, such as utility
corridors, transportation corridors, parks, schools, and other public uses.
Goal S. Protect, enhance, and maintain the values and functions of Port
Orchard's natural areas, open spaces, and critical areas.
Pelicy=LLJ-1TPolicy LU-16. Evaluate a range of incentives to encourage compact development to
preserve open space throughout the city, possibly to include density credits, incentive
zoning, and/or transfer of development rights.
°Policy LU-17. Prioritize the development of new parks, open space, and passive and active
recreational opportunities in underserved neighborhoods and centers.
°rPolicy LU-18. Incentivize infill development to preserve and protect open space, critical
areas, and natural resources.
Policy LU 18. Identify land On the UGA that is useful for open space eorridors, including land for ,
vAldl bitat, trawls, and Ee.peect+eAs-orcritica,l areas
Policy LU-19. Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater used for public water supplies through
zoning designations, development regulations, and the local critical areas ordinance.
Goal 6. Reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, promote
public health, reduce auto dependency, and increase multimodal
transportation opportunities for accessing retail services, health
care services, and places of employment.
Policy LU-20. Ensure orderly development, concurrency of infrastructure provision, and protection of
environmentally sensitive areas through an effective and predictable permitting process.
Policy LU-21. Remove barriers to low -impact development in zoning, subdivision, and street regulations.
Encourage the minimization of impervious surface areas in development.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Policy LU-22. Promote local food security and public health by enabling the establishment of urban
agriculture, community gardens, farmers markets, and food production and distribution
infrastructure.
Policy LU-23. Enable land use patterns that allow all residents to safely and efficiently access commercial
services, especially grocery stores and healthcare facilities, without an automobile.
Policy LU-24. Encourage the expansion of transit networks that enable both incorporated and
unincorporated neighborhoods outside of the city to access job centers within Port Orchard.
Goal 7. Encourage the development of active, vibrant, and attractive
destinations throughout the community.
Policy LU-25. Incorporate the following principles in planning for commercial areas:
• Create lively and attractive places a - ton a human scale.
• Support a mix of retail, office, and residential uses in multistory structures.
• Create transitions between commercial areas and surrounding residential
neighborhoods.
• Protect residential areas from excessive noise, exterior lighting, glare, visual
nuisances, and other conditions that detract from the quality of the living
environment.
• Encourage multi -modal transportation options, especially during peak traffic
periods.
• Promote an intensity and density of land uses sufficient to support effective
transit and pedestrian activity.
• Promote a street pattern that provides through connections, pedestrian and
vehicular access.
• Establish urban and architectural design standards that support an attractive and
functional pedestrian environment, such as block size limits and requiring street -
facing windows and doors.
• Encourage pedestrian travel to and within commercial areas by providing:
• Safe and attractive walkways.
• Close groupings of land uses.
• Parking lot design that provides safe walking routes and pedestrian
connections between adjacent properties.
• Off-street surface parking to the backs or sides of buildings to maximize
pedestrian access from the sidewalk(s).
Goal 8. Connect new and existing neighborhoods to each other, to
commercial and employment centers, and to public facilities.
Policy LU-26. Require adequate transitions between different land uses to mitigate potential negative
impacts of noise, light, and air pollution.
Policy LU-27. Require new development to provide connections to and through -access for existing and
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
planned trails and roads. Explore strategies to encourage existing development to provide
the same as part of a city- and region -wide trail and open space network.
Goal 9. Encourage the ongoing development of downtown as an active,
vibrant community, commercial, social, and civic center while
respecting its historic character.
Policy LU-28. In conjunction with the Centers Strategy as provided in Section 2.7, enhance downtown Port
Orchard's role as the center of the South Kitsap region, reflecting the following principles in
development standards and land use plans:
• Encourage land uses that support transit centers and promote pedestrian activity.
• Promote a mix of uses, including retail, office, and housing.
• Encourage uses that will provide both daytime and evening activities.
• Support civic, cultural, and entertainment activities.
• Provide sufficient public open space and recreational opportunities.
• Enhance, and provide access to, the waterfront.
• Develop enhanced design guidelines and design review requirements that
promote attractive, pedestrian -scale development and redevelopment within the
City's historic downtown area.
Policy LU-29. Consider conducting a downtown parking study to assess current and future parking needs
and develop solutions and strategies to address identified constraints or oversupply.
Policy LU-30. Ensure land use designations and development support existing maritime industries,
promote creative uses of the waterfront, and facilitate the planning and construction of
waterfront parks and gathering places.
Goal 10. Collaborate with the County and nearby cities to develop a
comprehensive watershed plan that incorporates land use
strategies aimed at improving the health of Puget Sound.
Policy LU-31. Reduce stormwater impacts from development through watershed planning,
redevelopment and retrofit proiects, and low -impact development.
Policy LU-32. Coordinate land use planning with the County and nearby cities to identify changes that may
occur to stream hydrology and water quality as a result of different land use scenarios and
under a full build -out of the City's designated land use classifications.
Policy LU-33. Implement the recommendations contained within the Downtown Basin Stormwater Plan
to ensure that development of the Downtown subarea does not result in increased
stormwater runoff and pollution to Puget Sound.
Goal 11. Ensure land use planning is equitable and does not worsen
environmental health disparities.
Policy LU-34. Integrate community health, equity, and displacement into appropriate planning practices
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
and decision -making processes.
Policy LU-35. Reduce impacts to vulnerable populations and areas that have been disproportionately
affected by noise, air pollution, or other environmental impacts.
Goal 12. Establish land use patterns that increase the resilience of the built
environment, ecosystems, and community to climate change.
Policy LU-36. Establish development regulations that incorporate best practices for reducing the risk of
wildfire, extreme heat, flooding, and other climate -exacerbated hazards.
Policy LU-37. Identify and implement strategies for reducing residential development pressure in the
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
Policy LU-38. For areas within the Wildland Urban Interface, apply the requirements
of the Washington Wildland Urban Interface Code.
Policy LU-39. Develop regulations for elevating er `ettong back new and substantially improved structures
that are at demonstrated to red ee the risk of damage caused by sea level rise.
Policy LU-40. Address rising sea water by siting and planning for relocation of hazardous industries and
essential public services away from the 500-year floodplain.
Goal 13. Monitor population growth rates to ensure that the City is
accommodating its share of regional growth as allocated in the
Countywide Planning Policies.
Policy LU-41. If the City's population growth rate falls below the rate needed to meet the 2044 population
growth target, the city should consider adopting reasonable measures such as reducing
adopted transportation levels of service, impact fees, or accelerating growth -related
projects within the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Policy LU-42. If the City's population growth rate exceeds the rate needed to meet the 2044 population
growth target, the City should consider adopting reasonable measures including increasing
transportation level of service standards, impact fees, or delaying projects within the City's
Capital Improvement Program.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
-2-.72.8 The Centers Strategy
2-.7-.42.8.1 Introduction
The post war 1 °'^SThroughout the post-war housing booms of the 1920s and 1940s, suburban residential
development have has become synonymous with the beginning of a development pattern known as urban
sprawl. Sprawl expands development over large amounts of land, resulting in long distances between
homes, jobs, and stores. It also significantly increases dependence on the automobile and traffic on
neighborhood streets and highways, as driving is required for nearly every activity. This development
pattern also draws economic resources away from existing communities and spreads them thinly and
inefficiently, far away from a community's historic core. This increases spending on new roads, new water
and sewer lines, and police and fire protection. This ultimately leads to the degradation of the older city,
higher taxes, and fewer available resources for already existing communities. In the early 1990s,
Washington sought to combat this adverse development style by adopting the Growth Management Act
(GMA). Among other ambitions, the GMA suggested a new development pattern broadly known as
"centers".
In association with the City's 2016 major update to the Comprehensive Plan, 4, the City designated ten
"local centers its CempFeheins;;;e Pla-R7 in accordance with the criteria provided in the Puget Sound
Regional Council's (PSRC) VISION 2040, which is a regional strategy for accommodating the expected 2040
PE)tiE)R of Puget SOUREI Fe ^^population and employment growth over the next 20 years. In
subsequent years, VISION 2040's criteria and terminology for centers have been revised, and the City has
revised its center terminology and boundaries for consistency. Based on the new criteria established in
PSRC's VISION 2050, the City now sin six designated "countywide centers" and feu-r-three designated
"local centers". .
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Compact development
Power Sewer
enables efficiency in
capital facilities
construction and
service delivery
Roads Water
A. Least Dense
7
B. Moderately Dense
W
C Most Dense
Figure 3 — The advantages of infrastructure and land use concurrency
2-.7-.22.8.2 What are Centers?
Traditional neighborhoods often had smaller business districts that served surrounding residential areas.
These districts typically had retail shops, markets, and services that were a short walk from the homes in
the area. Additionally, these districts created a unique identity that solidified the neighborhood. With the
increased cost of fuel and the economic recession, residents of Port Orchard have expressed a preference
for the development of smaller, local retailers and service providers in places that knit people and
commerce together on a local level.
Centers are focused areas of development that have key uses which enable the City to deliver services more
cost -efficiently and equitably pursue a development pattern that is environmentally and economically
sound and provide a means of influencing growth and change through collaboration with the
community in planning for the future of these areas. This strategy helps to accommodate growth in
designated areas while preserving the existing character of the community, thereby retaining more open
space and the dominant pattern of existing development. Centers accomplish these objectives by:
• Concentrating a thoughtful mix of supporting uses.
• Allowing more intense development while maintaining appropriate scale.
• Offering a wider variety of housing types that meets the needs of the broader community.
• Minimizing the dependence on vehicle trips.
The Centers strategy is a comprehensive and long-term approach to planning for a sustainable future that
helps preserve those aspects of the community that residents' value. This approach is intended to maximize
the benefit of public investment in infrastructure and services and promote collaboration with private
interests and the community to achieve mutual benefits.
Providing opportunities for residents, jobs, stores, services, and open spaces to be located in close proximity
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
can reduce the reliance on cars for shopping and commuting and offer better access to daily wants and
needs. Increasing residential and employment densities in key locations makes transit and other public
services convenient for more people and therefore makes these services more efficient.
Centers Framework Adopted March 22, 2018 and On Vision 2040, which is a regional strategy foF
,datiRg the . eeted 2040 n „latien .,f the Puget S,,,,nd r . According to VISION 20402050,
centers serve important roles as sub -regional hubs and secondary concentrations of development. They
provide a dense mix of housing and services, such as stores, medical offices, and libraries. They serve as
focal points where people come together for a variety of activities, including business, shopping, living, and
recreation. They often have a civic characterwith community facilities, such as municipal buildings and other
public places. Local centers should be served by regular local transit and regional express transit service and
should have a complete network of sidewalks and access to bicycle paths and transit facilities.
The Regional Centers Framework defines five different types of Centers:
1. Regional Growth Centers
2. Manufacturing Industrial Centers
3. Countywide Centers
4. Local Centers
5. Military Installations
Several of the identified center types include subtypes.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Figure 5 — Rendering of a concept for a pedestrian -focused town center
2—.7-.32.8.3 Designated Centers (Existing and Planned)
The following centers have been designated in the City's comprehensive plan by center type:
Regional Centers. The City has no designated regional centers at this time. Downtown Port
Orchard was evaluated as part of the Downtown Subarea Planning Process as a candidate for
regional center designation but achieving the PSRC requirement for 45 activity units per acre was
determined to be too large of a change to Downtown Port Orchard. As Downtown continues to
grow and evolve, its candidacy as a regional center should be revisited in the future.
Manufacturing Industrial Centers. The City has no designated Manufacturing Industrial Centers
currently. The City's only industrial park is too small to be considered either a Manufacturing
Industrial Center or a Countywide Center. Port Orchard is served by the nearby Puget Sound
Industrial Center — Bremerton.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Countywide Centers. The City has fisix designated Countywide Centers. Not all of these
Countywide Centers meet the minimum activity units per acre threshold per the PSRC Regional
Centers Criteria for Countywide Centers (8-�activity units per acre). The City intends that
these Countywide Centers which don't presently meet the activity unit threshold set by PSRC will
PAPPt thpit thrnchAld ;n thp f„t, reundergo land use capacity analysis in association with future
subarea planning efforts �n ^,�to meet the activity unit threshold. These centers may
temporarily be recognized as candidate countywide centers or local centers until the activity unit
threshold is met. The City's designated Countywide Centers are as follows:
1. Downtown Port Orchard
2. Tremont Center
3. Lower r Mil Hill
43 i ir,ae 4 "Mill Will
&4. .Sedgwick Bethel
6 S.Bethel Lund
7-.6.Sedgwick Sidney (Ruby Creek Neighborhood)
Local Centers. The City has designated the following local centers:
1. Annapolis
2. Old Clifton Industrial Park
3. McCormick Village
Military Installations. The City has no military installations within the City Limits.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
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CITY OF PORT ORCHARD
2021 CENTERS
Centers
Ruby Creek
Annapolis
Bethel Lund
Downtown
Lower Md. HIII
iMcCormick Woods
Old CliNon Ind Park
- Sedgwick Balhel
- South Bethel
Tremont
- Upper Mile Hill
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2-.7—.42.8.4 General Center Goals and Policies
The following are a list of general goals and suggested policies that Centers should seek to fulfill. Although
Centers have common elements, it should be acknowledged that each Center is unique and have/will have
a different set of priorities. Centers goals should be tailored to the specific Center in question. Generally,
Centers should seek to:
Policy CN-1. Prioritize the City's residential, commercial and light industrial growth and infrastructure
investments within designated Centers, in accordance with VISION 20540 and the
Countywide Planning Policies.
Policy CN-2. Focus future growth in designated, higher intensity areas in an effort to encourage the
preservation of open space and maintain surrounding neighborhood character.
Policy CN-3. Shorten commutes by concentrating housing and employment in strategic locations, which
provides residents opportunities to live and work in the same neighborhood.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Policy CN-4. Provide commercial services that serve the population of the Center, surrounding
neighborhoods, the city, and the region (dependent on the suitability of the scale of each
Center).
Policy CN-5. Support pedestrian and transit uses by promoting compact, mixed -use areas with
appropriate infrastructure that provide a variety of activities.
Policy CN-6. Balance objectives for accommodating growth, encouraging compatibility, promoting
housing affordability, and offering a wide range of housing types.
Policy CN-7. Provide access to parks and public pedestrian spaces by creating them within each Center
or by creating connections to existing public and open spaces.
Policy CN-8. During subarea planning for Centers, develop an implementation plan that addresses how
the City will meet Center goals through appropriate land use designations, annexation,
development of capital facilities and utilities, and related measures.
Policy CN-9. The City shall direct growth to Centers of all types through focused regulations and directed
capital projects.
Policy CN-10. The City should support employment growth, the increased use of non -automobile
transportation options, and the preservation of the character of existing built-up areas by
encouraging residential and mixed -use development at increased densities in designated
Centers.
Policy CN-11. The City shall ensure that higher density development in Centers is either within walking or
biking distance of jobs, schools, and parks and is well -served by public transit. (Centers Goal
Heusing, , Eeenernie Develepment,
Elements)
Policy CN-12. The City shall create and designate zoning that allows a mix of uses to accommodate
concentrations of employment and housing. (Centers Goals 2,3,4; E^^^^mic Development
Policy CN-13. The City shall encourage a broad range of housing types and commercial uses within
designated Centers, through zoning and development regulations that serve a local,
citywide, or regional market. (GenteFs Goals 3,5; Housing and €conernic Development
Policy CN-14. The City shall encourage the creation of public open space, private open space, and parks
within and serving designated centers.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2-.7-.52.8.5 Specific Center Descriptions and Policies
2.7.5.12.8.5.1 Downtown Port Orchard (Countywide Center)
In 2021, the City completed a subarea plan for Downtown Port Orchard which is adopted by reference in
appendix D. This plan combined two previous centers, the Downtown Port Orchard and County Campus
Centers into one center. The center was evaluated for possible designation as a Regional Urban Growth
Center, but there was a lack of support for increasing the level of activity in the center to a planned target
of 45 activity units per acre. The boundaries of this center are shown on the map below:
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Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.22.8.5.2 Tremont (Countywide Center)
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Tremont sub -area plan is to ensure that future development in
the Tremont Corridor is guided by specific guidelines and land use regulations that have been
generated by community wide involvement. This Comprehensive Plan and Tremont Corridor
District plan incorporates existing comprehensive or other documents related to properties
within the Tremont Corridor Sub Area. This plan will establish certain important Visions, Goals,
and Policies as well as standards and guidelines within the Tremont Corridor sub -area.
2. Vision. The Tremont Corridor is one of three primary entry points into the City of Port
Orchard from Highway 16. Presently the area is a mix of single-family residences, commercial,
health care facilities and multi -family residences. The expanded Harrison Hospital Urgent Care
Campus and Kaiser Permanente facilities are the anchors for businesses along the corridor,
particularly from Pottery Avenue west to Highway 16 forming the basis for a Hospital Benefit
District. The Tremont Corridor is a through -way for travelers and residents wanting to access
shops and services in the core of the city and businesses and homes in outlying areas. The
Tremont Corridor also announces to residents and visitors alike that the city has economic vitality
and provides services and opportunities to its citizens and residents in the south Kitsap area.
Tremont Corridor and Port Orchard residents _Ad PA -Ft ^"eh;;r l eitizens have determined that
they would like to see the corridor developed in way that encourage professional businesses that
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
support the health care facilities already in place and businesses that allow the continuing free
flow of traffic from Highway 16 into the downtown areas. Focus should be placed upon pedestrian
connections within the district as well as providing a regional connection to the South Kitsap areas
served by the hospitals and emergency service providers within the district.
the Citv completed a roadwav reconstruction oroiect within the Tremont Corridor in 201
whichTFement Aven,-^ will he _improved intersections, created bicycle lanes,-ar d widened w4h-
sidewalks, provided -street trees in landscape strips, and a landscaped island median that will
create a boulevard style of roadway. The Tremont corridor is promoted to include design
standards that will necessitate new development to provide a consistent, attractive landscape
edge while maintaining a human scale to new and redevelopment projects. A system of trails that
are pedestrian and bike friendly connecting the Tremont Corridor to the Port Orchard marine
walkway with trails through natural areas are key to the success of the Tremont district.
The Tremont district is envisioned with some multi -family residences to accommodate the
combination of residential and employment land uses within walking distances of the major
health care facilities. Some cafes and neighborhood services are also envisioned to support those
living, working or visiting the health care facilities. Regulations and design guidelines should help
to ensure that parking is provided in a manner that is beneficial to the neighborhood and
enhances the flow of transportation through the district. In addition, Tremont Corridor
stakeholders envision monument signage that are tastefully designed and constructed of natural
materials.
The corridor from Pottery Avenue east to Sidney Road consists primarily of single-family
residences and small clinics. Single family uses are encouraged as a desired mix of services and
residential uses within this district.
3. Housing and Employment. As of 2018, the Tremont Countywide Center measured 215 acres
containing 1,092 residents and 702 jobs. This equates to 8 activity units per acre under the PSRC
regional centers framework.
4. Tremont Center Goals
Goa 1O.Goal 14. Encourage development within the area that supports the
major hospital and medical installations (Harrison Hospital and
Kaiser Permanente) and assists the emergency response agencies
in the corridor (South Kitsap Fire Distric and Rescue).
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
Policy CN-15. Encourage regulations that enhance existing businesses while providing incentives that
promote economic growth in the corridor while maintaining sensitivity to residents in the
area.
Policy CN-16. Encourage professional and office uses that support the medical industry and create
pedestrian oriented health care focus.
Policy CN-17. Promote the creation of a hospital benefit district that will create opportunities for
additional community and economic development funding.
Goal 1 Goal 15. Encourage residential units i-nwithin walking distance to
employment, services, and health care facilities.
Policy CN-18. Require sidewalks or interconnected pedestrian paths or a system of trails for non -
motorized transportation with all new development.
Goal 16. Encourage development of an efficient multimodal
transportation system and develop a funding strategy and
financing plan to meet its needs.
Policy CN-19. Encourage all new developments to limit direct access to Tremont Street.
Policy CN-20. All future City paving projects on streets within the Tremont Corridor should include
continuous 6-foot paved walkways for pedestrian use.
Policy CN-21. Developments abutting public rights -of -way within the Tremont Corridor should include
sidewalks and bicycle lanes consistent with the non -motorized improvements identified in
the Transportation Element.
Policy CN-22. The City shall help to facilitate the development of trail systems that connect the Tremont
Corridor with transportation facilities in the surrounding areas.
Policy CN-23. Encourage the expansion of Kitsap Transit's service to increase trip frequency within the
Tremont Corridor.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.32.8.5.3 L-e�Mile Hill Countywide Center
The Lower Mile Hill Countywide Center consists of of the lower sections of+h„development along the Mile
Hill Road commercial corridor and adjacent multi development from the South Kitsap Mall
to the eastern city boundary near Whittier Avenue SW. The area is served by Kitsap Transit. The City she,
As of
2018, the Lower Mile Hill Countywide Center measured 70 acres containing 174 residents and 288 jobs. This
equates to seven activity units per acre under the PSRC regional centers framework.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
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Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.42.8.S.4 SedgwicldBethel Countywide Center
[This Center is getting a specific look through this Comprehensive Plan Update process. This section will be
updated with the findings of the subarea planning efforts once completed.]
MARTELL MOSILE MNR
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.52.8.5.5 Bethel Lund Countywide Center
[This Center is getting a specific look through this Comprehensive Plan Update process. This section will be
updated with the findings of the subarea planning efforts once completed.]
e Pp. cEary
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.8 Sedgwick/Sidney (Ruby Creek Neighborhood) Countywide Center
The Sedgwick/Sidney Countywide Center is a rapidly developing area of the city at the intersection of Sidney
Road SW and Sedgwick Ave that has seen m ^ than "^ units of ,.,. ultif^m"„ heUSiRg develop S^ 2010
all g With S^;ficarlit ^ cornrnercial developm^^+significant multifamily and commercial development
since its designation in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan as a Countywide Center.. -The area is served by Kitsap
Transit. The City should =work to develop a sub area plan for this —area —prior to the Text periodic
ompFeheRsi e ^l^^ upel has developed the Ruby Creek Neighborhood Subarea Plan, which was adopted
in September 2020.
r=arriewe*As detailed in the Subarea Plan, the center is planned to consist of 14.82 activity units per acre
(with activity units being measured by combined capacity of jobs and housing units), with the activity units
being comprised of a mix of approximately 73% residential and 27% commercial at full build -out.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.8 Old Clifton Industrial Park Local Center
The Old Clifton Industrial Employment Local Center is located at the site of reclaimed sand and gravel mine.
Its close proximity to transportation facilities and its isolation as a result of past mining activities make it an
ideal site for industrial and employment uses. The site is served by Kitsap Transit and is located along Old
Clifton Road near SR-16. The City should work to develop a sub area plan for this area PFWGF to the next
peFiGdiC comprehensive plan u"chat. as time and resources allow. This is the potential to expand this center
boundary to the south along Old Clifton Road. Any expansion should be evaluated as part of the
development of a subarea plan.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.9 McCormick Woods Local Center
The McCormick Woods Local Center is located along Old Clifton Road near the western boundary of the
city. The Subarea includes the McCormick Village commercial district which is surrounded by a mix of single
family and middle housing types. The Center includes the McCormick Village Regional Park and a future
South Kitsap School District school site. In 2021, a subarea plan for this local center was prepared. See
Appendix E to the Comprehensive Plan — McCormick Urban Village Subarea Plan.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.5.10 Annapolis Local Center
The Annapolis Local Center is located on the Sinclair Inlet shoreline east of the city's Downtown Countywide
Center. This center includes Mitchell Point and the Annapolis Pier, from which Kitsap Transit operates a foot
ferry service to Bremerton during the work week. Commuter parking is located east of the pier. The area
also includes a number ofseveral historic buildings, commercial services, and residences, as well as a
public dock and kayak launch point. The Bay Street Pedestrian Pathway will end at the foot ferry facility.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021
2.7.62.8.6 Road Map to Implementation
Further planning for each identified local centers is required in,,*oto implement the City's vision for
the overall eeRteFscenters' strategy. The Ceity is committed to undertaking a sub area planning process for
each center, to better identify center boundaries, and to develop a vision statement, goals, and policies for
each center that are responsive to the unique attributes of that center. This planning process will a4e
preai 4eestablish recommendations for amending ##e-development regulations, zoning designations, design
guidelines and capital facility plans to reflect and implement the sub area plans. It also ensures that public
engagement and community outreach efforts will be conducted to provide members of the community the
opportunity to help steer the direction of the planning efforts. Sub -area plans for the centers will be adopted
into the City's comprehensive plan.
Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan Adopted: June 2016 Revised: Nov 2019, July 2020, May 2021,
December 2021