Kitsap County Commissioners Act on Rural Rezone Requests During ‘Year of the Rural'

On June 9, 2025, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners made major decisions on rural rezone requests as part of the Year of the Rural initiative.

In a 2-1 vote, the Board rejected all residential rezone requests, potentially stopping 135–140 new rural homes. Commissioners Katie Walters and Christine Rolfes supported the move, while Commissioner Oran Root dissented. The Department of Community Development noted that these requests conflicted with the County’s rural growth targets—a stance the KCAA strongly supports.

At the same time, the Board unanimously advanced three rural commercial and industrial requests for further review, with final decisions expected by year’s end.

These actions are part of a broader effort to update rural policies, review development codes, and engage local communities throughout 2025.