Residential Development

BROCHURE # 47
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
ONE OR TWO - FAMILY HOMES AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Developing a home can come with a few challenging requirements within Code 17.420. The purpose of this
brochure is to provide a general overview of density, setbacks, height, lot coverage and impervious surface
area covered within the code with easier-to-understand terminology. If you are looking for something more
in-depth, please see the The Density, Dimensions, and Design section of Kitsap County Code.

Density Reading Density Charts

When building in Kitsap County, one of the most The density chart image below provides the minimum and
important aspects to keep in mind is building density. maximum density for the Urban Low (UL) Zone in Kitsap
Building density is the amount of development per County. As shown, the minimum density for the zone is five
acre permitted on a parcel within the designated zone. units per acre and the maximum is nine units per acre. If the
calculation does not equal a whole unit, it must be rounded
All residential new construction permits are evaluated down if under .5 and rounded up if it is .5 and over.
to make sure they meet density requirements for the
designated zone. The purpose of this is to provide the This is a sample chart. The full chart can be found HERE
opportunity to optimize development in specific areas Height
to increase sustainability and ensure complementary
use of the land in question. Height is measured using the roof as the reference data point.
The reference points need to be determined by reading
The Calculations through Code 17.420 - Density, Dimensions, and Design.

Maximum Base Density: Calculated on gross
acreage of the site. Minimum Density: Calculated on
net develop-able acreage. Net develop-able acreage
refers to the total area of land available for
development, not the total area of a property itself.
Note: If the calculation does not meet the size of a full
dwelling, the dwelling will either be rounded up or down
depending on calculation outcome.

Example: if the net develop-able area of a property Illahee and Manchester Properties
zone UL is .25 acres, the minimum required number of Both property areas have specific height restrictions. Please
residential units would be: 1.25 units. Going off the net refer to our brochure that outlines those requirements HERE.
develop-able acreage rule, this would be rounded down
to equal one unit, also known as a Single-Family Height Measurement Example
Residence (SFR). The maximum density for this
example would be 2.25, which would be rounded down
to equal two units, or a duplex.

Kitsap County Department of Community Development Phone: (360) 337-5777
www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/ Page 1 of 3
Revision Date:03/12/2020

Lot Coverage and Impervious Surface Area Understanding Setbacks

Setbacks are the minimum distance, measured in feet, that a
building needs to be from the front, side and rear property lines.
Setbacks are are created for Kitsap County through ordinances
and Building Codes. The purpose of setback requirements is for
safety, privacy, and environmental protection.

How do I find out the setbacks for my project?

Lot coverage is calculated by dividing the area of land • Step 1- Locate your parcel
covered by buildings into the total lot area. Impervious
surface coverage is calculated by dividing the total area Visit Parcel Search and choose your search option,
of the land covered by buildings, structures, and all other once you enter the information, hit the
“Enter” key on your keyboard.

impervious surfaces (sidewalks, driveways, and patios) • Step 2 - Determine Zone of Lot/Parcel

into the total area. Setbacks are determined by the zone in which your

Design Standards parcel is located. Once you locate your parcel, click
on the details tab at the top and go to “Land &
Certain areas in Kitsap County have a vision for their
Location”. Your zoning is listed as the third item down.
community and to achieve that, design standards have been
implemented to help bring the physical aspects of the vision • Step 3 – Determine Setbacks for Zone
to life. Standards are intended to promote the character of the
town and support local economic vitality while simultaneously Refer to the Zoning table below and locate your zone
encouraging both conformity and creativity. All new buildings and the appropriate setback information. Additional
must meet the design standard designated by their setback requirements are in Kitsap County Code
(KCC) 17.420.050 a.-d and must be considered.

community. To see if you fall under one of these design

standards, please see our County Design Districts Page.

Setbacks Zoning Table

Kitsap County Department of Community Phone: (360) 337-5777
Development www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/ Page 2 of 3
Revision Date:03/12/2020

SETBACK EXCEPTIONS

Projection Exceptions

Building setbacks are measured from the property Front Yard Requirement Exceptions
line to the exterior wall of the house. However, some
items may project into the setbacks (see table). Adjoining Lots

PROJECTION EXCEPTIONS If there are houses on BOTH adjoining lots (adjoining
front yards) that have front yard setbacks that are
Permitted Amount of smaller than required by zoning, then the new
home’s minimum front yard setback is the average of the
Projection two adjoining front yard setbacks.

Item Front Yard Side & Rear If there is a house on only ONE adjoining lot and the
other adjoining lot is vacant, then the new home’s
Setback Yard minimum front yard setback is the average of the
front yard setback of the house on the adjoining lot
Setbacks and the required front yard setback.

Roof extensions Solar Access
A front yard setback may be modified in order to
(overhangs, porch 24 inches 24 inches maximize a home’s solar access (see brochure
covers, cornices, #14—Exceptions from Residential Zoning and Critical
Area Numerical Standards).
canopies & eaves)
Lots Served by Private Easements
Fireplaces 24 inches 24 inches If a property takes its access from a private easement
that has the potential to serve five lots or more, the front
Window sills 24 inches 24 inches yard setback will be measured from the interior edge of
the easement and not the property line.
Flatwork less than 18 No setback required
inches tall (including Commonly Asked Questions
driveways, patios,
sidewalks)

Swimming pools No setback required

Bioswales No setback required

Fences No setback required

Retaining walls No setback required

Landscaping

elements (including No setback required

ponds)

Decks 18 inches or taller are considered an

extension of the building wall and must meet all

setback requirements.

Historic Lot Exceptions Are zoning setbacks added to buffers?
No, whichever is more restrictive or larger will apply.
If there is already a house on the property, which
was legally built using smaller setbacks than are Are setbacks just for new construction?
required today, that building may remain. However, Setbacks apply to new buildings as well as additions
for all expansions, additions and new construction, or remodels that change the footprint of the building.
please consult with planner prior to permit submittal.
Are zoning setbacks added to buffers?
Smaller Lot Exceptions No, whichever is more restrictive or larger will apply.

Lots that were legally created, but are smaller than Are setbacks just for new construction?
current zoning requirements for setbacks may be Setbacks apply to new buildings as well as additions
able to use different setbacks. Contact our main line or remodels that change the footprint of the building.
at (360) 337- 5777 or visit the Planner of the Day
Monday – Friday, between 9:00am – 12:00pm for
more information.

Kitsap County Department of Community Development Phone: (360) 337-5777
www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/ Page 3 of 3
Revision Date: 03/12/2020