HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 Ord5511_ExhibitB
Bremerton2044
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Ord 5511, Exhibit B
Bremerton2044
2024 Comprehensive Plan 2
Acknowledgements
The 2024 Comprehensive Plan is dedicated to the
engaged neighbors and neighborhoods of Bremerton.
BREMERTON MAYOR
Greg Wheeler
CITY COUNCIL
District 1 Jennifer Chamberlin
District 2 Denise Frey
District 3 Jeff Coughlin
District 4 Jane Rebelowski
District 5 Michael Goodnow
District 6 Anna Mockler
District 7 Eric Younger
PLANNING COMMISSION
Nick Wofford, Chair
Rick Tift, Vice Chair
Chris Browning
Mike Miller
Erik Pederson
Jack Paauw
Ana Doehring
(former contributing
Planning Commission
members)
Edward Coviello
Faye Flemister
Bill Mosiman
Maggie Rich
CITY STAFF
Andrea Spencer, Director of Community
Development
Garrett Jackson, Planning Manager
Kelli Lambert, Senior Planner
Tom Knuckey, Public Works Director
Ned Lever, City Engineer
Bill Davis, Utilities Managing Engineer
Chance Berthiaume, Utility Manager
Cami Apfelbeck, Water Utility Manager
Eric Burris, Wastewater Manager
Gunnar Fridriksson, Transportation
Engineering Manager
Vicki Grover, Transportation Project Manager
CONSULTANTS
Community Attributes –
Land Use Market Studies
Cross Sound Consulting – Comprehensive
Plan + EIS
Kennedy Jenks – Wastewater System Plan
Parametrix – Transportation Comprehensive
Plan
Struck Environmental, FCS Group, Herrera
Environmental, Associated Earth Sciences –
Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
BHC Consultants– Water System Plan
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2024 Comprehensive Plan 3
RESIDENTS
Thank you to the many community members who attended meetings and hearings,
completed surveys, spoke to us at community events, and submitted comments. We
appreciate the engagement, and your input helped shape this plan and the future of
Bremerton.
SUQUAMISH TRIBE LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people.
Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been
hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.
Chief Seattle, 1854
We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is within the
ancestral territory of the suq̀ʷabš “People of Clear Salt Water” (Suquamish People).
Expert fisherman, canoe builders and basket weavers, the suq̀ʷabš live in harmony with
the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Salish Sea as they have for
thousands of years. Here, the suq̀ʷabš live and protect the land and waters of their
ancestors for future generations as promised by the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855.
ANCESTRAL LANDS OF THE COAST SALISH
Puget Sound is a part of a larger area that has been the traditional aboriginal territory of
the Coast Salish peoples, who live around the Salish Sea in what is now Washington
State and the Canadian province of British Columbia. The Coast Salish Tribes have lived
here since time immemorial and while each tribe is unique, all share in having a deep
historical connection and legacy of respect for the land and natural resources. These
sovereign tribal nations enrich the region through environmental stewardship, cultural
heritage, and economic development, and collaborate with local governments to shape
the region’s future.
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Contents
1.0 Introduction 6
2.0 Land Use 12
3.0 Housing 46
4.0 Economic Development 53
5.0 Transportation 60
6.0 City Services 71
7.0 Environmental 77
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2024 Comprehensive Plan 5
SECTION 1.0
Introduction
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The Vision for Bremerton’s Future
The Bremerton community embraces their city, with pride in its assets and accomplishments, and with
optimism about the opportunities it affords. Bremerton is a progressive, active city with diversity in its
residents, and with its economic, residential and recreational opportunities.
Founded and shaped by a maritime legacy and a stunning natural environment, Bremerton's setting is
unique and spectacular. Moreover, as the metropolitan center of West Sound, it provides a convenient
middle ground between the regional amenities of Seattle and Tacoma and the recreational treasures of
the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Bremerton's location provides both vistas of, and unparalleled access
to, the metropolis and the wilderness.
While the City’s location is ideal, the heart of the community is found in Bremerton neighborhoods and
designated Centers. Centers, servicing either a neighborhood, a larger community, or a largely
employment-focused setting, provide walking convenience to employment, recreation, amenities, goods,
and services. Downtown is at the core of the inter-connected Centers with a vibrant, unique concentration
of services, public resources, and attractions. In conjunction with building such mixed use urban settings,
the qualities of single family areas and other cohesive and healthy neighborhoods will be preserved and
protected.
Bremerton promotes and encourages economic development based on solid state-of-the-art
infrastructure. Technology and extensive transportation systems connect Bremerton residents and
businesses to the world, while flexible codes assist in the development and revitalization of prime real
estate for corporate and industrial developments. Healthy growth over the next twenty years will
showcase Bremerton's opportunities, while preserving its assets, accomplishments, and friendly,
personable atmosphere.
Introduction
Bremerton’s Comprehensive Plan is the city’s foundational policy document that guides growth and
development for the next twenty years from now until 2044. It seeks to assure that each community
decision, expenditure, and actions are consistent with the City’s shared vision, values, and goals.
Why Have a Comprehensive Plan?
A city’s comprehensive plan is vital in preparing for future growth and emerging challenges such as traffic
congestion, housing needs, and environmental stewardship. People need a safe and secure place to live,
an economy that provides jobs, mobility, schools and colleges, and recreational opportunities. It is the
city government’s responsibility to provide public services and facilities, develop policies, and adopt
regulations to guide the growth of a city that meets the needs of its people. The Bremerton
Comprehensive Plan captures community goals and establishes specific policies that directly influence
how our city will grow and change over time.
The Comprehensive Plan is the one place where various city plans and programs come together to define
a single community vision for the future. As an “umbrella” document, the plan’s policies guide other city
plans, neighborhood area plans, spending on capital projects, development of regulations, and other
programs and services, all of which affect the community in large and small ways.
A comprehensive plan is a broad statement of community goals and policies that direct the orderly and
coordinated physical development of a city into the future. A comprehensive plan anticipates change and
provides specific guidance for future legislative and administrative actions. It reflects the results of
community involvement, technical analysis, and the judgment of decision makers. The maps, goals, and
policies of the plan provide the basis for the adoption of regulations, programs, and services which
implement the plan. The plan serves as a guide for zoning, infrastructure development, and developing
community services.
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What is in Our Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is designed to be a readable, functional document that will guides Bremerton’s
future development and fulfill the City’s regional responsibilities in growth management. This plan is
organized in the following manner:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2 through 7: Contains the General Element chapters that contain visions, goals and policies for
each subject:
2. Land Use
3. Housing
4. Transportation
5. Economic Development
6. City Services
7. Environment
Chapter 8: Contains the appendices for General Element chapters with the supporting technical material
including existing conditions, and glossaries of key terms.
How is the Plan Implemented?
Bremerton’s implementation of the Comprehensive Plan is a combination of short-term and long-term
actions. Some of the short-term actions include amendment of regulations such as the Land Use Code
and the approval of rezones that match the plan’s land use designation. Long-term actions include
neighborhood area/subarea planning; monitoring, evaluating, and amending the plan as conditions
change; and developing a capital investment program that allocates resources to projects that will spur
the city’s development in the direction envisioned in the plan.
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The Planning Context
Washington’s Growth Management Act
The state Growth Management Act (GMA), enacted in 1990, requires that all cities and counties above
certain sizes prepare comprehensive plans and update those plans at certain intervals. The central
premise of the GMA is that spontaneous and unstructured growth and development is wasteful of our
natural resource base and costly to the provision of public services and facilities. By managing growth
and development, the negative effects can be minimized, and the benefits can be maximized. The GMA
requires state and local governments to manage growth by identifying and protecting critical areas and
natural resource lands, designating urban growth areas, preparing comprehensive plans, and
implementing them through capital investments and development regulations.
The GMA established state goals, set deadlines, offered direction on how to prepare local comprehensive
plans and regulations, and set forth requirements for early and continuous public participation. Within the
framework provided by the mandates of the Act, local governments have choices regarding the specific
content of comprehensive plans and implementing development regulations.
GMA identifies enumerated fifteen planning goals that are intended to guide the development and
adoption of comprehensive plans and the development regulations that support the plans. Local plans
must implement these goals in a balanced manner. Additionally, GMA requires counties to consult and
coordinate with cities to establish urban growth boundaries, outside of which urban‐type development is
prohibited.
Comprehensive plans must demonstrate there is sufficient land in appropriate zoning categories to
accommodate the allocated growth targets for the planning period as well as transportation and capital
facilities that are needed to serve the growth.
VISION 2050
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is the regional growth management, economic development
and transportation planning agency for King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap Counties. It is governed by
elected officials from across the region, who have adopted a regional growth strategy entitled VISION
2050. VISION 2050 is the region’s vision for accommodating the 5.8 million people and 3.4 million jobs
that are expected to be present living in the Puget Sound region by 2050. PSRC’s growth strategy
establishes a framework which is reflected in this Comprehensive Plan. VISION 2050 builds on the GMA
framework and the regional emphasis of focusing growth into centers and near high-capacity transit
options to create more sustainable communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to
past trends, the strategy encourages more population and employment growth in the largest and most
transit-served communities in the region.
VISION 2050 designates Bremerton as one of five total Metropolitan Cities within the Puget Sound region
that are planned to be the most intensely urban places in the region. There is at least one Metropolitan
City in each county of King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap; the other 4 areas are Bellevue, Everett,
Seattle, and Tacoma. While GMA requires urban areas to absorb development in order to prevent urban
sprawl, Metropolitan City status directs Bremerton to absorb development density at a scale similar to
others in this category in relation to the counties in which they are located.
In order to meet these goals, since the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, Land Use designations within
Bremerton have followed a Centers method of development. Centers are areas where population growth
and employment are concentrated within urban areas close to services; Centers are the accepted method
of growth recognized by PSRC.
Bremerton’s Comprehensive Plan identifies multiple centers, including PSRC designated Downtown
Metro Regional Growth Center and Puget Sound Industrial Center (PSIC) Regional Manufacturing
Industrial Center (MIC), and locally designated district centers, a neighborhood center, and an
employment center, that are concentrations of population, employment and services that carry the
regional centers’ concept to a neighborhood scale.
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Kitsap County Countywide Planning Policies
To achieve coordinated regional planning efforts, the GMA requires that counties and the cities therein
develop a policy framework to guide development of each jurisdiction’s comprehensive plan. According
to the GMA, each local comprehensive plan must demonstrate that such policies have been followed in
its development.
The Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) address issues that transcend city boundaries, such as
setting Urban Growth Areas, accommodating housing and job demand, natural systems protection, siting
of essential public facilities, accommodating affordable housing, promotion of contiguous and orderly
development, and addressing transportation and capital facilities. The CPPs provide a framework to
promote consistency among comprehensive plans within Kitsap County and also include the twenty-year
population, employment and housing growth targets for Kitsap jurisdictions.
Community Participation
The Act requires "early and continuous" community participation throughout the planning process. The
first Comprehensive Plan developed in response to the Act in April1995, and the required periodic
updates in 2004 and 2016 were adopted with intensive community committee processes. The preparation
of 2024 Plan Update was again guided by community participation, following a City Council-approved
Public Participation Program for the process, and is included as an Appendix. Numerous outreach efforts
including surveys, community events, special events, and open houses were held throughout the update
process to facilitate community engagement and provide opportunities to ensure that every interested
person who wishes to express an opinion had the ability to do so.
Concurrency and Levels of Service
Plans must be realistic and workable. Providing for new development, the Plan must indicate how the
needed public services and utilities will be provided within a reasonable amount of time. If adequate public
resources are not identified in the Plan, development cannot be allowed.
In order to deal with traffic and congestion which results from new development, transportation planning
requirements now include the measuring of Levels of Service (LOS). The Level of Service measurement
requires an account of the current, expected, and acceptable levels of congestion and service qualities
for the local community. There must be discussion within the community that leads to adoption of future
standards, and a plan that assures that, as development occurs, the adopted standard will not be violated.
This is called the concurrency requirement. Plans may also require that other urban services, such as
police protection, water and sewer service, library services, etc., be maintained at a LOS set by the
community, “concurrent” with growth.
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are necessary from time to time to respond to changing
conditions or legislation. The GMA requires that amendments to a comprehensive plan be considered no
more frequently than once per year (with the exception of years where comprehensive plans are updated).
Proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan shall be considered concurrently so that the
cumulative effect of various proposals can be ascertained. The Planning Commission reviews proposed
amendments to the plan, which and forwards recommendations to the City Council.
The GMA requires that comprehensive plans be reviewed and updated as necessary, at least every 10
years, outside of the optional annual review process, with a five year check. Further, Kitsap County must
review, at least every ten years, its designated urban growth areas. Kitsap County reviews the densities
permitted within both the incorporated and unincorporated portions of the County for the Buildable Lands
Report (BLR) the year prior to the 10 year periodic update cycle. In conjunction with this review by the
county, each city located within an urban growth area shall review the densities permitted within its
boundaries, and the extent to which the growth occurring has located within a city or within the
unincorporated portions of urban growth areas.
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2044 Population and Employment Growth Targets
VISION 2050 incorporates a renewed focus on locating growth near current and future high-capacity
transit facilities. VISION 2050 has a goal for 65% of population growth and 75% of the region’s
employment growth to be located in a Regional Growth Center and within walking distance of high-
capacity transit. This approach not only connects people to more compact, walkable and transit served
neighborhoods, but will also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Growth allocations are determined through a regional process coordinated through the Puget Sound
Regional Council (PSRC) and the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC). Bremerton actively
participates in both coordination organizations. Within the context of this regional allocation process,
Kitsap County and its jurisdictions adopted 2044 growth targets that will be used as the basis for the 2024
Comprehensive Plan Update.
In 2022, the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council adopted population and employment targets that are
consistent with the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Regional Growth Strategy and the population and
employment targets established in VISION 2050. These countywide targets are included in the Kitsap
Countywide Planning Policies (Appendix B-2) and identify growth targets for all jurisdictions.
Bremerton is designated by PSRC as Kitsap County’s only Metropolitan City, and has designated
Downtown Bremerton as a Metro Regional Growth Center. Accordingly, PSRC has identified and Kitsap
County Planning Policies has adopted for the 2020-2044 timeframe, a population growth target for
Bremerton of 20,252 new population, and an employment target of 14,175 new jobs.
Exhibit IN-1: Bremerton 2020-2044 Population, Housing and Employment Growth Targets1
2020 Census Allocation for 2044 2044 Total Target
Population
City Limits 43,505 20,252 63,757
UGA 10,105 2,762 12,867
Housing Units 18,351 9,556 27,907
Employment
City Limits 44,083 14,175 58,258
UGA 1,401 2,434 3,835
Source: Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies, Appendix B-2
1 The Land Use Appendix has additional discussion on the City’s growth targets and land capacity.
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SECTION 2.0
Land Use
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Introduction
Bremerton firmly established itself as the primary city within the larger West Sound community. Centrally
located and well connected to and within the region, Bremerton has well established urban character and
distinctive neighborhoods.
This Land Use Element provides the City’s development strategy to absorb forecasted increases in
population and jobs and strives to ensure Bremerton's communities and established neighborhoods to
each have a distinctive focus, all are walkable and well connected to each other, and a vibrant downtown
with a mixture of activities.
State and Regional Planning
Land Use planning is one of the most basic regulatory exercises required of all jurisdictions, and adopted
Land Use regulations are required to conform with criteria mandated by many layers of jurisdictional
authority. Local Comprehensive Plans must meet requirements of the Washington State Growth
Management Act (GMA), regional planning standards of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)
Vision 2050, and Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) Countywide Planning Policies.
A chief goal of the Comprehensive Planning process, at every level of jurisdictional authority, is to ensure
that adopted Land Use regulations prevent the spread of urban sprawl. Urban sprawl is the unregulated
and rapid expansion of urban areas and has been shown to have negative effects on the natural
environment and public health. The Growth Management Act identifies three general land types: urban,
rural, and natural resource lands. To prevent urban sprawl, GMA requires that urban development occur
within designated urban lands. GMA makes clear that the long-term sustainability of rural and resource
land is dependent on development being absorbed by urban areas.
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) coordinates regional growth, transportation and economic
development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties. The primary policy document
is Vision 2050, which provides a regional growth strategy, policies and actions that aim to use urban lands
efficiently and sustainably to accommodate population and employment growth across the central Puget
Sound. Many 2050 provisions cross over into different elements, such as Environment, Development
Patterns, Housing, Economic Development, Public Services and Transportation. Another important
aspect of the regional strategy is to direct the region’s growth into its regional centers to provide services
more efficiently to urban areas and to conserve rural lands, forests and other natural resources.
Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 relays that Bremerton is 1 of 5 total Metropolitan Cities within
the Puget Sound that are planned to be the most intensely urban places in the region; there is at least
one Metropolitan City in each county of King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap. The other 4 areas are
Bellevue, Everett, Seattle, and Tacoma. While State GMA requires urban areas absorb development to
in order to prevent urban sprawl, Metropolitan City status designates Bremerton absorb development
at a scale similar to others in this category in relation to the counties in which they are located.
Accordingly, development policies within Bremerton must be framed to ensure the City can accommodate
the growth associated with Metropolitan cities.
Under RCW 36.70A.210, GMA requires that counties (along with cities) adopt countywide planning
policies (CPPs) to establish a regional, countywide policy framework under which county and city
comprehensive plans are developed and must be consistent with. The Kitsap Regional Coordinating
Council (KRCC) is the regional body in Kitsap County in charge of developing, updating, and maintaining
the CPPs. The Kitsap County CPPs are the framework for growth management in Kitsap County. The
PSRC is responsible for developing a regional transportation and land use vision while the Kitsap CPPs
tailor the PSRCs regional growth management guidelines to Kitsap County and are the policy framework
for the County’s and the Cities’ Comprehensive Plans.
Since the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, Land Use designations within Bremerton have followed the Centers
method of development. Centers are Land Use designation areas where population growth and
employment are concentrated within urban areas close to services; Centers are the accepted method of
development recognized by PSRC and KRCC.
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Bremerton’s Comprehensive Plan identifies multiple centers, including PSRC designated Downtown
Metro Regional Growth Center and Puget Sound Industrial Center (PSIC) Regional Manufacturing
Industrial Center (MIC), and locally designated district centers, a neighborhood center, and an
employment center, that are concentrations of population, employment and services that carry the
regional centers’ concept to a neighborhood scale.
Responding to the Technical Challenges
This Land Use Element - like other sections of this Comprehensive Plan - responds to the type and scale
of change expected over the next twenty years. In the simplest terms, the Land Use Element must
accommodate the projected population and employment growth targets with sufficient areas for housing,
businesses, and industry. The Land Use Appendix provides a detailed discussion of population
projections, resultant land needs, and other calculations and discussions that support this Element.
The City is divided into 17 total Land Use designations, and maximum residential density criteria
associated with each designation limits the overall population capacity of each Land Use Designation.
Exhibit LU-1: City Land Use Designations
Residential Mixed Use Commercial/Industrial Resource
Low Density Residential
(LDR)
Medium Density
Residential (MDR)
High Density Residential
(HDR)
East Park Subarea
(EPSAP)
Downtown Subarea Plan
(DSAP)
District Center (DC)
Harrison Heights Subarea
(HHSAP)
Neighborhood Center
(NC)
Neighborhood Business
(NB)
General Commercial
(GC)
Higher Education (HE)
Bay Vista Subarea Plan
(BVSAP)
Freeway Corridor (FC)
Puget Sound Industrial Center
(PSIC)
Industrial (I)
City Utility Lands
(CUL)
Watershed (WS)
User Guide
The following section of the Land Use Element includes the Goals, Policies and specific land use
designations. The reader should review the Citywide Land Use goals and Citywide Policies. Next, identify
the designations on the Land Use Map. If your property is located within a Center, please review the
overall policies that are for all Centers. The remaining land use information will follow within the Land Use
Designations, which includes specific policies for the designation.
Vision
Bremerton is a metropolitan city that provides for economic vitality and diverse lifestyles through
a broad variety of jobs, housing, and strategically located commercial and recreational
opportunities.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton's land use strategy for the future.
These goals and policies are to support the overall land use vision stated above.
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Land Use Goals
LU1. Plan for Bremerton's population and employment growth.
LU2. Encourage economic development within the City.
LU3. Protect Bremerton's natural environment.
LU4. Promote community health by allowing opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.
Citywide Policies
The four land use goals were developed to support the Land Use Vision. Associated policies have been
created to support and implement the Land Use goals and vision. The following are policies that should
be considered citywide:
Goal LU1. Plan for Bremerton's population and employment growth.
Implementing Policies for Goal LU1:
LU1(A): Designate neighborhoods, communities, and centers throughout the City and encourage the
implementation of design guidelines for new development and redevelopment that complement the
designated purpose and scale. Compact, mixed-use development should be focused within the City’s
designated centers, through increased density that provides additional housing capacity.
LU1(B): Support coordinated planning efforts among jurisdictions, agencies, tribes, ports and Kitsap
County and U.S. Navy. Coordinate Bremerton's growth consistent with the Kitsap Countywide
Planning Policies and the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2050, and state requirements.
LU1(C): Coordinate with Naval Base Kitsap to recognize mutual benefits and minimize conflicts
between development and naval operations, and consider the Kitsap County Joint Land Use Study,
2015.
LU1(D): On an annual basis review and provide amendments, if necessary, to the goals and policies
and the Land Use Map to address changing circumstances and/or emergencies.
LU1(E): Develop as a high-quality, compact City that imparts a sense of place, provides for mixed uses
and choices in housing types, and encourages walking, bicycling, and transit use.
LU1(F): Where appropriate, support the transformation of underutilized lands, such as surplus public
lands or environmentally contaminated lands, to higher- density, mixed-use areas when
complementary to the development of City centers and/or the enhancement of existing neighborhoods.
Goal LU2. Encourage economic development within the City.
Implementing Policies for Goal LU2:
LU2(A): In order to combat chronic vacancy experienced in select areas, the City should consider
zoning regulations that promote occupancy for buildings that are experiencing prolong vacancy.
LU2(B): Support flexible development regulations to allow transitions of uses over time.
LU2(C): Support adaptive reuse of existing buildings with uses that are compatible with surrounding
neighborhoods.
LU2(D): Provide development incentives and flexibility within regulations to encourage desirable
design elements.
LU2(E): Promote exposure of City businesses and community events by signage that is proportion to
the intensity of the Land Use designation, while recognizing the existing character of the neighborhood.
Discourage off-premise signage throughout the City (including billboards), with exceptions for special
events to be considered.
LU2(F): Coordinate and work cooperatively with the State of Washington, Kitsap County, and
appropriate agencies for the siting of essential public facilities that develops criteria in such a way as
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to minimize negative impacts to neighborhoods and other areas of Bremerton, while recognizing the
needs of the people of the State and region for these facilities.
● Public facilities should showcase community design interests, guidelines, or standards,
especially in their design and building processes.
● Encourage flexibility of use and maximum efficiency so that facilities and services will be
harmonious with neighborhood needs, adjacent uses, and the environment.
● Develop citing criteria and processes to assure timely and consistent locating of essential public
facilities.
LU2(G): Promote economic activity and employment growth that reduces disparities and shares
opportunities, prosperity and sustains a diversity of living wage jobs for the City’s residents.
Goal LU3. Protect Bremerton's natural environment.
Implementing Policies for Goal LU3:
LU3(A): Review and update as necessary Bremerton's regulations that protect critical areas, including
anadromous fisheries, using the best available science as defined by and required in the Growth
Management Act (per RCW 36.70A.172(1)).
LU3(B): Utilize existing public land for better access to shoreline and recreation areas such as street
ends, parks, and open space.
LU3(C}: Promote land use patterns and development phasing to minimize impacts on natural systems,
maximize returns on infrastructure investment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LU3(D): Adopt site and building standards that contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and
result in more sustainable development.
LU3(E): Assure that future land uses and land use patterns conserve and protect groundwater
resources including well-head protection and protecting the aquifer recharge areas.
LU3(F): Protect Natural Resource Lands as defined and required under the Growth Management Act
by discouraging incompatible uses in or near Natural Resource Lands and develop criteria for
designation of Natural Resource Lands consistent with RCW 36. l0A.050 and 365-190 WAC.
LU3(G): Adopt and implement appropriate standards and regulations for stormwater management,
including Low Impact Development technologies and encouraging watershed planning efforts. The
City of Bremerton should adopt and implement regional plans, strategies, and standards as
appropriate.
LU3(H}: Encourage preservation of existing healthy and safe trees on private, commercial and public
property.
LU3(I): Promote infill and concurrent infrastructure improvements in areas that are already developed
in order to preserve rural areas, open spaces, and ecological functioning lands within the City.
LU3(J): Establish and encourage standards for implementing Low Impact Development (LID) Best
Management Practices {BMPs) where appropriate.
Goal LU4. Promote community health by allowing opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.
Implementing Policies for Goal LU4:
LU4(A): Preserve regional historic, visual and cultural resources including public views, landmarks,
archaeological sites, historic and cultural landscapes, culturally significant sites, tribal treaty fishing,
hunting and gathering grounds, and areas of special character within Bremerton. Coordinate with
proper agencies and tribal governments to ensure preservation.
LU4(B): Provide multimodal options and standards that have connectivity throughout the City,
especially linking centers and neighborhoods for all modes of transportation.
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LU4(C): Provide land use regulations that give opportunities for the community to have fair access to
livelihood, education, and resources. Conduct community planning that includes and considers the
City’s diversity and different needs and does not negatively impact historically marginalized
populations.
LU4{D): As there are no lands appropriate for designation as agricultural lands within the City or its
Urban Growth Area, the City does encourage the local food movement and small urban gardens for
the benefit of the neighborhoods; with prioritizing low-income neighborhoods.
LU4(E): Promote healthy communities design that make it easier for people to live healthy lives through
coordination with community groups, agencies, and businesses. Promote the reduction of health
disparities and strive to improve health outcomes citywide.
LU4(F): Support the design of transportation and infrastructure projects that promote and improve the
community’s physical, mental, and social health.
LU4(G): Support prioritized services and access to opportunity for people of color, people with low
incomes, and/or historically underserved communities to ensure all people can attain resources and
opportunities to improve their quality of life and address past inequities
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CENTERS OF GROWTH
In general, a Center is a mixed-use area. It places residences, basic services for residents, employment
opportunities, and amenities such as public spaces and parks, in a well-designed area. Centers will have
the "look and feel" of a small downtown, with moderate to high density uses at their core, transitioning out
to surrounding single family areas. Centers are Land Use designation areas where population, housing
and employment growth are concentrated.
This Plan employs five types of Centers:
● Downtown Regional Center
● District Centers
○ Charleston
○ Wheaton/Riddell
○ Wheaton/Sheridan
● Employment Centers
○ Harrison Heights
● Neighborhood Centers
○ Manette
● Manufacturing and Industrial Center
○ Puget Sound Industrial Center-Bremerton
While the Centers' types are based on sound planning principles that assess proper mixes of uses, critical
quantities of residential and commercial uses, and proven design principles, there is a range of mixes
and design approaches that can be successful. Specific policies for specific centers are discussed in the
following pages. The following are Centers' Policies are applicable to all Centers’ types mentioned above.
Centers Policies
Goal LU1. Plan for Bremerton's population and employment growth.
LU1-Cen(A): Development regulations should encourage pedestrian oriented mixed-use design in
Centers and address such issues as:
(1) Locating buildings or features in the core of the Center at sidewalk edge,
(2) Providing windows and other architectural features that foster pedestrian interest along
street fronts,
(3) Adopting sign standards that reflect pedestrian scale,
(4) Encouraging and/or requiring architectural features that are of a scale and type appropriate
for viewing by pedestrians at the building front and immediately nearby, and
(5) Development projects should be encouraged to provide amenities such as street furniture,
street trees, small public spaces and plazas, etc.
LU1-Cen(B): Provide for advanced utility planning to offer upgraded, ready-to-serve services for
development designed to achieve maximum density.
LU1-Cen(C): Building facades shall utilize architectural features that provide for horizontal and vertical
modulation.
LU1-Cen(D}: Alternative circulation for automobiles should be provided as much as possible with
consideration for freight circulation for local businesses. The goals of alternative circulation designs
should include: (1} reducing traffic in pedestrian-oriented core of the Center, and (2) placing parking
away from the street.
LU1-Cen(E): Consider the existing built environment when creating development regulations.
LU1-Cen(F): Implement parking standards that prioritize Active Transportation, public transit, housing
and community uses, rather than expansion of an automobile-based built environment.
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LU1-Cen(G): Plan for densities and prioritize investments that maximize benefits of transit investments
in high-capacity transit station areas that are expected to attract significant new population or
employment growth.
LU1-Cen(H): Evaluate planning within the City’s regional growth center Downtown Subarea Plan and
any identified high-capacity transit station areas for their potential displacement of marginalized
residents and businesses. Promote a range of strategies to address any identified or potential
displacement impacts.
Goal LU2. Encourage economic development within the City.
LU2-Cen(A): Pre-qualify key areas and sites for environmental permitting through such tools as
subarea plans and related programmatic Environmental Impact Statements. Work toward enabling
development in Centers to proceed as a Planned Action under the State Environmental Protection Act
(SEPA) including coordination with the local tribal government for protection of treaty cultural and
natural resources.
LU2-Cen(B}: Coordinate with Kitsap Transit to provide transit access to centers.
LU2-Cen(C): Provide incentives and flexibility that encourage and enable development in Centers,
including alternative parking options like payment in lieu of parking spaces.
Goal LU3. Protect Bremerton's natural environment.
LU3-Cen(A): Provide recreation opportunities within centers including access to the shoreline.
Goal LU4. Promote community health by allowing opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.
LU4-Cen(A): Improve and provide for walkability, and other nonmotorized transportation routes
throughout Centers and provide links between the centers and neighborhoods.
DRC (DOWNTOWN REGIONAL CENTER)
Purpose/Intent
To maintain the Bremerton core area as supported in
the Downtown Bremerton Regional Growth Center
Subarea Plan (DSAP). The DSAP provides a long
term, coordinated outlook to help direct decision
making affecting the ongoing revitalization and
regeneration of the downtown. This will allow the City
to continue to build upon its existing natural, social and
physical assets.
Location
West Bremerton in the Downtown area.
Land Uses
Residential, Commercial, and/or Mixed use
structures.
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 15 to 40 units per acre.
● Maximum Density: 30 units per acre to no maximum.
● Maximum Structure Height: 45 feet to market driven.
Character
The Downtown Regional Center (DRC) designation facilitates the ongoing creation of a vibrant, attractive
downtown; a critical need for the entire West Sound region. New development is incentivized to place
parking underground or within structures, not in surface lots. Street trees, well-designed public gathering
areas, and lighting should be employed to create a safe, inviting experience at the street level day and
night. Residents will find access to employment, transportation, and basic amenities, along with a
Downtown Regional Center
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concentration of community activities. The DRC provides housing for a wide variety of income levels in
an environment that allows less reliance on the automobile. This rare juxtaposition of employment,
housing, cultural, and recreation opportunities, provides the high mark for efficiency of public expenditures
and infrastructure of any development envisioned in this Plan.
The shared border with the nearly 400 acre Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton provides an employment boon
to the DRC and the remainder of Kitsap. Each day thousands pass between the common border shared
by Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton and the Downtown Regional Center. The DRC/Naval Base Kitsap
relationship provides a model of intense compact development unmatched in a West Sound region
typified by continued sprawl. The symbiotic nature of the DRC and Naval Base ensures the ongoing
success of each respective entity, while providing an opportunity to showcase a form of urbanism to the
region.
Downtown Regional Center Specific Policies (for streamlining purposes, goals and policies currently
addressed in the DSAP will not be repeated in this section but remain applicable).
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-DRC(A): Implement the plan for population and employment growth as detailed in the Downtown
Subarea Plan to ensure that the center meets the growth expectations outlined in Puget Sound
Regional Coordinating Council's Vision 2050.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-DRC(A): Partner with Community Development Block Grant and other applicable programs and
funding sources to encourage redevelopment in downtown.
LU2-DRC(B): Utilize the Department of Housing and Urban Development tools as appropriate to
facilitate redevelopment opportunities in downtown.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-DRC(A): Buffer surrounding communities allowing for transitional and sensitive development
patterns.
DISTRICT CENTER
Purpose/Intent
This center is intended to provide a mixed-use “Town Center” to support the surrounding neighborhoods
and general public. The City’s three District Centers are important components to the overall Centers
approach and have shown success in the creation of housing and revitalized commercial activity. District
Centers are connected by major transportation corridors, providing access to transit and connections to
commerce. Development in all Centers is further incentivized by eligibility in the City’s Multifamily Tax
Exemption (MFTE) program.
Character & Location
For specific character description and location, please see following pages.
Land Uses
Mixed-use, Commercial and Residential
Intensity
· Minimum Density: 30 units per acre
· Maximum Density: No Maximum
· Maximum Structure Height: 80 feet
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District Center Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-DC(A): Encourage increased density that uses clustering by offering development incentives and
zoning flexibility.
LU1-DC(B): Encourage the implementation of design elements for new development and
redevelopment that complement the designated purpose and scale of the Center and surrounding
neighborhoods. Buildings should be designed to accommodate a human scale and urban livability.
LU1-DC(C): Building facades shall utilize architectural features that provide for horizontal and vertical
modulation.
LU1-DC(D): Encourage the use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and Best Management
Practices (BMPs).
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-DC(A): Encourage commercial, mixed-use and higher density residential development within
district centers.
LU2-DC(B): Promote commercial infill of higher densities into district centers.
LU2-DC(C): Encourage adaptive reuse and preservation of existing commercial buildings that are
compatible with surrounding community.
LU2-DC(D): In the Charleston District Center, provide additional flexibility for temporary uses, parking
standards for infill projects, and allowed uses for light industrial and live/work occupancy types in select
areas.
LU2-DC(E): In the Charleston District Center, consider potential private and public investments in
improved streetscapes, recreational opportunities, and open space as identified in the Charleston
Area- wide Planning Study.
Goal LU3. Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-DC(A): Encourage compact urban environments in district centers which have existing high-
intensity infrastructure and contain very few environmental sensitive areas, therefore preserving other
areas in the city for open space and less intensive uses.
District Center Character & Location
Charleston District Center Character:
Rediscover Charleston as a distinctly creative historic district that celebrates
its eclectic, imaginative, and artisan character through capital investments,
local traditions, diverse tenants, and quality housing.
The existing developments provide a variety of services for adjacent residential
areas and are part of a pedestrian-oriented streetscape with potential for
stories to be added above active street-level uses. The Center designation
seeks to build on this existing nucleus. Areas on the surrounding blocks will be
designated for mixed-use or fairly dense residential structures. Emphasis in the
Charleston District Center should be on preserving the stores fronting on the
streets, better utilization of existing second floor spaces, and the addition of
new residential uses in the immediate vicinity.
Community stakeholders, in partnership with the City, have arrived at
strategies to encourage investment in the Center. After robust public
involvement in 2020, the City published the Charleston Area-wide Planning
Study, which points to a number of regulatory, transportation, and open space
improvements that could benefit investment in Charleston. Since that time, the Charleston District Center
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Charleston Business District has formed to create a tightknit community among businesses in the area,
and activity in the Center has increased.
Wheaton/Sheridan District Center Character:
This center is anticipated to become an urban village which will provide residential opportunities along a
major transit route, close to downtown, and within easy pedestrian reach of a large variety of employment
and shopping sites. Recognizing the surrounding neighborhood significance, existing commercial
development, and the redevelopment of the Bremerton School site, there is still opportunity to serve mixed
uses in a pedestrian-based urban village atmosphere.
Residential units will benefit from an orientation towards the interior and green spaces. Commercial uses,
mostly expected along an interior network of streets, can accommodate parking areas that do not disrupt
the pedestrian design of the Center Core.
Wheaton/Riddell District Center Character:
At the time of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan update, development in the Center was limited and
previously occupied big-box structures were chronically vacant. Development of a new Kitsap Transit
facility, and adjacent apartment complex, located just outside the Center were harbingers of rapid growth
to come. Several projects are contributing to the revitalization of this District Center, including several
commercial structures fronting Wheaton Way and 859 residential units. Planned improvements to
Wheaton Way, detailed in 2021 SR 303 Corridor Plan, will increase biking and walking opportunities
ultimately meeting the intent of the Land Use designation by transforming the destination into a mixed-
use town center.
Wheaton/Sheridan District Center Wheaton/Riddell District Center
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Harrison Heights Subarea Plan (HHSAP)
Intent
The Harrison Heights is an essential residential and commercial
center for which a Subarea Plan was adopted in 2020. The
Subarea Plan is a functional plan that provides more detail on
the vision, goals and policies for this center. With the largest
employer of this area having relocated to Silverdale, the
Subarea Plan has provided a new vision for this area as it
transitions. The intent for the EV is for a vibrant and active
Center of the City. The Subarea Plan was updated in 2022, and
the outlook for this Center appears on-track as 530 residential
units are in some stage of development within Harrison Heights
Character & Location
East Bremerton, just west of the Warren Avenue Bridge.
Land Uses
Commercial, residential, and institutional uses, and
development design and intensity that supports walkable
streets.
Intensity
· Minimum Density: 6 to 15 units per acre
· Maximum Density: 30 units per acre to no maximum
· Maximum Structure Height: 35 feet to 80 feet
Character
The EV encourages a wide range of commercial uses and diverse housing types within this Center.
Flexible development regulations allow a complementary collection of uses to emerge. Within the 20-
year vision, this center should have a newly improved multimodal SR 303 on the west, Wheaton Way and
Lebo Boulevard are tree-lined streets with ample sidewalks and pedestrian friendly mixed-use street
frontages and it is easy to walk and bike in the neighborhood and reach retail and services at mid-block
crossings. Residents, visitors, and employees find parks, plazas, and commercial nodes at the shoreline
and hilltops.
By encouraging a mix of uses and high-quality, walkable development, the center has assured its long-
term viability as a quality residential neighborhood with housing for all ages and incomes supported by
commercial nodes and waterfront entertainment. Environmentally sensitive areas have been retained
and enhanced and new development is located and constructed to ensure growth is balanced with
environmental protection.
Harrison Heights Specific Policy (for streamlining purposes, goals and policies currently addressed in
the HH Subarea Plan will not be repeated in this section but remain applicable).
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-EV(A): Implement the development standards and incentives outlined in the Subarea Plan.
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Intent
A small-scale commercial designation that serves surrounding residential areas.
Character & Location
For specific character description and location, please see below.
Land Uses
Mixed-use, commercial and residential.
Harrison Heights Subarea
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Intensity/Density
· Minimum Density: 15 units per acre
· Maximum Density: 40 units per acre to no maximum
· Maximum Structure Height: 35 feet to 65 feet
Neighborhood Center Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-NCen(A): Preservation of the neighborhood where significant consideration should be given to
the scale, size, quality, and compatibility of future development.
LU1-NCen(B): Support infill with consideration of the existing built environment.
LU1-NCen(C): Building facades shall utilize architectural features that provide for horizontal and
vertical modulation.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-NCen(A): Encourage small-scale businesses that support the surrounding residential population.
LU2-NCen(B): Attract high quality housing, including mixed uses, to increase the demand for new retail
services.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-NCen(A): Support the creation of
community space that provides opportunities for
social gatherings within a walkable environment.
Neighborhood Center Character &
Location
Manette Neighborhood Center Character:
The scale and design characteristics of this center
will respect the existing character and built
environment. This unique neighborhood center will
have small commercial/mixed-use district
surrounded by single family and multifamily
residential neighborhoods that enjoy spectacular
views to the Narrows, Sinclair Inlet, Downtown
Bremerton and other points. In the Center Core,
along 11th Street and vicinity, residential uses
above traditional sidewalk-facing storefronts will be
encouraged.
NB (NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS)
Purpose/Intent
The intent is to provide for small-scale business districts that reflect the scale and character of surrounding
neighborhoods. Mixed-use development with residential above the commercial space will be encouraged
within this designation. The Neighborhood Business designation is intended to promote commercial
activity that supports the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale and intensity of use. This
designation applies to pockets of commercial activity that largely exist within existing residential areas,
common examples are restaurants near Lulu D Haddon Park, office buildings in Jackson Park, a variety
of small businesses fronting Marine Drive, and other similar small-scale commercial throughout the City.
Location
Neighborhood Business should be only placed in areas that have existing small scale commercial
development and can support adjacent areas.
Manette Neighborhood Center
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Land Uses
Commercial, and Mixed-Use Residential
Intensity/Density
· Minimum Density: 15 units per acre
· Maximum Density: No Maximum
· Maximum Structure Hight: 35 feet
Character
Small-scale commercial or mixed-use nodes with uses such as grocers in converted residential structures
or purpose built structures that are sensitive to the small-scale residential context.
Neighborhood Business Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-NB(A): Provide nearby residential areas with convenience shopping and service facilities; reduce
traffic congestion; and to discourage industrial and other development capable of adversely affecting
the localized commercial character.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-NB(A): Support multimodal transportation options, including pedestrian and bicycling options, to
this designation through supportive development regulations.
GC (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
To provide locations for general commercial
uses serving the entire community while
buffering impacts to adjacent residential areas.
The designation accommodates access to
businesses by automobile while also creating a
pedestrian-friendly, transit-supporting corridor.
Location
Along high traffic corridors/primary arterials as
mapped such as Kitsap Way and Wheaton
Way. Also includes area near 15th Street and
Pennsylvania Avenue, Perry Avenue, and
Olympus.
Land Uses
Commercial uses, Mixed-use, and stand-alone
residential if it is located away from major
arterials.
Intensity/Density
· Minimum Density: 15 units per acre
· Maximum Density: No maximum
· Maximum Structure Height: 65 feet
Character
The General Commercial designation provides for intense commercial activities. It focuses growth along
transportation corridors and is intended to provide appropriate locations for activities that require high
levels of access by automobile traffic. Design considerations include encouraging multistory buildings
near the street frontage, with street trees, attractive landscaping, benches, and frequent transit stops.
Transit-oriented residential uses are appropriate on second or third floors near the street and transit stops.
Office uses may also be appropriate near the street frontage. Uses in areas away from the street include
parking and more intense retail uses. Special design provisions should be utilized to provide adequate
General Commercial
Ord 5511, Exhibit B
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2024 Comprehensive Plan 29
buffering and transitions to less intense land uses in adjacent areas. Parking for larger commercial
operations is encouraged to be located behind or beside street-fronting structures. Sites should include
adequate landscaping, architectural standards, and other site design considerations to assure
compatibility with neighboring uses. Stand-alone residential uses are encouraged provided they are not
located on a major arterial.
General Commercial Specific Policy
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-GC(A): Encourage the formation and continuance of a compatible and economically healthy
environment for uses which benefit from being located in close proximity to each other; and to
discourage any encroachment by uses capable of adversely affecting the basic commercial character
of the district.
FC (FREEWAY CORRIDOR)
Purpose/Intent
To provide areas in the City that are regional serving in nature and
scale, with signs and structures that are visible to motorists on nearby
freeways, and require parking for high volumes of customers.
Location
Adjacent to freeways.
Land Uses
Commercial, Light Industrial, and Offices
Intensity/Density
● No residential uses permitted
● Maximum Structure Height: 60 feet
Character
The Freeway Corridor designation provides appropriate locations for
large retail uses (including "big box"), other uses that generate high
levels of traffic such as automobile repair and retailing and uses
requiring large amounts of outdoor display space such as new and
used car sales lots. In addition, motels and hotels for travelers, and
restaurants for freeway travelers may be appropriate. Development
standards in this district balance a recognized need for somewhat
more signage than in the typical commercial area, and large-scale
buildings, with good design practices. The design practices that apply
will focus on adequate landscaping in parking areas, well designed
and placed signs, and adequate buffering for less intensive adjacent
uses.
Freeway Corridor Specific Policy
LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-FC(A): Encourage the formation and continuance of a compatible and economically healthy
environment for uses which benefit from being located in close proximity to each other and busy
highways; and to discourage any encroachment by uses capable of adversely affecting the basic
commercial character of the district.
Freeway Corridor
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HE (HIGHER EDUCATION)
Purpose/Intent
The Higher Education designation recognizes the Olympic College
(OC) Campus and supporting uses. The designation provides for
growth at the OC Campus but promotes growth that is compatible
with the surrounding neighborhoods and other nearby areas.
Location
In the vicinity of Olympic College, in West Bremerton near Warren
Avenue Bridge
Land Uses
Educational Facilities, Residential (including dormitories), and
Open Spaces (such as parks).
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 15 units per acre
● Maximum Density: No maximum
● Maximum Structure Height: 85 feet
Character
This designation recognizes public collegiate campuses and the
uses that may need to be developed to support the campus.
Higher Education Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-HE(A): Provide for continued operation and facilitate managed growth of the existing major
educational institutions within the City.
LU1-HE(B): Provide housing options for the students in the vicinity of the college.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-HE(A): Ensure development is consistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood.
LU4-HE(B): Develop pedestrian connections between residential areas and College. Ensure street
design and orientation that encourage pedestrian and bicycle use.
PSIC-B (PUGET SOUND INDUSTRIAL CENTER- BREMERTON)
Purpose/Intent
Puget Sound Industrial Center- Bremerton (formerly South Kitsap Industrial Area) is an industrial
employment center for which a Subarea Plan was adopted in 2012. The vision for the Subarea Plan is to
support a vibrant industrial center that is a model of environmental stewardship and sustainability. This
area has been identified by the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2050 Plan as one of eight
Manufacturing/Industrial Centers (MICs) in the Puget Sound region. A MIC is concentrated manufacturing
and industrial land that cannot be easily mixed with other activities. Manufacturing/ industrial centers are
intended to continue to accommodate a significant amount of regional employment. In Bremerton’s case,
PSIC is intended to have capacity for 10,000 jobs. This area includes important employment locations
that serve both current and long-term regional economic objectives and calls for the provision of
infrastructure and services necessary to serve intensive manufacturing and industrial activity.
Location
Located in the southwestern region of the City including the Bremerton National Airport.
Higher Education
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Land Uses
Manufacturing and Industrial Activity and Supporting
Commercial.
Intensity/Density
● No residential uses permitted
● Maximum Structure Height: Market driven
Character
Heavy industrial and manufacturing development that has
provisions to protect the surrounding forested area. The
area supports green economic development, ensures that
future development will result in reduced greenhouse gas
emissions versus traditional development, promotes
sustainable low-impact development and environmental
stewardship. Structure type should be large scale
industrial scale buildings.
Puget Sound Industrial Center- Bremerton
Specific Policies (for streamlining purposes, goals
and policies currently addressed in the PSIC-Bremerton
Subarea Plan will not be repeated in this section but
remain applicable)
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-PSIC(A): Implement the development standards and incentives outlined in the Subarea Plan.
I (INDUSTRIAL)
Purpose/Intent
The industrial designation is intended to accommodate
heavy industrial uses in locations where there is limited
interaction with residential uses.
Location
Primarily in the southwestern region of Bremerton.
Land Uses
Industrial Uses.
Intensity/Density
● No residential uses permitted
● Maximum Structure Height: 50 feet to market driven
Character
The district focuses on providing efficient, highly accessible
sites for industry. These uses should have screening or buffers in place for bordering designations that
may have less intense activities. The structure type shall be industrial in nature development. Must comply
with all noise and odor regulations. In some areas of industrially designated land it will be appropriate to
designate areas for mineral resource extraction. It is expected that these properties will undergo several
years of extraction activities and then transition to another industrial use.
Puget Sound Industrial Center - Bremerton
Industrial
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Industrial Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-l{A): Promote the development and continued use of land for large scale basic or primary industrial
purposes which involve extensive manufacturing, processing or assembly operations; and preserve
sizable tracts of undeveloped land with potential for industrial use.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-l(A): Support mineral resource lands that require proper management of extraction activities of
mineral resource deposits.
LDR (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)
Purpose/Intent
To create new and support existing low density
neighborhoods.
Location
Residential neighborhoods located throughout the
city as mapped.
Land Uses
Single family residential homes, duplexes
townhouses, multifamily and low intensity compatible
uses such as churches, schools, senior housing, and
parks. Accessory dwelling units are encouraged.
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 6 units per acre
● Maximum Density: 10 units per acre
● Maximum Structure Height: 35 feet, and
conditionally 45 feet
Character
The City's residential neighborhoods are characterized by single-family homes on traditional urban lots.
There are some existing small-scale commercial structures with LDR, which should be encouraged to be
redeveloped by adaptive reuses to provide services to the neighborhood.
Low Density Residential Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-LDR(A): Promote neighborhoods that foster interaction among residents, contribute to public well-
being, and create and sustain a sense of community and personal safety.
LU1-LDR(B): Use front yard averaging to encourage residential infill that is consistent with the existing
neighborhoods’ built environment.
LU1-LDR(C): Allow accessory units associated with, and subordinate to, existing or new single family
dwellings when appropriate.
LU1-LDR(D): Allow a variety of small residential development in the LDR as infill development
including duplexes and townhouses provided the underlying density is met and design criteria within
the Zoning Code is adopted to safeguard the character of the neighborhood.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-LDR(A): Encourage adaptive reuse and preservation of existing commercial structures that are
compatible with surrounding community.
Low Density Example
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LU2-LDR(B): Support mineral extraction in limited areas on larger undeveloped parcels as long as
there are no adverse effects on other environmental resources or living systems, or on public health,
safety, and welfare.
Goal LU3. Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-LDR(A): Proper noticing for development within or around the Mineral Resource Overlay should
be given to neighboring properties. The notice should inform that resource activities are permitted in
the area including a variety of activities that may not be compatible with residential use for certain
periods of limited duration.
LU3-LDR(B): Use the Mineral Resource overlay to serve as interim protection of mineral resource
areas until a comprehensive geologic study is undertaken to determine the extent of mineral deposits.
Conduct a comprehensive geologic study to identify commercial quality deposits, establish criteria so
that the City may designate deposits of long-term commercial significance, recognizing that
commercial quality aggregates, sand, rock and metal deposits are non- renewable resources. Such a
study should be undertaken in conjunction and cooperation with other geologic studies, such as the
study of aquifers, and shared with property owners.
LU3-LDR(C}: Prohibit development under the underlying zoning of a mineral resource reclamation site
until completion of the reclamation.
LU3-LDR(D): Resource designations for lands for mineral resource use may only be added or deleted
during the annual review of the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Any additions or deletions will be based
upon submission of a geologic study, conducted by a qualified geologist, pertaining to the presence,
or lack of commercial quality mineral deposits. In cases where the landowner has no intention of
commercially mining potential resources, allow for development consistent with underlying zoning
standards; in such cases, submission of a geologic study is not required for alteration of the mineral
resource overlay.
LU3-LDR(E): Coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure that future
reclamation plans are consistent with the comprehensive planning for the site and surrounding area,
as well as any permits issued by the DNR.
LU3-LDR(F}: Identify and consider classification of mineral lands of long-term commercial significance
based on geologic, environmental, and economic factors, existing land uses, and land ownership. The
City may consider and classify lands that have valid State surface mining permits and sites identified
by individual property owners that meet the Overlay policies, City zoning standards, and the Criteria
for Classifying Mineral Resource Lands (WAC 365-190-070}.
LU3-LDR(G}: Require mineral extraction and processing operations to implement best management
practices to reduce or mitigate environmental impacts in order to protect the long- term integrity of the
natural environment, adjacent uses, and the productivity of the mineral lands.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-LDR(A): Develop pedestrian connections between residential areas and neighborhood services
and parks. Ensure street design and orientation that encourage pedestrian and bicycle use.
MDR (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)
Purpose/Intent
To create a designation that recognizes the existing built environment of medium density-type
development and encourages redevelopment opportunities. This designation will be for neighborhoods
which are primarily developed with duplexes and similar uses.
Location
Neighborhoods that consist primarily of duplex type structures as mapped.
Land Uses
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Single family dwelling units (attached or detached), duplexes, and townhomes. Low intensity compatible
uses such as churches, schools, senior housing, and parks.
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 6 units per acre
● Maximum Density: 18 unit per acre
● Maximum Structure Height: 45 feet
Character
The designation consists of
neighborhoods that are currently
developed predominantly with duplexes.
As many of these duplexes were
constructed from the World War II boom,
much of this area could benefit from
redevelopment. By outrightly allowing
duplexes, single family homes, and
townhouses, this area may be able to be
revitalized and continue to provide a
wide variety of housing types.
Medium Density Residential Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-MDR(A): Provide wider variety in residential designations throughout the city to achieve a greater
diversity of housing.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-MDR(A): Encourage adaptive reuse and preservation of existing commercial spaces that are
compatible with surrounding community.
Goal LU3. Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-MDR(A): Encourage clustering to reduce total site footprint and help maintain natural hydrologic
characteristics of the site.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-MDR(A): Promote neighborhoods that foster interaction among residents, contribute to public
well-being, and create and sustain a sense of community and personal safety.
LU4-MDR(B): Develop pedestrian connections between residential areas and neighborhood services.
Ensure street design and orientation that encourage pedestrian and bicycle use.
Medium Density Example
Ord 5511, Exhibit B
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HDR (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)
Purpose/Intent
To provide a high standard of development for residential multifamily type structures and to provide a
variety of housing options for a wide diversity of people. This designation should be limited to those
neighborhoods that are currently developed with multifamily housing.
Location
Neighborhoods that consist primarily of multifamily type
structures as mapped.
Land Uses
Residential uses of multifamily dwelling units, townhomes,
duplexes, and single family attached or detached. Supporting
residential uses, such as schools, parks and churches, and
nursing homes/senior complexes should be allowed within
this designation.
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 15 units per acre
● Maximum Density: 40 units per acre
● Maximum Structure Height: 65 feet
Character
This designation is generally for areas that generally have an
existing intense level of development and includes properties
that are primarily multifamily development, such as
condominiums, apartments, and senior housing
complex/nursing homes. Most structures are one to three
story multifamily structures.
High Density Residential Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-HDR(A): Provide wider variety in residential designations throughout the city to achieve a greater
diversity of housing. Support existing multifamily neighborhoods that enhance the quality of life for the
City's existing and future residents.
Goal LU2: Encourage Economic Development
LU2-HDR(A): Encourage adaptive reuse and preservation of existing commercial spaces that are
compatible with the surrounding community.
Goal LU3. Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-HDR(A): Encourage clustering to reduce total site footprint and help maintain natural hydrologic
characteristics of the site.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-HDR(A): Promote neighborhoods that foster interaction among residents, contribute to public
well-being, and create and sustain a sense of community and personal safety.
LU4-HDR(B): Develop pedestrian connections between residential areas and neighborhood services
and parks. Ensure street design and orientation that encourage pedestrian and bicycle use.
High Density Example
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BV (BAY VISTA)
Purpose/Intent
The Bay Vista Subarea Plan (SAP) establishes the vision
and the development standards for this area. The Bay Vista
SAP is adopted as a functional plan within the Land Use
Appendix. Bay Vista acts much like a neighborhood center.
Location
Located near Highway 3 and Kitsap Way.
Land Uses
Commercial and residential uses as identified in the Bay
Vista Subarea Plan.
Intensity/Density
· Minimum Density: 6 units per acre
· Maximum Density; 38 to 65 units per acre
· Maximum Structure Height: 30 to 65 feet
Character
The Bay Vista area (formerly known as West Park) began
redevelopment in 2009 with supporting a Subarea Plan. The
plan includes residential uses to the east and commercial uses adjacent to the Freeway and Kitsap Way.
Open Space areas such as the Bay Vista Preserve are focal points of this area.
Bay Vista Master Plan Specific Policies (for streamlining purposes, goals and policies currently
addressed in the Bay Vista SAP will not be repeated in this section but remain applicable)
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-BV(A): Implement the land uses and development standards outlined in the Subarea Plan.
EP (EAST PARK)
Purpose/Intent
The East Park Subarea Plan (SAP) establishes the
vision and the development standards for this area. The
East Park Subarea Plan reflects Bremerton's vision to
continue as the metropolitan center of the West Sound
by adding a unique and dense urban neighborhood. The
East Park SAP is adopted as a functional plan within the
Land Use Appendix.
Location
Located in East Bremerton off Lower Wheaton Way.
Land Uses
Commercial and residential uses as identified in the East
Park Subarea Plan. High-density multifamily and
commercial activities are situated along the lower
Wheaton Way.
Intensity/Density
● Minimum Density: 6 units per acre
● Maximum Density: 12 to 50 units per acre
● Maximum Structure Height: 35 to 60 feet
Bay Vista
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Character
East Park has been undergoing residential redevelopment since 2007. Originally a separate housing
project of the Bremerton Housing Authority, East Park was constructed in the late 1940’s to house military
families. As was the case with Bay Vista (formerly West Park) when the military housing came to the end
of it’s lifecycle, these lands were designated as a Public Sector Redevelopment and existing structures
were demolished in order to redevelop the site. Upon completion over 400 residential units will be utilized,
including single-family homes, townhomes, and multifamily apartment buildings.
Wildlife corridors through the subdivision connect the Madrona forest to the west with the forest creek to
the west.
East Park Master Plan Specific Policies (for
streamlining purposes, goals and policies currently addressed in the East Park SAP will not be repeated
in this section but remain applicable)
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-EP (A): Implement the land use and development standards outlined in the Subarea Plan.
CUL (CITY UTILITY LANDS)
Purpose/Intent
The City's management objectives for these lands
shall be resource-related and structured to protect
the watersheds and timberlands. These lands are
vital to protect water quality and quantity in
Bremerton, ensure a healthy forest cover, dispose
of biosolids created from wastewater treatment,
protect fish (including salmon), and provide
essential habitat for wildlife.
Location
Land designated CUL is located along the west
and southwest edges of the City.
Land Uses
While resource management is the primary
objective, there are some residential or
commercial activities that are allowed on utility
lands such as the location of antenna sites or single family homes.
Intensity/Density
· 10 to 20 units per acre
· Height should vary dependent on the site
Character
The City's management objectives for these lands are resource-related and structured to protect the
watersheds and timberlands. These lands are vital to protect water quality and quantity in Bremerton,
ensure a healthy forest cover, dispose of biosolids created from wastewater treatment, and provide
essential habitat for wildlife. Lands within this designation are owned by the City of Bremerton and
managed by the Forestry Division. The Forestry Division site is located off Belfair Valley Road, which also
houses a salmon rearing program managed jointly between the City and the Suquamish Tribe; the
program produces over 2 million Chinook annually.
More than two million trees are growing in the Water Utility's forests. Revenue from harvest helps with
capital projects to improve the water supply system for both current and future needs. About 30,000 trees
are planted annually on Water Utility lands. Lands within this designation are also home to the City's
biosolids program, which beneficially utilizes 100 percent of the
East Park
City Utility Lands
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Bremerton Wastewater Treatment Plant's output on the City’s permitted forest lands. This not only helps
us grow trees and improve soil quality, but it also saves the City over $400,000 each year in disposal
costs that would be incurred if this resource were not recycled.
While the primary use of this land shall continue to be used for the protection of natural resources, there
will continue to be a limited amount of commercial and recreation development within the lands
designated as "utility." Wherever possible, co-location should be utilized for commercial structures such
as antennas. Minimal footprints shall be required, and all development should be limited, and demonstrate
no significant environmental impact. Any future development that associates with current adjacent
recreational uses (such as the Gold Mountain Golf Course or Jarstad Park) should be limited to that
portion of the designation south of Old Belfair Highway and adjacent to existing similar development.
Moreover, any development within this fairly pristine environment shall conform to shoreline and critical
lands ordinances and be designed in an environmentally sensitive way. All developments should go
through rigorous environmental review. Where development can be allowed, it should conform to the
recommendations made by other regional watershed planning efforts such as the Gorst Watershed
Plan.
City Utility Land Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-CUL(A): To preserve resource-related functions of land, and to protect watersheds and
timberlands.
LU1-CUL(B): To provide adequate land to protects Bremerton's natural resources, while allowing for
moderate residential development which does not adversely affect the lands resources.
WS (WATERSHED LANDS)
Purpose/Intent
The City began purchasing lands for the municipal
watershed in 1917, today the Watershed Lands
designation is applied to lands for the primary purpose of
protecting the City's public water supply. Lands
designated WS also provide significant open space and
animal habitats. When full, the Union River Reservoir
holds over a billion gallons of water and supplies about
60% of the city's drinking water. Ownership of almost the
entire Union River watershed above Casad Reservoir,
allows the Water Utility to manage activities that maintain
a safe, economic source of drinking water for Bremerton
and the surrounding area. Forestry works with the
Bremerton Police Department to coordinate patrol and
surveillance of the Bremerton Watershed, which is not
open to the public in order to protect this important and
potentially fragile resource.
Location
Land designated WS is located along the west and southwest edges of the City
Land Uses
Uses that support watershed functions, or forest and wildlife management functions. Wireless antenna
facilities may be considered on a limited basis.
Intensity/Density:
● No residential uses permitted
● Height that can only support the watershed functions
Watershed Lands
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Character
This designation provides for the judicious use of publicly owned watershed property. The primary use of
the property is the protection of crucial public water sources. This land is primarily part of the Union River
watershed and should continue to be totally protected.
Watershed Lands Specific Policies
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-WS(A): Coordinate measures to protect groundwater resources with watershed plans and
planning efforts.
Goal LU3: Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-WS(A): Prohibit or restrict development on lands that serve as critical watersheds affecting the
sources of public water supply.
LU3-WS(B): Assure that future land uses and land use patterns conserve and protect groundwater
resources.
LU3-WS(C}: Protect aquifer recharge areas, especially those used to provide public water supplies.
LU3-WS(D): Promote use of Low Impact Development (LID) Best Management Practices (BMPs) in
Watershed Lands to protect public water supply.
SPECIFIC AREA PLANS
This Land Use Element provides goals and policies - as well as supporting technical analysis - to guide
land use decisions for the broad community over the coming twenty years. More area-specific planning
efforts, especially for the creation of Neighborhood Plans and more detailed implementation plans may
be desirable in the foreseeable future. Specific Area Plans may add additional planning detail to this
Plan's general framework.
The following areas of the City and land use designations may benefit or already include specific-area
planning processes:
● District Centers
● Neighborhood Centers
● Employment Centers
● Downtown Regional Subarea Plan (2007)*
● Bay Vista Subarea Plan (2009)*
● East Park Subarea Plan (2006)*
● Puget Sound Industrial Center-Bremerton (formerly known as the South Kitsap Industrial Area
Subarea Plan) (2012)*
● Gorst Watershed Plan and Subarea Plan (2013)**
*These subarea plans have been adopted
**The Gorst Watershed Plan & Subarea Plan is currently located within Bremerton's Urban Growth Area. Upon
annexation this plan will be utilized as an additional functional plan to the Comprehensive Plan.
URBAN GROWTH AREAS
Under the Growth Management Act, each city must submit a proposed Urban Growth Area (UGA) for
formal designation by its County which has jurisdiction on the issue. The UGA is an area outside of current
city limits where a city is envisioned as the primary provider of urban services as growth occurs. As the
future provider of services in urbanizing areas, cities are the appropriate lead agencies in establishing
the future land use patterns, transportation improvements, and all related urban infrastructure.
Development within the City UGAs should be regulated by the City's development standards, and
infrastructure should be built to City standards. These expectations are reflected in the Countywide
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Planning Policies, which specify a framework for agreements between the City and the County and
Bremerton for the planning and implementation of the City's assigned growth areas.
UGA Specific Policies:
LU1-UGA(A): Establish urban growth area that are large enough to accommodate the expected
population growth for 20 years, in a way that meets the Countywide Planning Policies.
LU1-UGA(B): Apply the adopted Citywide growth strategy consistently to all of the City's urban growth
areas as a basis for more localized planning.
LU1-UGA(C): Promote the efficient delivery of urban facilities and services within urban growth areas
by phasing infrastructure extension in the most cost-effective manner.
LU1-UGA(D): Coordinate with Kitsap County to consider development regulations, planned level of
service, and infrastructure standards within the City's urban growth areas.
LU1-UGA(E): Participate with Kitsap jurisdictions in the review of urban growth area boundaries
relative to the Office of Financial Management's 20-year population forecast and make adjustments,
as warranted, to accommodate anticipated growth.
LU1-UGA(F): Attract the majority of the county's population and employment in the City limits and
urban growth areas in ways that ensure a balance among livability, preservation of environmental
quality, open space retention, varied and affordable housing, high quality cost- efficient urban services,
and an orderly transition from county to City jurisdiction.
LU1-UGA(G): Evaluate annexations on the basis of their short and long-term community impacts and
benefits.
LU1-UGA(H}: Support annexations that create logical boundaries and reasonable service areas within
the City's urban growth areas, where the City has the fiscal capacity to provide services, while requiring
property owners within an annexing area to assume a share of the city's bonded indebtedness.
LU1-UGA(I): Encourage and assist property owners in existing unincorporated "islands" or
"peninsulas" in the City's urban growth area to annex to the City.
LU1-UGA(J): Require property owners requesting City utilities to annex concurrent with utility
extensions or sign a "no-protest" agreement to annex as a part of a later, larger annexation.
LU1-UGA(K): In cooperation with adjoining local governments, determine the ultimate extents of the
City's physical growth and promote the designation of non-urban "separators" to define these limits.
EVENTUAL GROWTH INTENT
A city's capacity to execute annexations is driven by efficiency. Efficiency determines the cost of services
to users and taxpayers, determines the level and quality of services delivered, and influences growth
patterns and quality of life interests of the entire region. Bremerton's decision about growing into
unincorporated areas is primarily one of cost- efficiency.
Bremerton did not grow in population for several decades, and the loss of significant retail activity was a
part of this stagnation. The City's physical expansion could not be justified by past growth trends.
However, changing demographics, downtown revitalization, and regional growth policies suggest a much
different growth future for the community. The map on the next page illustrates the City's desired
eventual growth intent. Routes of travel, responsiveness of emergency services, disposal of waste,
opportunity for recreation, access to goods and services and all other urban functions are common
to all these UGA's.
Eventual annexation and incorporation of associated UGA's and the Central Kitsap UGA will help
the City achieve the expectation that it become the regional growth center of Kitsap as outlined in
the Puget Sound Regional Council's regional growth strategy "Vision 2050”. As discussed in the
previous section of this chapter, the Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) are areas within the County that
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the City will be expanding into as the city grows. To assist with that transition of annexation, the
following chart illustrates equivalent Kitsap County Land Use designations to corresponding City
designation for all the City's UGAs. For some of the City's UGAs, we have lead subarea planning
efforts, such as Gorst and Puget Sound Industrial Center- Bremerton (formerly the South Kitsap
Industrial Center). For those areas, their adopted Subarea Plan's designation would become enacted
at the point of annexation.
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Equivalence Table
Exhibit LU-2 City and Kitsap County Land Use Districts Comparison
Kitsap
County Land
Use District
Kitsap County
Zoning Allowed Uses
City of
Bremerton (COB)
Land Use
Equivalent
COB Land
Consistent
Zoning
Urban and
Rural
Industrial
Business
Center
Intended to provide for integrated
grouping of medium to large size
businesses within an attractive park-
like setting. The Zone allows business
dedicated to office use, warehousing,
and/or light manufacturing operations.
Permitted businesses are intended to
support the creation, development
and retention of primary wage
employment in the professional and
technical fields.
General
Commercial
General
Commercial
Business Park
Provides for integrated grouping of
small to medium size businesses
within an attractive park-like setting.
The zone allows flexibility in the
amount of space within each business
dedicated to office use, warehousing,
and/or light manufacturing operations.
Permitted businesses are intended to
support the creation, development
and retention of primary wage
employment in the professional and
technical fields, and not intended for
the general retail commercial needs
of the area.
General
Commercial
General
Commercial
Industrial
Allows a wide range of industrial
activities including heavy industry
such as fabrication, warehousing,
processing of raw materials, bulk
handling and storage, construction,
and heavy transportation. This zone is
intended to provide sites for activities
which require processing, fabrication,
storage, and wholesale trade.
Industrial Industrial
Urban Low
Intensity
Commercial
Neighborhood
Commercial
Provide for the quick stop shopping
needs of the immediate neighborhood
in which they are located. These
centers should be based upon
demonstrated need and shall be sized
in a manner compatible with a
residential setting.
Neighborhood
Business
Neighborho
od Business
Urban Low-
Density
Residential
Urban
Restricted
Applied to areas within urban growth
areas that have been identified with a
significant concentration of critical
areas regulated, or are planned as
greenbelts, and are therefore
appropriate for lower-density
development.
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
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Kitsap
County Land
Use District
Kitsap County
Zoning Allowed Uses
City of
Bremerton (COB)
Land Use
Equivalent
COB Land
Consistent
Zoning
Greenbelt
Applied to those areas which have
identified parcels constrained by
critical areas of fifty percent or greater
and are within certified wildlife
corridors.
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
Urban Low
Residential
Recognize, maintain, and encourage
urban low density residential areas by
including a full range of urban
services and facilities that are
adequate at the time of development.
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
Urban
Medium-
Density
Residential
Urban Medium
Residential
Intended to provide for higher
densities where a full range of
community services and facilities are
present or will be present at the time
of development.
Medium Density
Residential
Medium
Density
Residential
Urban High-
Density
Residential
Urban High-
Density
Residential
Provide for multiple-family residential
and professional office development
based upon compatibility with
surrounding land uses. The primary
use of this zone is intended to be high
density residential. Professional office
use is intended to compliment and
support the residential use within the
zone.
High Density
Residential
High
Density
Residential
Public
Facilities Parks
Parks and County facilities are
located within this zone. The City
does not have a Parks specific zone
and delineates these areas to low
density residential.
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
OPEN SPACE
This Comprehensive Plan adopts by reference the "Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan" as adopted
and amended by City Council. These goals and Policies help to establish a system of open space in
Bremerton. That open space system will consist of parks, school yards, and natural spaces. In addition,
the cited goal and its policies call for linking these spaces with a system of trails and pedestrian pathways.
The Open Space Map depicts the open space system on the following page of this element.
Many of the lands and corridors appearing on the Open Space Map are not independent land use
designations. Instead, they indicate desired locations for open spaces. "Open Space" as a listed
"permitted use" in all zoning designations will support the creation of this desired open space system.
Public acquisition of open space, including acquisition and development of open space as part of City
utility or street projects for example, will also assist in the creation of trails, parks, or other open spaces.
Open Space Specific Policies:
Goal LU1: Plan for Growth
LU1-0P(A): Implement the development standards outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Plan. Consider using permeable surfacing in open space areas where feasible.
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Goal LU3: Protect the Natural Environment
LU3-0P(A): Integrate an open space system into the land use pattern that increases the amount of
open space, protects Bremerton's natural resources, allows for stormwater management including LID
BMPs in open spaces, and provides a source of beauty and enjoyment for all residents.
LU3-0P(B): Encourage open space along water ways to ensure public access both visually and
physically.
LU3-0P(C): Promote open vistas and green spaces (greenbelts) in the City.
Goal LU4: Promote Community Health
LU4-0P(A): Include pedestrian, bicycle, and passive recreation opportunities into open spaces.
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SECTION 3.0
Housing
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Introduction
The Housing Element focuses on the most basic function of community living, shelter for the local
population. As a metropolitan City, Bremerton is expected to grow substantially over the next 20 years.
This element provides the policy framework to accommodate the anticipated population growth. In
addition, under the provisions of the GMA, an inventory of existing and projected housing needs should
inform the housing element. The Housing Needs Assessment, found in the Housing Appendix – Section
8.2, serves as the technical foundation for policies supporting the City’s housing needs across income
spectrum, as well as data on current housing stock, and demographic and economic characteristics of
Bremerton people and families.
Population growth of the City is anticipated to grow by 20,252 new residents by the year 2044. The
number of housing units associated with that growth is approximately 9,556 new permanent housing
units.
Growth allocations are determined through a regional process coordinated through the Puget Sound
Regional Council (PSRC) and the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC). Bremerton actively
participates in both coordination organizations. Within the context of this regional allocation process,
Kitsap County and its jurisdictions adopted 2044 growth targets that will be used as the basis for the 2024
Comprehensive Plan Update, as shown in Exhibit HS-1. The difference between the population and
housing growth target and capacity, is addressed by increasing allowed densities and evaluated by the
comprehensive plan’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement Alternatives and is summarized in Section
8.2 Housing Appendix.
Exhibit HS-1: 2044 Growth Target
Current1 Allocation for 20442 Capacity1 Difference
Population
City Limits 43,505 20,252 16,640 - 3,612
UGA 10,105 2,762 2,422 - 340
Housing Units 18,351 9,556 7,026 - 2,530
1Buildable Lands Report (2021) | 2 Kitsap County Countywide Planning Policies
Before addressing the goals and policies for future growth, it is essential to reflect backwards to
understand how past growth has shaped Bremerton’s current conditions. Originally founded in
conjunction with its major employer, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard3, Bremerton’s distinctive
neighborhoods have survived various growth cycles. The most impactful was the housing boom
associated with World War II in the 1940’s. At the height of the war, housing stock came under severe
stress when the population grew from approximately 15,000 to 72,500 seemingly overnight. That
housing crisis still influences the type, size, cost and quality of existing housing stock available today.
The end of World War II signaled a population decline in the 1950s and 1960s. For many decades after,
Bremerton’s population has remained mostly unchanged. Some minor increases and decreases of as
many as 2,000 people have been seen over the last 40 years; however these changes are negligible
(approximately 1%) and easily dismissed amid Bremerton’s regular fluctuations in the military population.
The lack of growth, despite land use capacity, eluded growth forecasts.
The City began to experience a change in the historic stagnate population growth in 2010 accelerating
into the following decade. As of 2023, the estimated population of Bremerton is 44,640. Since 2010,
Bremerton has grown by nearly 7,000 new persons, resulting in an 18.32% increase in population; this
represents positive population growth not previously experienced by Bremerton since World War II.
3 The term “Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS)” is used interchangeably throughout the Comprehensive Plan with “Naval Base Kitsap (NBK)”. It is
recognized that Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton is comprised of the Navy’s area and Controlled Industrial Area that has multiple large employers, with Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard as the largest tenant that has the most direct impact with Bremerton.
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Exhibit HS-2: Bremerton Percent Population Change 2010-2023
Washington State 18.24%
Kitsap County 12.77%
Bainbridge Island 9.36%
Bremerton 18.32%4
Port Orchard 56.67%
Poulsbo 34.78%
Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management. 2023. “April 1 population estimates.”
Housing unit growth in conjunction with the population increase occurred during the 2010-2023 time
period as well. As of 2023, there were an estimated 19,399 housing units in the City of Bremerton. This
represents an increase of 12% since 2010, when the estimated total was 17,273. Bremerton’s increased
housing units was primarily in multifamily attached units.
Exhibit HS-3: Percent Housing Unit Change 2010-2023
Washington State 15.7%
Kitsap County 7.9%
Bainbridge Island 8.1%
Bremerton 12.3%
Port Orchard 52.5%
Poulsbo 29.9%
Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management. 2023. “April 1 population estimates.”
Similarly, the City has continued to normalize other comparative trends. As of 2022, an estimated 47%
of households in the City of Bremerton owned their home, while 53% were renting. This represents an
increase in the proportion of owner household units since 2010, when 41% of Bremerton households
were homeowners and 59% were renters.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. 2022. American Community Survey 5-year Estimates.
In 2022, the median household income (MHI) in the City of Bremerton was $94,157 for homeowners,
$50,591 for renters, and $72,554 across all households. While Bremerton is below the median household
income for Kitsap County ($86,668) and Washington State ($85,936), it has increased significantly for
both owner and renter occupied since 2010.
4 2010 Census identified 37,729 residents; 2020 Census 43,505 and 2023 Washington State OFM April 1 Population Estimates 44,640, representing a
growth of approximately 7000 persons between 2010-2023.
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
1
Exhibit HS-4: 2022 Housing Tenure
Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
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Exhibit HS-5: Median Household Income by Tenure, Bremerton
Housing Tenure 2010 2019 2022 Change 2010-2022
Owner $60,952 $75,579 $94,517 55%
Renter $28,483 $39,161 $50,591 78%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. 2010, 2019, 2022. American Community Survey 5-year Estimates
While Bremerton has experienced important positive trends in population and housing stock growth over
the past decade, however, many of the historic challenges remain. A majority of the City’s housing stock
remains aged 1980 or older, with 1939 or older units representing a significant portion of the overall total.
The Housing Needs Assessment, found in Section 8.2, provides additional demographic data for the
Bremerton community profile, as well as employment/jobs, incomes, housing conditions, and affordability
details and data.
The following goals and policies address the major housing issues facing the City over the next 20 years.
These issues include protecting and maintaining the quality of existing housing stock, encouraging a
variety of housing types, supporting availability of affordable housing for all economic segments, and
implementing solutions to increase the City’s housing stock.
Vision
To encourage the growth of Bremerton by strategically locating a wide variety of housing types
throughout the City in a way that protects the environment and fosters community health.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton’s housing strategy for the future. These
goals and policies are to support the overall housing vision stated above.
Housing Goals
H1. Protect and enhance Bremerton’s existing quality housing stock.
H2. Encourage the development of a variety of new housing options and densities to meet the
changing needs of Bremerton’s residents.
H3. Support access to quality and affordable housing for all Bremerton residents.
H4. Implement and coordinate strategies that promote public and private efforts to facilitate
improvements to the housing stock.
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
2020 or later
2010 to 2019
2000 to 2009
1990 to 1999
1980 to 1989
1970 to 1979
1960 to 1969
1950 to 1959
1940 to 1949
1939 or earlier
Exhibit HS-6: Year Built, Occupied Housing Units
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Housing Policies
Goal H1: Protect and enhance Bremerton’s existing quality housing stock.
Implementing Policies for Goal H1:
H1(A): Promote preservation of structures in good repair, including establishing incentives that
encourage private property owner’s efforts to preserve homes having historical and or architectural
significance.
H1(B): Support replacement of substandard structures, including encouraging rehabilitation and
maintenance of existing housing units; or replacing substandard structures which have excessive
rehabilitation costs with new structures.
H1(C): Promote, and incentivize, private commitments to improve existing housing stock so that all
housing is safe, sanitary, and in good repair.
H1(D): Promote financial assistance for essential repairs to substandard structures that provide
housing for low- and moderate-income persons.
H1(E): Enhance livability in neighborhoods by maintaining and upgrading City services such as
sidewalks, bike lanes, parks, and utilities in order to enhance the overall affordability and health of the
community.
H1(F): Continue a code enforcement program to protect the safety and aesthetic quality of existing
neighborhoods, with consideration to impacts and ways to support marginalized and lower income
communities.
H1(G): Promote a sense of community within neighborhoods by creating spaces where residents can
interact by encouraging walkability and supporting identification if distinctive neighborhoods.
Goal H2: Encourage the development of a variety of new housing options and densities to
meet the changing needs of Bremerton’s residents.
Implementing Policies for Goal H2:
H2(A): Support the private sector’s efforts to provide a full range of housing options to meet the needs
of all ages and demographics.
H2(B): Encourage new development to blend with the characteristics of surrounding neighborhoods.
H2(C): Supporting infill development and increased densities and the use of Low Impact Development
(LID) techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure efficient and cost-effective
utilization of existing public utilities.
H2(D): Enhance livability in neighborhoods by upgrading and installing sidewalks, bike lanes, parks,
safety improvements and utilities in order to enhance livability.
H2(E): Support efforts to provide for a variety of housing options such as:
● Emergency group housing, homeless shelters and short-term housing to meet the needs of those
in the lower income categories.
● Promote housing for students, particularly in the vicinity of Olympic College. Encourage
apartments and dormitories in locations that directly service the college.
● Plan for and support episodic surges and reductions in military personnel. Provide opportunities
to allow for different housing densities to accommodate the diverse needs of military personnel.
● Respond to the needs of the growing elderly population within the City. Encourage a full range of
housing options including retirement housing complexes in all residential zones particularly in
areas with direct proximity to services and amenities. Encourage programs which allow elderly to
remain in their homes as long as possible.
● Provide for integration of special needs housing within the community by allowing for government-
assisted housing, housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, group homes, and
foster care facilities.
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● Encourage construction to meet and exceed ADA standards whenever possible.
● Encourage and support the development of emergency, transitional and permanent supportive
housing with appropriate on-site services for persons with special needs and vulnerable
populations.
H2(F): Promote a sense of community, or gathering places, within new neighborhoods by creating
spaces where residents can interact.
H2(G): Partner with Community Development Block Grant and other applicable programs and funding
sources to encourage removal or abatement of neglecting influences in and around residential areas.
H2(H): Provide sufficient land for the city’s projected population and housing targets, especially in the
City’s Centers and accessible to transit.
H2(I): Plan for sufficient housing and a variety of housing types to meet the needs of the existing and
projected population at all income levels while also encouraging the private sector to meet the
changing demographic needs and preferences.
H2(J): Promote jobs-housing balance by providing for a range of housing choices that are accessible
and attainable to people of all income levels, near job centers, and high-capacity transit centers.
H2(K): Review and streamline development standards and regulations to improve public benefit,
provide flexibility and minimize additional costs to housing.
H2(L): Expand housing capacity for Missing Middle Housing to bridge the gap between single- family
and more intense multifamily development by allowing a variety of housing types and densities.
Goal H3: Support access to quality and affordable housing for all Bremerton residents.
Implementing Policies for Goal H3:
H3(A): Provide opportunities for the production of new housing, with a variety of housing types that
meet the needs for all residents.
H3(B): Encourage rental and subsidized housing near public transportation, employment
opportunities, and throughout the City in a manner that accommodates Bremerton’s fair share of the
Countywide need.
H3(C): Support increased densities and infill projects in order to offset costs of providing utility City
services (utilities, sidewalks, bikes lanes, parks, etc.) intended to enhance the overall health of the
community with consideration of historically underserved communities.
H3(D): Encourage expanded availability of incentives for development within the City such as the
Multifamily Tax Exemption, Community Empowerment Zone, Historically Underutilized Business zone,
etc.
H3(E): Eliminate unnecessary regulatory impediments to the development of affordable housing.
H3(F): Identify and implement strategies to meet affordable housing targets identified by the Kitsap
Countywide Planning Policies.
H3(G): Support agency and nonprofit organizations in the creation of housing opportunities for
homeless, elderly, physically or mentally challenged, and other segments of the population who have
special needs.
H3(H): Identify potential physical, economic, and cultural displacement of low-income households,
manufactured housing communities (commonly known as “mobile home parks”), and marginalized
populations and work with communities to develop anti-displacement strategies in when planning for
growth. Remove prior polices and regulations that may have resulted in racially disparate impacts,
displacement, and exclusion in housing, including zoning that may have a discriminatory effect and
areas of disinvestment and infrastructure availability.
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H3(I): Promote, and encourage Bremerton Housing Authority, nonprofits, other agencies, and private
developers to create housing and home ownership opportunities for low- and moderate- income
households. Identify incentives for development proposals which create housing units for low-and
moderate-income households.
H3(J): Address the need for low- and very low-income households’ affordability, recognizing these
critical needs will require public support through funding, collaboration and action by agencies, non-
profit organizations, developers, and jurisdictions.
Goal H4: Implement and coordinate strategies that promote public and private efforts to
facilitate improvements to the housing stock.
Implementing Policies for Goal H4:
H4(A): Promote private and public efforts to provide adequate capital for rehabilitation of housing
projects; such efforts should include commitments to remove or abate neglecting influences near or
within residential areas.
H4(B): Promote financial assistance for low and moderate incomes that assist in essential repairs to
substandard structures. Support private sector low interest loan programs for such repairs, combined
with public resources when available.
H4(C): Target and enhance the use of tax incentives to improve affordable housing throughout the
City, and particularly in Centers where housing is intended to be in close proximity to public
transportation and employment.
H4(D): Encourage efficient permit review by eliminating unnecessary regulatory impediments,
improving certainty in development regulations, and provide an expedited permit process.
H4(E): Aim to improve coordinated, effective planning programs that improve access to affordable
housing. Specifically promote intergovernmental cooperation and agreements that support strategies
and programs to achieve City housing goals.
H4(F): Promote increased housing density to provide a broader customer base for more affordable
public services including utilities.
H4(G): Encourage development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) through streamlined permitting,
education, resources, available financial incentives, and monitoring for effectiveness.
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SECTION 4.0
Economic
Development
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Introduction
Economic growth and vitality is essential due to the clear connection between businesses and their critical
role in providing for a vibrant, healthy City and high quality of life. The Economic Development Element
establishes the policy framework to strengthen our community through expansion of employment base,
continued revitalization of commercial areas, and serving as the regional economy as the PSRC
designated Metropolitan City. This Element prioritizes retention of existing competitive businesses and
encouraging new development that increases activity levels within all commercial areas, especially the
City’s mixed-use centers. At the same time, the Element highlights the qualities that make Bremerton a
wise investment, such as its prime waterfront, regionally significant location, and its existing quality
infrastructure.
Bremerton’s excellent geographic location positions it well as Kitsap’s regional employment center. The
City of Bremerton is 14,800 acres, or approximately 23 square miles and is located at the geographic
center of the Puget Sound Region. It is 11 miles across Puget Sound from Seattle and 33 miles northwest
of Tacoma off State Highway 16. The Washington State Ferry system conveniently links downtown
Bremerton to downtown Seattle, providing unobstructed automobile access, and a unique feature in
comparison to other satellite cities around Seattle. Kitsap Transit’s fast ferry service from downtown
Bremerton to downtown Seattle, expands convenient travel options for a commuting workforce.
State highways tie Bremerton and the Puget Sound Industrial Center-Bremerton (including the Bremerton
National Airport), to Tacoma on the south, and to the Hood Canal Bridge on the north, Puget Sound’s link
to the Olympic Peninsula. Residents, visitors, and Bremerton-based businesses benefit from this
unparalleled regional access as well as the City’s favorable size for operations and management.
Additionally, Bremerton is regionally significant due to the deep-water port, home to a state ferry terminal,
public marina and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard - the West Sound’s largest employer. The City’s major
employers include the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and Olympic College. The Puget Sound Naval
Shipyard has long been the City’s principal economic base despite its federal exemption from paying local
taxes and property assessments. Approximately 50 percent of jobs in the City of Bremerton in 2022 were
government employment (public sector). Shipyard activities strongly affect the City’s population
demographics and land use development. Commercial activities are often strategically located near
PSNS access points, including automobile-oriented business on the edges of Charleston, near the
shipyard’s main gate on Naval Avenue.
Current Employment Conditions
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) monitors employment for its member jurisdictions by tracking
data reported to the Washington State Employment Security Department. The unit of measurement is
jobs – rather than persons – and includes part time and temporary positions.
Total jobs in 2022 were 31,049, an increase of 539 from 2016 and approximately 90 jobs/year. While
Bremerton’s total number of jobs declined from its peak in 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic
and closure of St. Michael Medical Center (formerly Harrison Hospital), jobs have begun to rebound.
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Exhibit ECD-1: Bremerton Total Employment 2015-2022
Source: Puget Sound Regional Council, Covered Employment Estimates by Jurisdictions, by year
Top employment sectors in 2022 are Government and Services; Government job estimate is 15,781 and
8,581 jobs in Services. As Table ECD-2 depicts, jobs across all sectors have remained steady, with the
most significant increase in Government and Services jobs. The most significant decrease in the reported
PSRC covered employment data was in education, from a peak of 2,001 jobs in 2020 down to 1,562 in
2022.
Exhibit ECD-2: Bremerton Top Employment Jobs by Sector, 2015 – 2021
Source: Puget Sound Regional Council, Covered Employment Estimates by Sector by year
2044 Employment Targets
In 2022, the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council adopted employment targets that are consistent with
the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Regional Growth Strategy and local employment trends. These
countywide employment targets are included in the Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies (Appendix B-2)
and identify job targets for all jurisdictions.
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Vision 2050 incorporates a renewed focus on locating growth near current and future high-capacity transit
facilities. Vision 2050 has a goal for 65% of population growth and 75% of the region’s employment growth
to be located in a Regional Growth Center and within walking distance of high-capacity transit. This
approach not only connects people to more compact, walkable and transit served neighborhoods, but will
also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bremerton is designated by PSRC as Kitsap County’s only Metropolitan City and has identified an
employment growth target of 14,175 new jobs, which represents a total 2044 employment number of
58,258 and represents approximately 32% of the countywide employment target assigned by PSRC.
This employment target represents a growth of approximately 600 new jobs annually over the 2020-2044
time period; as set forth by PSRC recognizing Bremerton’s relationship with Navy Base Kitsap, military-
related jobs contribute towards Bremerton’s employment target. Finally, it is important to note that similar
to the City’s population allocation, whether the job growth actually occurs at the projected rate is
dependent on the national, regional, and local economic markets.
Exhibit ECD-3: Kitsap 2044 Employment Growth Targets by Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction 2020-2044 Employment Growth Allocation Percent
Bremerton 14,175 32.4%
Bremerton UGA 2,434 5.6%
Silverdale UGA 11,416 26%
Bainbridge Island 1,927 4.4%
Kingston UGA 1,400 3.2%
Port Orchard 5,400 12.3%
Port Orchard UGA 1,500 3.5%
Poulsbo 3,903 8.9%
Poulsbo UGA 97 0.2%
Central Kitsap UGA 1,470 3.3%
Total Urban 43,722 95%
Rural 2,301 5%
Total New Jobs Urban
and Rural 46,023 100%
Source: Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies, Appendix B-2: Employment Distribution Through 2044
Economic development requires partnerships across jurisdictional lines, especially to enjoy the benefits
of a shared economy that does not contain itself to political boundaries. The City works collaboratively
with all Kitsap County jurisdictions and the greater Puget Sound Region. The City of Bremerton has
reemerged as a commercial, residential, and cultural center in the region. Downtown is the City’s PSRC
designated Regional Growth Center with an adopted Subarea Plan to assure a quality setting for new
employment and residential investments. This focused economic activity, with the subsequent protection
of quality residential neighborhoods, will lead to new vibrancy and economic well-being citywide.
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Vision
As the only Metropolitan City within Kitsap County, Bremerton expects to substantially expand
employment and job variety over the next 20 years to support a growing economy and lifestyle
diversity within the region.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton’s economic development strategy
for the future. These goals and policies are to support the overall economic development vision
stated above.
Economic Development Goals
ED1. Support expansion of commerce by diversifying and expanding Bremerton’s
commercial base.
ED2. Revitalize Bremerton’s commercial districts by upgrading and enhancing the aesthetic
quality of existing buildings and street frontages.
ED3. Facilitate physical improvements to commercial districts through tax incentives,
intergovernmental programs, and private-public partnerships.
ED4. Recognize the relationship between transportation and economic development by
working collaboratively with other governmental agencies to improve multimodal
transportation options and routes.
ED5. Advance efforts to establish a regional perception of Bremerton as a welcoming,
attractive, and business friendly City.
Economic Development Policies
Goal ED1. Support expansion of commerce by diversifying and expanding Bremerton’s
commercial base.
Implementing Policies for Goal ED1:
ED1(A): Attract new employment opportunities throughout the city by utilizing incentives for
redevelopment of underutilized sites, such as encouraging adaptive re-use of existing commercial
buildings.
ED1(B): Increase market elasticity and diversity of businesses by supporting a wide variety of
commercial uses within the designated mixed-use Centers throughout the City. Support efforts to
retain and expand industry clusters that manufacture goods and provide services for export, such as
at Puget Sound Industrial Center.
ED1(C): Entice development of start-up and small businesses by supporting home occupation
businesses, incubator businesses, and mobile vendors. Educate property owners in development
options and interests.
ED1(D): Encourage retention and recruitment efforts to foster a positive business climate throughout
the city and diversify employment opportunities. Specific areas to support:
● Businesses that provide living wage jobs
● Local women and minority-owned small businesses and start-up companies
● Established and emerging industries, technologies, and services that promote
environmental sustainability, especially those addressing climate change and resilience and
improved health outcomes.
ED1(E): Support a range of employment opportunities to create a closer balance between jobs and
housing.
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ED1(F): Actively seek living wage jobs that benefit a broad cross-section of residents and encourage
educational opportunities such as higher education and workforce training programs.
ED1(G): Support and encourage annexations when appropriate. Continue to monitor land supply and
availability for development sites throughout the city.
ED1(H): Continue the important efforts that the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
to access federal block grant programs and funding to address a wide range of community
development needs, including expanding economic opportunities, and providing a suitable living
environment and decent housing--principally for our low- and moderate-income community members.
As funding is limited, the City should encourage leveraging the minimal public funding available for
projects that require additional private investments and commitments.
Goal ED2. Revitalize Bremerton’s commercial districts by upgrading and enhancing the
aesthetic quality of existing buildings and street frontages.
Implementing Policies for Goal ED2:
ED2(A): Encourage upgrades and rehabilitation of existing commercial developments through a wide
variety of means, including but not limited to:
● Promote decorative shrouded street lighting, window displays, increased security, and pedestrian
public amenities (trash cans, benches, etc.).
● Consider recognition, preservation, and repair of historic storefronts and signage such as
McGavin’s Bakery that emphasize quintessential elements from our past in areas such as
Downtown, Manette, and Charleston.
● Investigate outdated and obsolete elements of building frontages such as façade treatment and
signage. Encourage maintenance, repair, and enhancement focusing on pedestrian scale
enhancements.
ED2(B): Ensure new development promotes street level activation to encourage walkability and social
interaction through site and façade design, including but not limited to the following:
● Design standards should be required for new commercial structures, especially in Centers, that
ensure buildings and site layouts are designed with a focus on pedestrian scale such as
intersection anchoring, strategically locating parking to the rear of structures, recognizable access
ways, promotion of weather protection etc.
● Promote the use of the design review board to ensure aesthetic quality, pedestrian scale of new
buildings, and flexibility of development standards within the Downtown Regional Center for both
new construction and substantial remodel of existing structures.
Goal ED3. Facilitate physical improvements to commercial districts through tax incentives,
intergovernmental programs, and private-public partnerships.
Implementing Policies for Goal ED3:
ED3(A): Pursue regional and state investment interests through lobbying and relationship-building,
highlighting Bremerton as a stable, appealing community committed to partnerships and collaboration.
ED3(B): Encourage rehabilitation programs, grant funding, and Local Improvement Districts for clean-
up/repair of existing structures and infrastructure improvements especially in designated mixed-use
centers.
ED3(C): Pursue state legislation, programs, and tax strategies to aid business districts in attracting
and retaining a diverse commercial base. Expand existing strategies such as the Multi-Family Tax
Exemption and the Empowerment Zone citywide as appropriate.
Goal ED4. Recognize the relationship between transportation and economic development by
working collaboratively with other governmental agencies to improve multimodal
transportation options and routes.
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Implementing Policies for Goal ED4:
ED4(A): Pursue alternative transportation monies, including federal dollars typically spent on the
interstate system, for fast-ferry research and other multimodal investments and improvements.
ED4(B): Ensure access to commerce by focusing commercial development along existing
transportation corridors. Support expansion of transportation systems and facilities to improve access
to the Bremerton National Airport, the Naval Base Kitsap, Downtown, and the designated District
Centers.
ED4(C): Work with Kitsap Transit to enhance access to commerce during standard business hours,
nights, and weekends.
ED4(D): Coordinate with the Naval Base Kitsap and the Washington State Ferry Service to work
towards reducing parking demands and traffic influxes from commuter and shipyard workers on City
streets. Continue to limit surface parking as it does not promote economic development of the City.
Goal ED5. Advance efforts to establish a regional perception of Bremerton as a welcoming,
attractive and business friendly City.
Implementing Policies for Goal ED5:
ED5(A): Evaluate and work towards efficiency and effectiveness of all permit processes to ensure
requirements and timelines are predictable. Encourage City Departments and Staff to provide
condensed development guides to applicants that help identify code requirements.
ED5(B): Encourage a wide variety of marketing and tourism efforts that provide a welcoming sense
such as:
● Supporting the installation of way-finding signs to business districts, parks, and regional
attractions within the City.
● Partner with private and public agencies to publicize community services and amenities.
● Support efforts of local business and associations to attract new business and visitors from
outside the City.
● Support tourist attractions and amenities, by advocating for enhanced and regular ferry service
between Bremerton and Seattle.
ED5(C): Encourage community engagement and civic activities within Centers by promoting
recreational activities and community events as these activities tend to enhance a sense of community
and support local commerce.
ED5(D): The City should pursue access to funding opportunities for distressed areas and
disadvantaged populations. This can include coordinating with a local organizations or financial
institutions to seek other funding possibilities such as the Community Development Financial
Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) to provide opportunities to disadvantage populations within the City.
ED5(E): Identify potential physical, economic, and cultural displacement of existing businesses that
may result from redevelopment and market pressure. Identify a range of strategies to mitigate
displacements to the extent possible.
ED5(F): Promote education, strategies and policies that expand access to opportunity and remove
barriers for economically disconnected areas within the city.
ED5(G): Support, recognize and enhance the contributions of the city’s culturally and ethnically diverse
communities, institutions, and Native Tribes.
ED5(H): Chronically vacant structures can be unsightly, create a negative perception for both visitors
and residents, and hinder ongoing proactive efforts to improve the community. Consider a variety of
measures to encourage owners of vacant structures to remodel, redevelop, and/or occupy these
structures.
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SECTION 5.0
Transportation
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Introduction
This Transportation Element aims to provide a 20-year vision for Bremerton’s transportation system,
which respects the community’s history and character, supports anticipated growth in the region, and
builds on Bremerton’s momentum as an attractive community in which to live, work, and play by
supporting safe and comfortable travel by all modes of transportation.
Bremerton’s Transportation Element is to promote, manage, and maintain a safe, efficient, and integrated
multimodal transportation system that is consistent with the City’s overall vision and adequately serves
anticipated growth. Guidance from City staff, the Planning Commission, stakeholders, and residents
helped identify several priorities:
● Improve safety for all users through updated facilities; streets are to provide safe access and
travel for all users, especially pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and riders
● Create an interconnected multimodal and active transportation network that connects all users to
City Centers, major destinations within Bremerton, and Kitsap County
● Support high-capacity transit services and opportunities within and between the City’s Centers
● Coordinate with local and regional partners to ensure that travel patterns do not disproportionately
impact Bremerton residents’ quality of life
● Adopt a policy for bicycle and pedestrian travel to address measures of facility quality such as
level of traffic stress (an indicator used to quantify the stress experienced by a cyclist or pedestrian
on the segments of a road network), facility types, route directness, and network completeness
● Increase transportation spending on maintaining, preserving, and operating the existing
transportation system
The Transportation Element sets a framework for understanding, prioritizing, measuring, and creating a
transportation network to help Bremerton achieve its vision. Further, the Transportation Element outlines
the policies, projects, and programs necessary to implement the City’s vision of future mobility in and
through the City of Bremerton.
In essence, the Transportation Element and its corresponding Appendix informs the development of the
Capital Improvement Program by identifying the types of projects the City should undertake to support
future travel trends. The plan also evaluates how these projects coincide with the community’s values
and financial resources.
City Transportation Planning
Bremerton’s location in the region plays an important role in the
demands put on its transportation system. The City is located
directly west of Seattle, across the Puget Sound, on the Kitsap
Peninsula. The city is divided by the Port Washington Narrows, a
straight spanned by two bridges, the Warren Avenue Bridge and
Manette Bridge, which connect the eastern and western sides of
the city. With direct access to Seattle, Bremerton is influenced by
many regional travelers and trends. Several state routes are
located within the city including SR 3, SR 304, SR 310, and SR
303, which connect to important regional job centers and
destinations in Kitsap County.
The City Transportation Element must balance the needs of
transportation modes that can compete for limited space within
the same limited right-of-way. Pedestrians, bikes, transit options,
freight, and general automobile use must all safely and efficiently
fit within a single integrated system. This integrated system must
also coordinate with a number of regional transportation planning
organizations to ensure system compatibility between counties,
the region, and the State.
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Growth Management Act (GMA)
The State’s Growth Management Act requires communities to prepare a transportation plan that ties
directly to the City’s land use decisions and financial planning, and these requirements are set forth in
RCW 36.70A.070(6). Additionally, given the number of state routes that begin and end in Bremerton, this
plan aims to coordinate with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to ensure
that these state facilities can adequately serve the region’s needs.
Puget Sound Regional Council Consistency
PSRC coordinates transportation and other planning efforts between King, Kitsap, Pierce, and
Snohomish counties to ensure, “The region has a sustainable, equitable, affordable, safe, and efficient
multimodal transportation system, with specific emphasis on an integrated regional transit network that
supports the Regional Growth Strategy and promotes vitality of the economy, environment, and health.”
The framework for this shared multimodal transportation system is published in Vision 2050. Multimodal
transportation includes walking, biking, transit, rail, cars and trucks. Vision 2050 calls for growth near
current and future high- capacity transit facilities, with a goal for 65% of the region’s population growth
and 75% of the region’s employment growth to be located in regional growth centers and areas within
walking distance of high-capacity transit. Vision 2050 also supports the transition to a cleaner
transportation system through investments in zero emission vehicles, low carbon fuels and other clean
energy options.
In addition, PSRC has adopted the Regional Transportation Plan 2022-2050, which identifies several key
goals for transportation in the region that jurisdictions’ transportation planning shall be aligned:
● Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions - The Regional Transportation Plan’s Four-Part
Greenhouse Gas Strategy supports the VISION 2050 goal to reduce greenhouse gases that
contribute to climate change. It identifies how the plan performs to reduce emissions and action
steps to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the Puget Sound Clean Air
Agency. Along with focused growth, extensive transportation choices and pricing mechanisms,
the decarbonization of the transportation system will be critical. Because of the urgency of
reducing greenhouse gas levels as much and as soon as possible, PSRC will track progress
toward both the 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals.
● Improving Safety for All Users - The safety of the system for all people is an increasingly critical
concern as the region continues to grow and transportation infrastructure and services are more
heavily used. Safety impacts every aspect of the transportation system, covering all modes and
encompassing a variety of areas from facility design to security to personal behavior.
● Investing in Growing Communities - The Regional Transportation Plan is closely integrated
with the VISION 2050 Regional Growth Strategy and its goals of 65%of population and 75% of
employment growth near high-capacity transit. It lays out a vision for a multimodal transportation
system that serves both existing communities and areas where we expect significant population
and employment growth.
● Maintaining and Promoting Economic Vitality - Developing a transportation system to
accommodate growth and support future economic success is a key objective of the Regional
Transportation Plan. Transportation investments must address the diverse needs of the region’s
economy, and support key employment sectors, including established and emerging industry
clusters, tourism, industries involved in trade-related activities, startups, and
new businesses.
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● Expanding Travel and Transit Choices - With implementation of the Regional Transportation
Plan, by 2050 59% of households will be within 1⁄2 mile of an integrated high-capacity transit
system, and transit ridership is expected to more than triple. The region’s light rail, commuter rail,
fast ferry, and bus rapid transit lines will expand into one of the country’s largest high-capacity
transit networks, with an emphasis on connecting centers and high-capacity transit station areas.
PSRC Designated Regional Growth Centers
PSRC has designated two Regional Growth Centers in Bremerton, supporting VISION 2050 and the
Regional Growth Strategy. Downtown Bremerton Metro Regional Growth Center (RGC) and Puget
Sound Industrial Center, a Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC). The future growth of these two Centers
must be consistent with VISION 2050 and the Regional Transportation Plan. Special considerations for
active transportation, ease of travel to high-capacity transit centers, and infrastructure investment
prioritizations are all important components of Bremerton’s RGC’s transportation.
Additional Regional Coordination
The City coordinates with other agencies and government bodies that have an interest in or influence on
transportation in Bremerton. These groups include:
Kitsap Regional Coordination Council
All jurisdictions within Kitsap County coordinate on shared transportation systems and agree to abide by
shared policies called Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). KRCC also supports multimodal
transportation options for member jurisdictions while reducing the rate of growth in auto traffic, including
the number of vehicle trips, the number of miles traveled, and the length of vehicle trips taken, for both
commute and non-commute trips. The CPPs call for a transportation system that promotes human health
and reduced green-house gas emissions, by investing in high-occupancy vehicle lanes, public transit,
vanpool/ carpool facilities, electric and other low emission vehicles including buses, charging stations for
all types of electric vehicles, bicycle and shared mobility options, and partnerships with the private sector.
Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization
While PSRC coordinates transportation with partnering counties to the east, PRTPO plans for
concurrency with Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties. The purpose of the PRTPO is to have
local jurisdictions, tribes, and the state come together for coordinated transportation planning and to have
an interconnected and coordinated transportation system that achieves both statewide and local
transportation goals. PRTPO is responsible for ensuring on-going coordinated transportation planning
among its members and identifying long-range issues or opportunities affecting the region. PRTPO’s
online Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) provides information on the organization’s
capital improvements objectives.
Kitsap Transit
The mission of Kitsap Transit is to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation choices that enhance
the quality of life in Kitsap County. Improve existing service, expand transit options, increase ridership,
maintain financial sustainability, improve environmental sustainability. Kitsap Transit provides bus, ferry,
and other transit services to Kitsap. Kitsap Transit Long-range Transit Plan relays how transit service in
Kitsap will evolve in the future. This includes a planned express bus route from Downtown Bremerton to
Tacoma; this route will help reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on WA-16 and eliminate the
current need for intercity bus transfers. Also included in the plan is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route from
Downtown Bremerton to Silverdale. BRT includes features such as priority at intersections, sections of
bus-only right-of-way, level boarding platforms, and amenity-rich stops and shelters.
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries Long-range Plan foresees expanding service in Bremerton in their long-range
plans. The Seattle/Bainbridge Island and Seattle/Bremerton routes are the only routes in the system
projected to approach or exceed currently certified ferry passenger capacities. Additionally, ridership is
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forecasted to be more pedestrian in nature. According to 2040 forecasts, bike ridership is expected to
increase by 67 percent on the Seattle/Bremerton route. Plans are in place to increase passenger capacity
from current boat capacity of 1,500 passengers to 1,800 passengers per vessel through the addition of
life rafts and marine evacuation systems, and enclosure of deck space. Other changes include replacing
diesel ferries with plug-in hybrids, leading to fuel cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. Terminal
modifications are anticipated to accommodate future plug-in ferry models.
Washington State Department of Transportation
WSDOT creates a long-range planning document called the Washington Transportation Plan (WTP). This
plan centers around six statewide goals & recommendations established by the Washington State
Legislature: economic vitality, preservation, safety, mobility, stewardship, and environment & health. Both
PSRC and PRPTO assist in the local implementation of WSDOT objectives of ensuring operational
efficiency and interconnectivity to safety, managing demand, and life-cycle maintenance costs. The WTP
also points out that the housing crisis also compounds transportation problems, as people have to
commute longer distances to find affordable housing additional strain is put on the transportation system.
The City also routinely coordinates with additional appropriate jurisdictions and agencies on planning and
engineering projects, including:
● Kitsap County
● Port of Bremerton
● Naval Base Kitsap (NBK)
● City of Bremerton ADA Representatives
● Bremerton School District
● West Sound Cycling Club
Capital Improvement Planning
Through the planning process, with transportation stakeholder groups and the public, City transportation
professionals identify capital improvements to improve our local multimodal system. The finished product
for any given transportation project is determined through a number of factors arrived at through the
planning process, including MMLOS. Specific improvements are often based on the classification
assigned to each roadway section; classifications help determine the expected intensity of roadway use
and how the street is intended to interface with surrounding private property. For instance, a street
intended for heavy-truck freight will be constructed to different standards than a residential street.
Roadway construction standards are adopted in City Design & Construction Standards to address
different classification types. Each project follows local standards, in addition to any required State and
National standards required. Separate roadway configurations can also be adopted through subarea
plans or through broader public coordination employed for placemaking efforts like Quincy Square.
The City maintains a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), provides a 20-year look at transportation projects
that are being considered in the long-term, and a Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), that lists all
identified and planned transportation projects, identifying fully funded, partially or not-funded yet. The
Transportation CIP is identified in the Transportation Technical Appendix.
Technical Appendix
The Transportation technical appendix has further information to support the Vision, Goals and Policies
and includes the technical data, analysis and evaluation required by GMA for transportation elements.
The technical appendix for the transportation includes the following:
● Inventory Existing Conditions: Describes conditions for all travel modes in the existing
transportation system. Also identifies current challenges and trends that will affect Bremerton’s
transportation network in the future.
● Community Outreach Findings: Describes the public outreach process conducted and specific
feedback received from community members.
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● Future Transportation System Evaluation: Evaluates the future traffic operations and
demands on the Bremerton transportation system for both the 6-year and 20-year planning
horizons and develop a list of possible solutions to maintain consistency with the city’s adopted
Level of Service standards.
● Capital Improvement Plan: Provides the long-range project lists and cost estimates based on
the evaluation of the future transportation system, and community values expressed in the
transportation goals.
● Active Transportation Plan: Updates the City’s 2007 Non-Motorized plan.
● Implementing the Transportation Element: Evaluates Bremerton’s financial conditions over the
next 20 years and provides guidance on plan implementation.
Vision
Bremerton strives to promote, manage, and maintain a safe, efficient, and integrated multimodal
transportation system to support a healthy and vibrant community, while minimizing auto-
dominance on city roadways through the development of a complete streets vision focused on
multimodal functions and level of service.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton’s transportation strategy for the future.
These goals and policies are to support the overall transportation vision stated above.
Transportation Goals
T1. Promote and develop transportation systems that stimulate, support, and enhance the
movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy.
T2. Acknowledge the existing built environment and maintain, preserve, and extend the life and
utility of prior investments in transportation systems and services.
T3. Provide for and improve the safety and security of transportation users and the
transportation system.
T4. Enhance Bremerton's quality of life through transportation investments that promote
energy conservation, healthy communities, aesthetics and protect the environment.
T5. Continuously improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the transportation
system.
Transportation Policies
Goal T1. Promote and develop transportation systems that stimulate, support, and
enhance the movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy.
Implementing Policies for Goal T1:
TR1(A): Support and participate in cooperative regional transportation planning processes to ensure
a multimodal transportation system that supports the Regional Growth Strategy and consistency and
connectivity throughout the region.
TR1(B): Coordinate with WSDOT, Kitsap County, and other stakeholders to ensure state facility
improvements meet the goals of Bremerton and Comprehensive Plan and minimize negative impacts
to the local transportation system.
TR1(C): Promote the continuation of passenger only ferry service and support research and
development in new ferry (including fast ferry) technology.
TR1(D): Evaluate and establish appropriate multimodal Level of Service (LOS) standards for all City
streets and identified in City’s Transportation Functional Plan.
Discussion: Develop and maintain a Layered Network that provides connectivity and recognizes
that not all streets provide the same quality of travel experience. Classify streets as Freeway,
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Major/Principal Arterial, Minor Arterial, Major/Principal Collector, Minor Collector, or Local Street.
Ensure that the Layered Network continues to provide for all varieties of street uses including
regional mobility and cross-town trips, commuting, shopping, and recreational travel, property and
business access, and parking, regardless of mode. Also, consider adopting a layered network
facility completeness measure.
TR1(E): Incorporate the needs of business and commercial traffic flow in the development of
transportation improvements that affect commercial and industrial Centers.
TR1(F): Implement concurrency requirements to ensure adopted Level of Service standards are
maintained when new development and redevelopment occurs.
● Require the concurrency system to evaluate the impact on LOS during the development
permitting process;
● Ensure that development permits are not issued unless and/or until maintenance of adopted LOS
standards are assured; and,
● Evaluate the feasibility of plan-based concurrency program to simplify development review
procedures and enhance the attractiveness for developing in Bremerton.
TR1(G): Maintain and improve connectivity to link centers to neighborhoods and to the arterials. Work
with transportation providers to develop a public transportation system that allows convenient and
efficient travel between Centers and ensuring that designated Centers are walkable and encourage
connectivity.
TR1(H): Inventory and assess parking capacity needs in the Downtown area.
● Work with the Naval Base Kitsap, Washington State Ferries, the City of Bremerton, and other
major employers in the Downtown Core to address parking demands and their impacts on
urban development.
● Encourage major employers to address and plan for increased parking demands. Encourage
efforts to address increased parking demands through parking structures, transportation
facilities, and other multimodal solutions rather than promoting or expanding surface parking.
● Acknowledge the negative impacts surface parking has on urban renewal, economic growth,
and the environment, and avoid increased surface parking.
TR1(I): Encourage transportation improvements that take advantage of Bremerton’s waterfront, by
providing pedestrian and bicycle paths near the waterfront and encouraging development of urban
boating opportunities including non-motorized craft such as kayaks. Identify, and clearly post, public
beach access.
TR1(J): Support safe and convenient movement of freight by establishing and identifying clear
signage, truck, hazardous material transport, and oversized load routes.
TR1(K): Identify corridors for development of future mass transit options such as bus rapid transit, etc.
TR1(L): Expand opportunities for public involvement in the identification, design, and implementation
of transportation related improvements within Bremerton.
TR1(M): Recognize and accommodate the special transportation needs of the elderly, children, and
persons with disabilities in all aspects of transportation planning, programming, and implementation.
Satisfy the community’s desire for a high level of accommodation for persons with disabilities using
appropriate design standards.
TR1(N): Support and foster equitable access, connections and mobility for all, and the traditionally
underserved neighborhoods and vulnerable populations, through investment in equitable modes of
transportation and equal spending throughout the City, in addition to potential catch-up investment for
areas in need as necessary.
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TR1(O): Identify stable and predictable funding sources for maintaining and preserving existing
transportation facilities and services. Identify maintenance and system preservation projects and
programs necessary to maintain the safe, efficient and reliable transportation system.
TR1(P): Leverage state and federal funds for transportation improvements.
TR1(Q): Monitor and prepare for changes in transportation technologies and mobility patterns.
TR1(R): Participate with PSRC and other regional entities to understand and contribute to
implementation of regional plans for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and accommodation of other
alternative fuel sources. Support installation of EV charging stations on private and public owned
property.
Goal T2. Acknowledge the existing built environment and maintain, preserve, and extend the
life and utility of prior investments in transportation systems and services.
Implementing Policies for Goal T2:
TR2(A): Require new, pedestrian, and non- motorized (MMLOS) transportation measures during the
development review process, including measures such as:
● Providing bus and transportation shelters and/or pullouts;
● Providing adequate sidewalks, pathways and crosswalks for access by all persons;
● Minimizing walking distance between buildings, streets, sidewalks, and transit stops;
● Extending the connectivity of the pedestrian, bicycle, and grid street system;
● Minimizing auto-dominance on streets by working towards further developing complete streets
with nonvehicular multimodal functions and MMLOS;
● Incorporating open space, and/or green space in streetscapes to enhance the pedestrian
Environment.
TR2(B): Enhance and maintain the functionality of the local circulation system by:
● Developing and utilizing clear and uniform wayfinding signage to guide traffic throughout the City;
● Encouraging bus pull-out lanes in convenient and appropriate locations.
TR2(C): Support the existing transportation grid system to promote a quality system to connect the
commercial and industrial centers.
TR2(D): Incorporate appropriate street lighting as it relates to the land uses (i.e., residential, industrial,
commercial use).
Goal T3. Provide for and improve the safety and security of transportation users and the
transportation system.
Implementing Policies for Goal T3:
TR3(A): Ensure transportation system safety for all users and the transportation system through
maintenance of infrastructure, and incorporation of safety enhancements, in transportation
improvement projects.
TR3(B): Maximize the functionality and safety of the local circulation system.
● Control the location and spacing of commercial driveways and the design of parking lots to avoid
traffic and pedestrian accidents, confusing circulation patterns, and line-of-sight obstructions.
TR3(C): Further develop the Complete Streets ordinance, with a context-sensitive design focus to
ensure multimodal improvements fit the community in which they are located, to better be utilized
within the City.
TR3(D): Provide a transportation system that effectively serves the needs of and encourages safe
pedestrian, bicycle and other non-motorized travel by implementing the policies of City of Bremerton’s
Complete Streets Plan.
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TR3(E): Encourage the use of public transit by bicyclists and pedestrians by:
● Providing safe, attractive, and comfortable walkways and waiting facilities at public transit loading
areas;
● Promote providing bicycle storage at transit facilities including bus stops;
● Installing bicycle racks on buses, and
● Developing and distributing information concerning local and regional non-motorized routes.
TR3(F): Reflect the urban nature of roadways within Bremerton by encouraging, where appropriate:
● Street trees and landscaping;
● Traffic calming strategies and devices;
● On-street public parking;
● Appropriately scaled and consistent street lighting;
● Promote frequent and appropriate accommodations for transit stops;
● Regularly spaced and ADA compliant crosswalks and sidewalks.
TR3(G): Minimize the impacts of traffic on residential neighborhoods by discouraging the use of local
access streets by non-local traffic.
TR3(H): Restore/create unique neighborhoods via formation of distinctive streetscapes and traffic
controlling devices.
TR3(I): Reduce speed on neighborhood streets through the use of street design devices proven to be
safe and effective at reducing travel speeds. Traffic calming measures should include minimizing
neighborhood street widths and pedestrian crossing distances to promote a sense of safety for
pedestrian crossings.
TR3(J): Increase the resilience of the City’s transportation system and support strategies for security
and emergency management responses.
TR4(K): Where possible, the City shall require the under-grounding of overhead utilities and encourage
utility placement under the paved section of the ROW.
Goal T4. Enhance Bremerton's quality of life through transportation investments that promote
energy conservation, healthy communities, aesthetics and protect the environment.
Implementing Policies for Goal T4:
TR4(A): Minimize impacts of road construction on environmentally sensitive areas; minimize damaging
storm water runoff and pollution from road use and maintenance.
● Implement programs that encourage the planting of low-maintenance, vegetated groundcover
and trees (where space is adequate) along roadways.
● Where possible the City shall require the use and maintenance of Low Impact Development (LID)
Best Management Practices (BMPs) (bioretention, permeable pavement, etc.) where appropriate.
● Design transportation facilities improvements consistent with City stormwater regulations, striving
for enhanced water quality standards, and minimizing impacts to fish and wildlife habitat areas.
● Consider improved fish passage when making transportation facilities improvements.
TR4(B): Encourage City vehicles to utilize sustainable fuel and reduce emissions/air pollution.
TR4(C): Require street beautification including landscaping and Low Impact Development (LID) Best
Management Practices (BMPs) along the edge of and within parking areas to reduce visual impact
and aid in filtration of runoff. Emphasize use of drought tolerant native vegetation in bioretention
facilities and planter strips.
TR4(D): Reduce reliance on drive alone trips by prioritizing and implementing supportive local-level
transit, high occupancy vehicle (HOV), and nonmotorized improvements.
TR4(E): Enhance mobility using the existing footprint of the roadway and technological advancements.
When widening roadways, impacts to non-motorized users and transit vehicles and passengers should
be minimized.
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TR4(F): Facilitate safe school walking routes, and, where possible, make capital budget decisions that
support such a system.
TR4(G): Assure cost-effective maintenance of transportation facilities under the City’s jurisdiction,
including nonmotorized facilities. Reduce need for new capital improvements through investments in
operations, demand management strategies and system management activities that improve the
efficiency of the City’s current transportation system and facilities.
TR4(H): Develop clean transportation programs and facilities, including actions to reduce pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
TR4(I): Incorporate environmental factors into transportation decision-making, including attention to
human health and safety.
TR4(J): Develop actions for transportation system robustness including adaptation strategies to the
effects of climate change.
TR4(K): Providing adequate sidewalks, pathways and crosswalks for access by all persons.
TR4(L): Minimizing walking distance between buildings, streets, sidewalks, and transit stops.
TR4(M): Extending the connectivity of the pedestrian, bicycle, and grid street system.
Goal T5. Continuously improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the transportation
system.
Implementing Policies for Goal T5:
TR5(A): Work with Kitsap County, WSDOT, regional transportation agencies, and transportation
providers to plan, fund, and implement joint transportation projects and programs.
TR5(B): Coordinate plans and development with the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)’s
Transportation 2050 and Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies for regional consistency.
TR5(C): Support improvements on state highways to reduce congestion, and improve safety and
access for through traffic, local traffic, non-motorized and transit users.
TR5(D): Work with WSDOT to develop solutions for the access to and from Bremerton with focus on
the Gorst interchange.
TR5(E): Coordinate with Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit and other possible service providers
to operate ferry services to Bremerton that meet local service and commuter needs, coordinate with
all travel modes, and provide regional service.
TR5(F): Support and promote ferry system programs, which maximize the convenience of non-
motorized connections, and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) use, by providing priority status and
discouraging single occupancy vehicle use on ferries.
TR5(G): Work with Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit and other possible service providers to
coordinate transit schedules of multiple modes of transportation, and to further transportation
conveniences including multimodal options.
TR5(H): Work with Washington State Ferries and Naval Base Kitsap to coordinate schedules to reduce
congestion from worker releases and the releasing of ferry commuters.
TR5(I): Encourage transportation agencies, especially public transit, to operate and maintain
local/regional services and facilities that reduce the need for single-occupant vehicles and support the
needs of transit-dependent users. Support efforts to expand usage and infrastructure for mass
transportation.
TR5(J): Work with Kitsap Transit to establish and designate convenient park and ride locations.
Incentives could include giving priorities to establishing park and ride in existing parking lots and
forming partnerships with community organizations along easily accessible arterials that have dormant
parking during traditional commuting hours (i.e., churches).
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TR5(K): Reduce auto dependency, especially drive-alone trips, by employing and promoting the
application of programs enhance mobility and assist in achievement of the land use vision. This
includes:
● Develop Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategies to minimize the need for additional
transportation infrastructure and expenditures.
● Continue to coordinate with local employers, including the Naval Base Kitsap, to implement
commute trip reduction plans and programs and stagger release where feasible.
● Develop a parking ratio reduction policy for development around planned high-capacity transit
corridors as identified in the Kitsap Transit Long-Range Transit Plan.
TR5(L): Provide a prioritized list of transportation projects that supports the Comprehensive Plan
vision. That prioritized list should include projects that support the regional Downtown Center and
Puget Sound Industrial Center-Bremerton that furthers the City’s Centers Concept or approved by a
functional plan. Prioritize multimodal investments in centers and high-capacity station areas.
TR5(M): Protect the continued operation of airports from encroachment by incompatible uses and
development on adjacent land.
TR5(N): Participate, as appropriate, in planning and management to optimize the greater region’s
aviation system. Consider health, air quality and noise impacts to communities.
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T
SECTION 6.0
City Services
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Introduction
The City Services Element provides policy direction for planning and placing services that are essential
to a community and its ability to grow. These services are crucial to the health, safety, and welfare of
community members, residents and businesses. This Element guides how the provision of services, such
as water, wastewater, solid waste/recycling, stormwater, parks, and schools support the future growth
and development of Bremerton.
This City Services Element combines the function of two plan elements required under the Growth
Management Act: the Utilities Element and the Capital Facilities Element. The following section includes
the goals and policies for the City of Bremerton City Services. The City Service Appendix includes the
technical foundation for the City Services Chapter, including city services inventory, existing and targeted
Level of Service standards, funding sources, and the Capital Facility Plan.
While this Chapter focuses on public facilities and utilities provision to Bremerton’s residents and
businesses, the Transportation Element should also be considered in conjunction with this chapter as an
important public facility.
Vision
The City of Bremerton strives to deliver exemplary municipal services to our community when
and where it is needed.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton’s city services strategy for the future
for City and public utilities and facilities. These goals and policies are to support the overall city service
vision stated above.
City Services Goals
CS1. Provide municipal services that enhance the quality of life in Bremerton.
CS2. Encourage the safety and health of residents and visitors.
CS3. Provide adequate capital facilities that:
● Address deficiencies and anticipate growth needs;
● Achieve acceptable levels of service;
● Use fiscal resources efficiently; and
● Meet realistic timelines.
CS4. Provide safe and reliable utility service to the community, while balancing economic,
aesthetics and environmental factors.
City Services Policies
Goal CS1. Provide municipal services that enhance the quality of life in Bremerton.
Implementing Policies for Goal CS1:
CS1(A): Promote affordable and equitable access to City Services including implementing new
technology to provide information and services more conveniently, especially to underserved
communities.
CS1(B): Educate residents about City services and community responsibilities.
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CS1(C): Provide meaningful opportunities for community involvement. Provide regular volunteer
opportunities to the general public and enlist residents for their talents (work to identify specific
community assets and invite identified groups and residents) to participate in governance.
CS1(D): Provide public facilities and services conveniently, affordably, and equitably focusing on those
underserved, throughout the community and ensure that the prescribed Level of Service standards
are pursued.
CS1(E): Provide safe and well-maintained street infrastructure throughout the City.
CS1(F): Improve and maintain sidewalks through the City with an emphasis on accessibility.
CS1(G): Provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
CS1(H): Promote open spaces and “green spaces” for everyone’s enjoyment and recognize
recreational needs in open space planning. Encourage the installation of Low Impact Development
(LID) Best Management Practices (BMPs) in open spaces, including bioretention facilities and
permeable pavement. Include public education elements in LID BMPs in open spaces. Encourage the
installation of Low Impact Development (LID) Best Management Practices (BMPs) in open spaces,
including bioretention facilities and permeable pavement. Include public education elements in LID
BMPs in open spaces.
CS1(I): Provide trash receptacles and waste conveniences in public places, especially in City parks
and encourage community responsibility regarding proper waste disposal, including pet waste
disposal.
CS1(J): Continue coordination with the school district, recognizing that schools provide a unifying
social and physical amenity that is a key focus for successful neighborhoods. Coordinate with school
districts to ensure school siting and active transportation plan design to provide adequate capacity for
anticipated growth.
CS1(K): Work actively through public and private partnerships to develop and implement a viable
urban forestry management plan.
CS1(L): Facilitate public and private beautification efforts, especially on City properties and public
rights-of-way.
● Provide adequate maintenance of public landscaping.
● Use trees and plants that are well-suited for an urban environment.
CS1(M): Promote the success of Bremerton's youth through land use and infrastructure investment
decisions. Continue the coordination with the Kitsap Public Health District, School Districts and other
youth groups.
CS1(N): Grow communities that support multiple generations by providing safe and convenient
opportunities for recreation and social gathering, along with accessible housing to meet the needs of
youth, families and older adults.
CS1(O): Prioritize siting of community facilities and services, including civic places like parks, schools
and other public spaces, in centers, active transportation plan connections and near transit, with
consideration for climate change, economic, and social and health impacts.
Goal CS2. Encourage the safety and health of residents and visitors.
Implementing Policies for Goal CS2:
CS2(A): Prepare emergency preparedness plans including instruction for public staff and for
community members regarding services and support locations available immediately following an
incident.
CS2(B): Work actively to reduce crime and work through civic partnerships to address the public crisis
of substance abuse and addiction.
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CS2(C): Provide community gathering points within neighborhoods, supported by Programming like
City Parks and Recreation and crime prevention education.
CS2(D): Improve community safety after dusk by enhancing lighting for pedestrians, especially around
and leading to places of activity.
CS2(E): Collaborate with residents, public organizations, and non-profit agencies towards a proactive
approach to social needs.
CS2(F): Encourage social services that meet needs of a diverse population and develop appropriate
criteria for locating social service facilities.
CS2(G): Demonstrate awareness and consideration for special-needs populations.
CS2(H): While considering new or improved public facilities, consider implementing elements of Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) when appropriate; examples include: ensuring
public surveillance of the site is maintained, and appropriate lighting.
Goal CS3. Provide adequate capital facilities that: address deficiencies and anticipate growth
needs; achieve acceptable levels of service; use fiscal resources efficiently; and meet
realistic timelines.
Discussion: Capital facilities include all services provided, planned for, paid for, and delivered by the City
including water systems, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater facilities, streets, parks and recreational
facilities, police and fire protection facilities.
Implementing Policies for Goal CS3:
CS3(A): Apply growth strategies to fiscal investment decisions to expand service areas or
infrastructure capacities.
CS3(B): Provide a public process for monitoring, review, and planning of all City services and facilities,
including municipal facilities, parks, streets, community meeting places and buildings.
CS3(C): Monitor the expenditure of capital resources, ensuring the prescribed level of service for the
following services and facilities: potable water, sanitary sewer, stormwater management, street
maintenance, law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical service, transportation, solid
waste, and parks.
CS3(D): Maintain, rehabilitate or reuse existing facilities wherever feasible and still meet the capital
needs of the population.
CS3(E): Establish adequate funding for public facilities and services for existing development and new
growth including pursuing alternative and creative funding mechanisms for public services and
facilities.
CS3(F): Establish adequate funding for infrastructure critical to the health, well-being, and economic
development of the City.
CS3(G): Establish priorities for funding that are specified in the prescribed Level of Service standards.
● Review capital projects as part of the City's budget process, (1) to ensure an ongoing review of
capital needs, and (2) so that capital and operating budgets can be considered together.
CS3(H): Manage a comprehensive maintenance program and consider future maintenance and repair
costs of new capital items when making selection and expenditure decisions on new capital facilities.
CS3(I): Apply cost-effectiveness criteria to capital investments.
CS3(J): Work with the development community to provide adequate infrastructure, such as roads,
sewer, water, and stormwater for new growth. Explore options for a strategic impact fee program or
other funding sources.
CS3(K): Improve sidewalks throughout the City with an emphasis on accessibility.
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CS3(L): Provide street infrastructure that is well maintained, has sufficient capacity, meets all
compliance requirements for accessibility.
● Identify dedicated revenue to adequately maintain the existing investment in street
infrastructure;
● Develop revenue sources to allow full implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan.
Consider new revenue such as transportation impact fees, or re-direct existing revenue; and
● Eliminate barriers to accessibility with sidewalks and city facilities. Prioritize implementation
using resident groups and focus improvements in the areas with the most use.
CS3(M): Participate in the planning of the Urban Growth Areas (UGA). Achieve coordinated planning
for the City’s urban growth areas with Kitsap County (including the Countywide Planning Policies),
other jurisdictions and service providers, especially for the provision of capital facilities and services.
● Work towards development standards within the UGA that are uniform or complimentary to the
City’s development standards;
● Safeguard urban level of service within the UGA which are comparable to the levels set within
the City;
● Identify development concerns within the UGA and inventory challenges to address; and
● Ensure quality residential development in the UGA that has both urban and strictly residential
qualities, including walkability.
CS3(N): Adopt Level of Service (LOS) standards for public facilities, reflecting community preferences
for quality-of-service delivery. Additionally consider adopting LOS standards that support and
encourage the development of Centers.
CS3(O): Adopt a Concurrency Management Ordinance (requiring capital facilities meet adopted Level
of Service standards at the same time with development) in order to maintain the community’s
identified desired level of service.
CS3(P): Adopt six-year capital facilities programs (CIPs), including Transportation Improvement
Programs (TIPs) on an annual basis to demonstrate funding capability that supports the land use
patterns and other goals and policies adopted within this Plan.
CS3(Q): Ensure that the land use element, capital facilities plan element, and financing plan are
coordinated and consistent for the 6 and 20-year planning period. If adequate facilities are currently
unavailable and public funds are not committed to provide such facilities, developers must provide
such facilities at their own expense in order to develop, or the City may consider other funding sources.
If the probable funding falls short of meeting the capital facility needs of the anticipated future land
uses and population, the type and extent of land uses planned for the City must be reassessed.
CS3(R): Promote coordinated planning for services and facilities with counties, cities, tribes, and
special purpose districts in a manner that supports Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050
Regional Growth Strategy, including addressing long-term needs, supply, and the use of conservation
and demand management.
Goal CS4. Provide safe and reliable utility service to the community, while balancing
economic, aesthetics and environmental factors.
Discussion: Utilities include all services provided, planned for, paid for, and delivered by providers other
than the jurisdiction (such as electrical, telecommunication, natural gas, ports, and libraries).
Implementing Policies for Goal CS4:
CS4(A): Protect and enhance the environment and public health and safety when providing services
and facilities.
CS4(B): Encourage utility providers to co-locate for aesthetics and efficiency and prioritize utility
placement under the paved section of the right-of-way where there are fewer conflicts with installations
of roadside Low Impact Development (LID) Best Management Practices (BMPs).
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CS4(C): Develop an under-grounding ordinance and encourage Local Improvement Districts, to install
utilities underground, and in the paved section of the existing right-of-way, when appropriate.
CS4(D): Create standards and processes for locating wireless telecommunications facilities that
assure adequate services while protecting neighborhoods and other portions of the City from negative
impacts.
● Provide incentives for co-location as an alternative to building new towers; and
● Provide adequate setbacks, buffers, and camouflaging requirements to assure attractive
installations, protection of adjacent land uses and residential neighborhoods.
● Encourage the use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and Best Management
Practices (BMPs) within setbacks and buffers where appropriate.
CS4(E): Support efforts of Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to meet rapidly increasing electrical demands,
while achieving the State’s transition to clean energy by: considering code updates that support related
technologies, encouraging PSE customer education efforts, and studying potential partnerships.
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SECTION 7.0
Environmental
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Introduction
Bremerton has a vital interest in preserving its natural beauty and ensuring long-term environmental
health. With vast marine shorelines, freshwater lakes, coastal bluffs, wetlands, a preserved watershed
area, and scenic views of two mountain ranges, Bremerton is part of a complex ecosystem and provides
a stunning natural setting for its residents and visitors. This natural setting is one of the most important
amenities to Bremerton residents and visitors alike. While Bremerton will increase in population over the
next 20 years, it is imperative that the environmental resources be protected and, where possible,
enhanced. Sustainability is a concept that addresses the problems and needs of the present, without
compromising the needs of the future. In spirit, sustainability protects and adds natural beauty and
function with growth. This Element provides a vision and commitment by the City of Bremerton to bring a
sustainable approach to land use management.
The Environmental Element of the Comprehensive Plan relays goals and policies intended to protect the
environment and enhance the City’s high quality of life, including fish and wildlife habitat protection,
environmental stewardship, water resources, and air quality. The Environmental Element of the
Comprehensive Plan informs any needed alterations to the City Critical Area Ordinance and Shoreline
Master Program.
This element of the Plan contains broad environmental goals and policies. Some of the Plan’s other
elements also include goals and policies addressing how environmental values specifically relate to the
topics of those elements. For instance, the Land Use Element includes goals and policies governing
development near environmental critical areas, and the Transportation Element addresses possible
environmental impacts and improvements associated with transportation choices.
To implement the City’s vision, policies, plans, codes, and regulations will continue to be implemented,
and updated as needed, to ensure that the City’s continued growth and development supports and
enhances the natural environment. For more information on critical area types and mapping, the reader
should review the Environmental Appendix on the Comprehensive Plan.
Climate Change
PSRC’s Vision 2050 and recent state legislative actions5 stresses the need for agencies at all levels of
government to seek ways to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Climate change is
influenced by all aspects of our daily lives – from the products we buy, to the places we live, to how we
transport ourselves, among other things – and also has the potential to impact all aspects of our daily
lives – from our health to our infrastructure, to the food we consume and the water we drink.
In 2023, the State Legislature added a climate change and resiliency element to the list of elements that
must be included within comprehensive plans. HB 1181 requires jurisdictions to address the adverse
impacts of climate change on people, property, and ecological systems, and identify actions the
jurisdiction will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) under
this new element, which is required to be adopted in 2029.
VISION 2050 identifies multicounty policies and actions for the region and local governments to
implement to address climate change — to both reduce emissions and to increase resilience to impacts
– spanning all sectors throughout the document. Kitsap Countywide Planning Policies similarly identifies
policies and actions to address climate change, such as:
● Focusing growth in urban areas, centers, and high-capacity transit areas.
● Support programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase energy
conservation and alternative/clean energy.
● Establish programs and policies that maintain and increase forests and vegetative cover.
● Develop policies and actions to address climate change.
● Recognize state and regional targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions6
5 Per RCW 70A.45.020, Green House Gas (GHG) emissions shall be 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040, and 95% below 1990
levels and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. PSRC’s Vision 2050 sets regional goals for protecting the natural environment and reducing GHG emissions
to 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.
6 Kitsap Countywide Planning Policy NE-8.
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Policies related to greenhouse gas emission and climate change consistent with Vision 2050 and Kitsap
Countywide Planning Policies have been updated reflecting the State and Region’s enhanced emphasis
on climate planning.
Vision
Conserve and enhance natural resources, critical areas, water quality/quantity, and environmental
amenities while planning for and accommodating sustainable growth.
Goals & Policies
The following goals and policies form the foundation of Bremerton’s strategy for the future for working for
and with the environment. These goals and policies are to support the overall environmental vision stated
above.
Environmental Goals
E1. Stewardship: Provide stewardship by considering long-range implications of City
policies on the environment, to conduct City operations in a manner that protects the
environment, and to provide education on how the City, its businesses, and residents can
improve the quality of the environment.
E2. Earth: Preserve and enhance vegetation and earth resources.
E3. Water: Protect water resources for present and future generations.
E4. Air: Support compliance with applicable federal, state, regional, and local air quality
standards through coordinated, long-term strategies that address the many contributors to
air pollution greenhouse gases, in order to address impacts of climate change.
Environmental Policies
Goal E1: Stewardship: Provide stewardship by considering long-range implications of City
policies on the environment, to conduct City operations in a manner that protects the
environment, and to provide education on how the City, its businesses, and residents can
improve the quality of the environment.
Implementing Policies for Goal E1 – Stewardship: Planning
E1(A): Promote waste reduction and recycling measures throughout the community. Ensure that waste
disposal occurs in an environmentally safe, efficient manner.
E1(B): Reduce the amount of waste disposed in landfills by reducing the amount of waste generated
and promoting recycling and reusing materials.
● Provide attractive, well-maintained recycling bins and garbage receptacles in public spaces that
separate different types of waste.
● Ensure that all City departments practice recycling and attempt to reduce waste.
E1(C): Maintain and support City sponsored public events for yard waste collection.
E1(D): Use the brownfields approach and grants to identify and restore potentially environmentally
degraded property.
E1(E): Encourage environmentally sensitive businesses and practices.
Explore options to provide incentives to companies and using green building techniques or low impact
development beyond what is required.
E1(F): Promote use of alternative energy.
E1(G): Coordinate planning of critical area and habitat with Kitsap County, Suquamish Tribe, and other
local agencies and countywide planning and watershed groups to protect critical area habitat and water
quality.
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E1(H): Protect critical areas, habitat and the natural environment through land use plans, surface water
and stormwater management plans and programs, comprehensive park plans, development
regulations and site-specific project review.
E1(I): Support integrated and interdisciplinary approaches for environmental planning and
assessments.
E1(J): Promote innovative and environmentally sensitive practices in site planning, design, materials
selection, construction, and maintenance.
E1(K): Support environmental stewardship on private and public lands through partnerships and
voluntary efforts to protect, restore and enhance the quality and functions of critical areas and
associated buffers.
Implementing Policies for Goal E1 – Stewardship: Development
E1(L): Ensure code flexibility to enable and encourage environmentally sensitive development and use
of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs) where feasible.
E1(M): Use Best Available Science to preserve and enhance the functions and values of critical area
through policies, regulations, programs and incentives. Critical Areas development standards shall
incorporate and utilize applicable best available science for purposes of designating and protecting all
regulated critical areas and give “special consideration” to conservation and protection measures for
anadromous fisheries.
E1(N): Utilize, where feasible, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development
(LID) technology in City projects and practices to achieve effective environmental stewardship.
E1(O): Encourage the use of sustainable building methods and materials (such as those specified
under certification like LEED, Built Green, Salmon Safe, and Living Building Challenge) that may
reduce impacts on the built and natural environment.
E1(P): Support the continued planting of Bremerton’s urban forest, a diverse mix of native and non-
native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, which line our streets and shade and beautify our homes,
businesses, parks and natural areas.
E1(Q): Reduce solid waste generation through salvage and reuse of building materials, including
architecturally and historically significant materials.
E1(R): Advocate for expansion of transit and encourage car-sharing, cycling and walking, to limit or
reduce vehicle trips as a strategies for reducing vehicle-related air pollution.
E1(S): Reduce building energy consumption through green building and promote the adaptive reuse
of existing buildings recognizing the emission-reduction benefits of retaining existing buildings.
Implementing Policies for Goal E1 – Stewardship: Education
E1(T): Promote community awareness, responsibility, and participation in sustainability efforts through
public outreach programs and other opportunities for change. Serve as a catalyst and facilitator for
partnership to leverage change in the broader community.
E1(U): Encourage environmental stewardship for the care and planting of trees through well-
considered outreach and educational materials, along with City incentives.
E1(V): Educate community members about sources of pollution.
● Provide information to the public regarding the negative impact to water quality from the use of
pesticides and herbicides. Encourage a reduction in the use of pesticides and herbicides.
E1(W): Support programs that ensure that all residents, regardless of race, social, or economic status,
have clean air, clean water, and other elements of a healthy environment, and prioritize the reduction
of impacts to vulnerable populations that have been disproportionately affected by climate change.
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Goal E2: Earth: Preserve and enhance vegetation and earth resources.
Implementing Policies for Goal E2:
E2(A): Preserve environmental quality by taking into account the land’s suitability for development and
directing intense development away from critical areas and encourage the use of infiltration for
stormwater management in areas with appropriate soils.
E2(B): Encourage conservation of critical areas and nonrenewable resources.
E2(C): Ensure that development review includes evaluating potential negative impacts on habitat and
avoids impacts, including off-site impacts. For those circumstances where avoidance is not possible
and if mitigation is determined to be necessary, a detailed description should be considered related to
what efforts were taken to avoid impact to the extent possible.
E2(D): Preserve the integrity of riparian corridors and steep slopes through the preservation of native
plants and the replacement of invasive, non-native plants with native and drought tolerant plants.
E2(E): Preserve and enhance trees, native vegetation, and integrate suitable native plants in urban
landscape development.
E2(F): Maintain and improve the City’s tree canopy. Consider proper vegetation selection, taking into
consideration potential conflicts, such as sidewalks and overhead utilities.
E2(G): During development review strive to preserve existing healthy and safe trees and native
vegetation on private, commercial, and public property.
E2(H): Adopt lighting standards to prevent light pollution from intruding across property lines and from
unshielded lighting creating negative impacts to dark skies at night.
E2(I): Manage the City Utility Lands for multiple purposes including protecting water processes and
forest habitat.
E2(J): Limit clearing, grading and soil disturbance outside of the building footprint or newly developed
residential and commercial sites, especially those sites with sensitive features. Reduce compaction
and restore infiltration capacity on already cleared sites whenever feasible.
E2(K): Enhance the City’s urban tree canopy appropriately to support community resilience, mitigate
urban heat and stormwater runoff. This can be accomplished through a program of tree planting in
public areas, including street trees, public parks, public open spaces, and public facilities. Tree
placement shall not interfere with utility infrastructure, compromise Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) methods, or otherwise create other identifiable hazards, and shall be
part of an approved capital facilities plan. Consider programs that create incentives for residents and
business to plant trees on their private property, in addition to any required applicable landscaping
standards.
E2(L): Promote creation and implementation of Firewise strategies in coordination with county fire
districts, the WA Department of Natural Resources and landowners within forest and urban interface
areas.
E2(M): Provide educational materials and resources for new and existing property owners to use in
lowering their risk for wildland fires, including fire resistive construction techniques, construction and
maintenance of defensible spaces, fire-resistant landscapes, fuel reduction and land use practices.
Goal E3: Water: Protect water resources for present and future generations.
Implementing Policies for Goal E3:
acquisitions, incentives, partnerships with conservation organizations such as the Great
Peninsula Conservancy, and other techniques. The City identifies the preservation of the Wright
Creek wetland system as a high priority, supports regional initiatives such as the Chico Creek
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basin project, other salmon recovery plans, and additional opportunities for environmental
protection and enhancement.
E3(B): Preserve and protect natural surface water storage sites, such as wetlands, aquifers, streams,
and water bodies as these are critical features that support hydrological functions, water quality,
regulate surface flows and recharge groundwater.
E3(C): Participate in regional species protection efforts, including salmon habitat enhancement and
restoration. Identify, prioritize, and eliminate physical barriers (such as fish-blocking culverts) and other
impediments to anadromous fish spawning and rearing habitat.
E3(D): Manage aquatic and riparian habitats to preserve and enhance their natural functions and
processes, which provide fish and wildlife habitat and protect water quality.
E3(E): Conserve and protect groundwater resources, headwater wetlands and priority habitat areas.
E3(F): Promote alternatives to traditional storm water practices for new construction and require onsite
stormwater management using Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and Best Management
Practices (BMPs) where feasible. Support stormwater treatment retrofits and system improvements
intended to improve stormwater management and quality.
E3(G): Conserve and protect groundwater resources.
● Provide for well-head protection where appropriate.
● Protect aquifer recharge areas, especially those used to provide public water supplies.
● Coordinate measures to protect groundwater resources by using watershed plans and planning
efforts.
E3(H): Apply Bremerton’s Shoreline Master Program goals and policies to development and
redevelopment within the shoreline jurisdiction.
E3(I): Encourage restoration of degraded shoreline areas in coordination with shoreline redevelopment
and the City’s voluntary shoreline restoration.
E3(J): Coordinate with Kitsap Public Health District to abate environmental pollution from failing septic
systems within City jurisdiction.
E3(K): Incorporate findings and science from joint watershed planning efforts.
E3(L): Educate the public on best management practices regarding use of pesticides and fertilizers to
prevent run-off of chemicals and pollution of water bodies. Promote natural yard care and encourage
use of less toxic methods to manage vegetation and soil on private and public lands.
E3(M): Support state, regional and countywide actions that support resilience by identifying and
addressing the impacts of climate change and natural hazards on land, water, infrastructure, and
health.
E3(N): Address rising sea water by planning the siting of hazardous industries and essential public
services away from the 500-year floodplain.
E3(O): Assess potential vulnerabilities of the City’s infrastructure to climate change impacts, such as
flooding, storm surge, sea-level rise, and land hazards. Support efforts to increase resilience of public
services, utilities and infrastructure through coordinated planning.
Goal E4: Air: Support compliance with federal, state, regional, and local air quality standards
through coordinated, long-term strategies that address the many contributors to air pollution
and greenhouse gasses, in order to address impacts to climate change.
Implementing Policies for Goal E4:
E4(A): Maintain high air quality through land use and transportation planning and management.
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E4(B): Advocate and promote alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, including expansion of transit,
telecommuting/teleworking where appropriate, car-sharing, cycling and walking, to limit or reduce
vehicle trips as a strategy for reducing vehicle-related air pollution.
E4(C): Continue the city’s commute trip reduction (CTR) program and work with Bremerton’s
employers to encourage their participation in CTR.
E4(D): Reduce the amount of airborne particulates through a street sweeping program, dust
abatement on construction sites, covered loads of hauled materials, and other methods to reduce dust
sources.
E4(E): Support and explore the multijurisdictional efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, address climate
change, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and other impacts of changing of global conditions.
E4(F): Consider purchasing policies and programs for clean and efficient fuels for City vehicles and
equipment.
E4(G): Collaborate with other government agencies (such as Puget Sound Regional Council, Puget
Sound Clean Air Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of
Commerce, Kitsap County, other cities) and the private sector to develop and implement strategies for
addressing climate change and greenhouse gas reductions.
E4(H): Encourage conservation by use of alternative energy sources and energy management
technologies.
E4(I): Protect natural resources that sequester and store carbon such as wetlands, estuaries, stream
buffers and urban tree canopy.
E4(J): Reduce vehicle miles traveled and driving alone through land use and transportation strategies
that provide opportunities and access to walking, biking, and transit. Support regional and state efforts
to electrify the transportation system.
E4(K): Support Regional, State, and Federal legislation efforts aimed at reducing noise produced by
motor vehicles.
E4(L): Engage with messaging from official agency watches and warnings to city residents about air
quality and recommended actions to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and particulate matter.
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Bremerton2044
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
345 6th Street, Suite 600, Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 473-5289 | compplan@ci.bremerton.wa.us
Ord 5511, Exhibit B