A. Accessory Dwelling Units.
1. Purpose. Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are intended to provide a housing type that responds to changing needs and lifestyles, facilitates land efficiency and better utilizes existing infrastructure, encourages affordable housing options, and provides a range of choices of housing types in the city’s residential districts.
2. Number. Two accessory dwelling units per principal residential unit are permitted in residential zoning districts.
3. Standards.
a. Each accessory dwelling unit shall contain no more than one thousand square feet excluding garages, storage areas less than five feet in height, and porches and covered decks. If the accessory unit is completely located on a ground floor or basement of the principal unit, the ADU may be increased in size to efficiently use all floor area, so long as all other standards set forth in this section are met.
b. The accessory dwelling unit shall meet all zoning development standards, such as setback, lot coverage and height restrictions; and accessory dwelling units shall meet all building code standards adopted by the city, including building, electrical, fire, and plumbing code requirements.
c. A detached ADU shall be limited to twenty-five feet in height and be separated from the primary residence as required by the city’s adopted building code. An attached ADU is limited to the height that applies to the principal unit.
d. If located in a subdivision where a planned residential development (PRD) was approved, a detached accessory dwelling unit shall be consistent in design and appearance with the principal unit. Specifically, the roof pitch, siding materials, color and window treatment of the ADU shall be similar to the principal unit.
e. There shall be one off-street parking space provided for each ADU, unless located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop. ADU parking space may be in tandem with other required spaces.
f. Recreational vehicles shall not be considered an accessory dwelling unit.
g. An ADU may not be used as a short-term rental and must be rented for a minimum of ninety days or more.
4. Conversion of Existing Structures to ADUs. An existing structure that does not comply with certain development standards of this chapter may be permitted provided the requirements of this section are met.
a. The structure must have been constructed prior to December 31, 2023. The structure must either have received a city or county permit, not needed a permit at the time of construction, or be recognized as a structure per the Kitsap County assessor records.
b. The structure must meet, either currently or through permitted remodeling, the requirements of the building and fire code for habitable structures.
c. The conversion of an existing structure to an ADU, with no expansions, is exempt from development standards for setbacks, height, and lot coverage of the underlying zone.
d. An existing structure may be enlarged or extended, provided the following provisions are met:
i. The enlargements do not violate underlying zone requirements. Structures that do not conform to the setback requirements may expand up to the building line, provided these enlargements do not further violate setback requirements.
ii. The enlargements do not cause the entire structure to exceed the ADU size requirements of subsection (A)(3)(a) of this section.
e. A conversion of the structure to an ADU will not be approved if it conflicts with the city’s capital improvement plan or other capital projects related to nearby expansion of utilities or infrastructure including the need for additional right-of-way.
B. Affordable Low Income Housing Incentives. A density bonus may be granted as an incentive to encourage developers to build affordable low income ownership and rental housing. For every affordable unit that a developer agrees to build, the developer may build additional units greater than would be allowed otherwise.
1. Density Bonus. Any development that includes at least ten percent of the pre-density-bonus units within the development as affordable for low income households, a density bonus for the development may be granted.
a. A density bonus of twenty percent unit increase over the maximum number of dwelling units allowed in the underlying zoning district will be granted when ten percent of the pre-density-bonus units are designated as affordable housing.
b. A density bonus of twenty-five percent unit increase over the maximum number of dwelling units allowed in the underlying zoning district will be granted when fifteen percent of the pre-density-bonus units are designated as affordable housing.
c. The maximum density bonus is a twenty-five percent increase.
2. Eligibility.
a. The density bonus shall apply only to housing developments consisting of five or more dwelling units. The density bonus shall be used to include low income housing units as a part of a larger development, as a means of avoiding concentrating such housing in any given area of the city. The affordable units shall be of a similar size and scale as the rest of the development’s units.
b. Prior to issuance of a building permit for any dwelling unit in a development for which density bonus units have been awarded, the developer shall enter into an affordable housing development agreement with the city to guarantee for twenty years their continued use and availability to low income households. The terms and conditions of the agreement shall run with the land, be noticed to title, shall be binding upon the successor in interest of the developer, and shall be recorded in the office of the Kitsap County recorder. The agreement shall include the following provisions:
i. If appropriate, the deeds to the designated units shall state that the developer or his/her successor in interest shall not sell, rent, lease, sublet, assign, or otherwise transfer any interests for same without the written approval of the city confirming the continued use of the designated units for low income households.
ii. The city shall have the authority to enter into other agreements with the developer or purchasers of the dwelling units as may be necessary to assure that the required dwelling units are continuously occupied by eligible households.
C. Bed and Breakfasts. Bed and breakfasts provide transient lodging to overnight guests for compensation and usually provide a morning meal as part of the room rate structure.
1. No more than ten rented rooms shall be provided for a bed and breakfast establishment in the R zones.
2. Bed and breakfast establishments must meet the Washington State Department of Health bed and breakfast licensing requirements.
3. Bed and breakfast establishments are subject to the provisions of conditional use permits, Chapter
18.230.
D. Child Care.
1. Family Day Care Home. A family day care home shall be permitted in all zoning districts of the city wherein residential structures are permitted, subject to the following conditions:
a. Must meet Washington State child day care licensing requirements and provide day care for twelve or fewer children.
b. Comply with all building, fire safety, health code and city business licensing requirements.
c. Comply with lot size, building size, setbacks and lot coverage standards of the zoning district.
d. Provide a safe passenger loading and unloading area.
e. No structural or decorative alteration that will alter the single-family character of an existing or proposed residential structure or be incompatible with surrounding residences is permitted (e.g., play areas located in the front yard).
f. Subject to administrative review by the city through a Type I process as set forth in Title 19.
2. Day Care Center. A child day care center requires an administrative conditional use permit for the RM and RH zoning districts, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter
18.230.
a. Use Requirements. The following requirements apply to each child day care center and must be met prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy:
i. An on-site vehicle turnaround and parking area, entrance and exit points, and passenger loading area must be provided.
ii. The child day care center use must have received all necessary permits or approvals from the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services.
iii. The child day care center use must be inspected by the Poulsbo fire department, and the operator must implement all required corrective measures.
iv. The operator must have obtained a city of Poulsbo business license.
v. A solid fence at least six feet high compatible with neighborhood character must be installed along each side and rear lot line, or as otherwise approved.
b. Conditions. The city may impose conditions to mitigate any potential adverse impact on surrounding uses.
c. Within a multi-use building/campus:
i. A child day care center shall be considered an accessory use if it is sited on the premises of a community service use, such as a private or public school, grange, place of worship, community center, library, or similar adult gathering place and it is associated with that activity. Child care facilities for the use of employees of a business or public facility shall also be allowed as an accessory use of the business or facility.
ii. When considered an accessory use, the child care center use shall be combined with the primary use and subject to its permit and approval requirements.
iii. When considered an accessory use in conjunction with a permitted use, a child care center may be permitted in the RL zoning district.
iv. If a child day care center is proposed after the community use is permitted and established, the child day care center shall be reviewed through minor site plan review process in Chapter
18.270.
E. Clubs, Lodges, Places of Worship and Similar Uses. In R districts, clubs, lodges, places of worship and similar uses require a conditional use permit or administrative conditional use permit approval, and shall be subject to the following standards:
1. Minimum lot size shall be twenty thousand square feet and side and rear setbacks are a minimum of twenty feet; provided, that if the use is proposed in an existing building, it does not need to meet the lot size and setback requirements.
2. Automobile traffic to and from such a use and its parking area shall be from an arterial or collector street, unless no other access is available to the site.
4. No existing building or structure shall be converted to a place of worship unless such building or structure complies or is brought into compliance with building and fire code requirements for places of assembly.
5. There shall be landscaping in setback areas and a sight-obscuring fence along the side and rear perimeter of parking lots abutting a residential use.
F. Commercial Uses in the R Zones.
1. Purpose. Provide an opportunity for limited and smaller-scale commercial uses to locate within the city’s R zoning districts; encourage economic development by facilitating business incubation; provide opportunity to work at home and decrease demand on the city’s transportation system; and contribute to a variety of housing types.
2. Types. There are four types of commercial uses allowed in the R zones:
d. Neighborhood commercial.
Table 18.70.070.F Types of Commercial Uses in the R Zones |
|---|
| Zone | Permit Type Required | Limitations | Occupancy Required |
|---|
Home Business | All R zones | City Business License only | No customer or client visits; no nonresident employees; no signage | Yes; owner must live and work at existing residence |
Home Occupation | All R zones | Type II | Limits on types of uses; customer visits; location of use; hours of operation; and others | Yes; owner must live and work at existing residence |
Live/Work | RM/RH zones | Administrative Conditional Use Permit (AC) | Limits on square footage; use of space; number of employees; and others | Yes; owner or employee must live and work in unit |
Neighborhood Commercial | All R zones | Administrative Conditional Use Permit (AC) | Limits on types of uses; square footage; location of use; hours of operation; and others | No; but residential unit is required |
3. Home Business. A home business is a business conducted within a residential dwelling or allowed detached accessory structure, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residence, and for which no customers or clients visit the home for business purposes.
a. A city business license is required only.
b. There shall be no exterior indicators that a home business is conducted within the dwelling; no signs are allowed.
c. No disturbing impacts or influences, noise or odors shall be emitted by the home business.
d. No more than two commercial deliveries per day in conjunction with the home business are allowed.
e. No nonresident employees are allowed.
4. Home Occupation. A home occupation is a business conducted entirely within a residential building or allowed detached accessory structure, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residence for dwelling purposes; and for which customers or clients visit the home for business purposes.
a. Owner-Occupied. The primary person or persons providing the business or service must reside within the dwelling on the premises and provide evidence of residency through such means as voter registration, driver’s license, tax statement or other evidence. Only one nonresident employee is permitted to work at the site at any one time.
b. Incidental Sales. The sale of consumer goods shall be prohibited except when the product to be sold is clearly incidental and related to the services authorized by such home occupation.
c. Off-Site Impacts. No home occupation shall generate measurable levels at the property line of dust, smoke, odor or glare or noise in excess of the state standards outlined in WAC
173-06-050. The home occupation activity shall not generate solid waste in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use unless specifically permitted.
d. Disturbing Influences. The home occupation use shall not create electronic interference, including but not limited to: interference with radio, satellite reception, telephone or television reception.
e. Exterior Modification and Signage. To preserve the residential appearance of the structure, there shall be no evidence of the home occupation from the exterior of the structure, except one door nameplate or freestanding sign not to exceed two square feet is permitted.
f. Limitations on Customers and Visitors. The combined total number of customers/clients and employee visits associated with the home occupation shall be limited to no more than an average of six per day. Normal hours of operation shall be seven a.m. to eight p.m. After-hours activity permitted if wholly indoors and no new business-related trips are generated.
g. Location of Use. All uses or activities associated with home occupation shall be wholly carried on within a dwelling or accessory structure. Such activity shall be secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes. Not more than twenty-five percent of the combined floor space of such dwelling and accessory structure or one thousand square feet, whichever is less, may be used for the home occupation.
h. Outdoor Storage. No outdoor storage associated with home occupation shall be permitted.
i. Vehicles. Vehicles related to the home occupation shall be restricted to standard noncommercial cars, trucks, and vans. Commercial vehicles are allowed in association with a home occupation on lots larger than one-half acre, may be parked on the property, but cannot be parked within a required setback.
j. Parking. Parking shall be fully available on site for customer/client or employee use during the hours the home occupation is conducted. When on-street parking is allowed, only one employee or one customer/client may be parked on the street at any one time. Under no circumstances shall parking for the home occupation cause traffic hazards or parking problems on adjacent rights-of-way.
k. Number. One home occupation is allowed per residence. However, home businesses may be conducted within a residence, an accessory dwelling unit or an accessory structure; provided, that the combined impacts of the home occupation and home businesses do not exceed the limits set forth in this section.
l. Exemptions. The following uses are exempt from obtaining a home occupation permit:
i. Garage sales (not to exceed six sales in a calendar year).
ii. Family day care home, licensed by the state for the care of twelve or fewer children.
iii. Adult family home, licensed by the state for the care of six or fewer persons. No signs allowed.
iv. Home businesses that have no customer visits, nonresident employees, and no on-site retail sales. City business license requirements still apply.
m. Examples of permitted uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
i. Artists, illustrators, writers, photographers, editors, drafters, publishers;
ii. Professional office for consultants and other similar activities;
iii. Bookkeeping, law office, and architect;
iv. Distribution of products assembled at home for off-premises sales (such as garden produce or crafts);
v. Janitorial services (office);
vi. Mail order business or sales representative;
viii. Manufacturer’s representative;
ix. Light furniture-making and woodworking that does not result in the use or storage of amounts of hazardous, flammable, or combustible materials above the allowed exempt quantities as detailed in the International Building and Fire Codes;
x. Hobby household pet breeding; provided, that household pets over four months of age are regulated by Section
6.02.060. Outside shelters for hobby pet breeding must be at least ten feet from any property line; and limits on number of litters per year may be imposed with the permit. Nothing in this section shall imply the incidental litter of household pets, when not in conjunction with hobby pet breeding, shall require a permit;
xi. Food production and sales consistent with the requirements of Washington State’s Cottage Food Act.
n. Examples of prohibited uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
iii. Large appliance/electronic or equipment repair or service;
iv. Truck hauling and/or tow storage yard;
vii. Manufacturing and/or related storage;
viii. Boarding kennel or stable;
ix. Wholesale or retail sales;
x. Restaurants/drinking establishments;
xii. Any use generating, storing or utilizing hazardous waste.
o. Private Restrictions. The city has no authority to enforce private covenants or restrictions on land prohibiting home occupations. Compliance with the provisions of this section does not relieve a private property owner from complying with any such private covenant or restriction and private property owners are encouraged to review any such restrictions before commencing any home occupation.
5. Live/Work Units. Live/work units are allowed in the RM and RH zoning districts, and are a building use that combines business activities within the same structure as a residential living space. Live/work units are distinctive from mixed use because the business owner or employee must live in the unit. In addition, they can provide affordable work and housing space, meet the needs of special groups such as artists, and serve to incubate new businesses.
a. The total live/work unit is limited to three thousand square feet in gross floor area.
b. The nonresidential use portion must be located on the first floor of the unit or, if parking is the first floor, the unit’s main floor area.
c. The nonresidential area is limited to fifty percent of live/work unit’s area.
d. Living space shall be physically integrated into the live/work unit and not be rented, leased, sold or occupied separately.
e. Private outdoor open space shall be provided for the live/work units, such as a balcony or patio a minimum of thirty-eight square feet per unit.
f. The live/work unit shall be occupied and used only by the owner of the business or manufacturing activity, or the owner’s employee, and that person’s household.
g. The business may employ up to three persons who do not reside in the live/work unit.
h. On-premises sales of goods shall be limited to those produced within the live/work unit or related to the permitted business activity.
i. A valid business license associated with the business or manufacturing activity must be obtained from the city.
j. An annual certificate of inspection to ensure circumstances and conditions remain compliant shall be required to be obtained from the planning director.
k. Other restrictions may apply subject to the requirements of the adopted International Building Code.
l. No disturbing impacts or influences, noise or odors shall be emitted by the work unit.
6. Neighborhood Commercial. Within the R zoning districts, neighborhood commercial is intended to encourage small areas of low intensity commercial businesses located near residential neighborhoods, with the purpose of providing for the needs of residents or visitors within that limited geographic area. The neighborhood commercial use is intended to provide goods and services within walkable distances.
a. Uses. Neighborhood commercial uses in the R districts shall be limited to those uses identified below. If a use is not listed then it is prohibited and no similar use determination shall be made. More than one acceptable commercial use may be allowed; provided, that all development standards are met.
i. Grocery, food, beverage and/or dairy sales.
ii. Bakery, confectioneries, specialized and artisan food.
iii. Full service restaurant (no drive-through, no fast food).
iv. Delicatessen (no drive-through, no fast food).
v. Coffee shop (no drive-though).
vii. Bank/credit union (no drive-through).
ix. Retail sales limited to clothing/apparel; personal care items; flower/plant shop; books; gifts; specialty store (framing, fabric/yarn, antiques and the like); and household needs.
x. Pharmacy and drug store (no drive-through).
xiii. Family practice/pediatric dental clinic, including orthodontic (but not including other specialties, surgery, or manufacturing as the primary dental use).
xiv. Photographic/artist studio.
b. Locational Criteria. Neighborhood commercial use(s) must be located at an intersection of two streets, both classified as minor arterial or collector (but not including residential collector). The neighborhood commercial building must be located and oriented facing the corner of the lot, and fronting the two streets.
c. With Residential Use. Neighborhood commercial must be in conjunction with a residential unit on the same site—either within the same structure, for example on an upper floor or basement, or in a separate detached single-family dwelling on the same site.
d. Development Standards.
i. Minimum lot size is twenty thousand square feet.
ii. Maximum total square footage for the neighborhood commercial use is five thousand square feet.
iii. Building Setbacks.
(A) Front yard and street side yard: ten feet.
(B) Interior side and rear yard: twenty feet.
iv. Landscaping is required the full width of the yard setbacks. A six-foot-high sight-obscuring fence or wall shall also be required along the non-street-frontage property lines. Landscaping shall be provided for a minimum of twenty percent of the property area. Setback, parking lot, street trees and building perimeter landscaping contribute to this requirement.
v. Architectural design review of the building(s) will be required in conjunction with conditional use permit.
(A) Building design must include a variety of elements to provide architectural interest, including windows, gables, awnings, trellises, multi-planed roof line, or material/color/texture variations. A visual terminus or “cap” to the top of the building is required.
(B) Siding materials must include two different materials, such as (but are not limited to): horizontal lap siding (of any lap design) made of wood or cement-like materials, shingles made of cedar or cement-like materials, board and batten (or panels with similarly spaced battens), brick, or stone (real or cultured).
(C) Window trim shall be provided for all windows above ground floor and of a width appropriate to scale for the building. The trim shall contrast with the base building color.
(D) When a building wall is proposed over average thirty feet in height, the subject building upper wall shall be stepped back no less than eight feet. The stepped back upper floor shall be distinguished by a change in elements such as window design, railings, trellises, details, materials and/or color, so that the result is an organized combination of features that face the street. (See Section
18.150.060 for example of stepback.)
(E) Color of the Building.
(1) Main color of exterior walls is limited to subtle earth tone colors. Soft white, sands, grays, muted pastels, and deep, rich earth colors (terra cotta, forest green) are acceptable.
(2) Trim color may be lighter or darker shades of the main color, soft white, or contrast or complement the main color but shall not be bright or bold.
(3) Accents may be brighter than main or trim color and shall be limited to ten percent of the facade area, excluding glass.
vi. Parking shall be located on the subject site behind or on the side of the building and shall be accessed by an internal driveway. Parking lots shall be designed so that backing of vehicles onto a public street does not occur. On-street parking in front of the neighborhood commercial building shall be provided if adequate right-of-way is available; or may be provided when additional roadway of adequate width to provide on-street parking is dedicated and upon city engineer approval. When on-street parking is provided, it may count toward the project’s parking space requirement.
vii. Hours of operation are limited to seven a.m. to ten p.m.
viii. All exterior lighting must be hooded or shielded so that the light source is not directly visible across the source property line.
ix. No outdoor storage is allowed.
x. Trash receptacles shall be screened from view. Screening materials shall be complementary to building design and materials.
xi. Exterior mechanical devices (heating, cooling, ventilating equipment and the like) shall be screened complementary to building design and materials.
xii. All remaining development standards are as set forth in the underlying residential zoning district, including building height and building lot coverage standards.
e. Occupancy. The residential unit constructed as part of a neighborhood commercial project must receive final inspection at the same time as, or in advance of, issuance of an occupancy permit for non-residential portions of the project.
f. Conversion. Housing provided to satisfy this requirement shall not be converted to commercial use. (A deed restriction may be required by the city to satisfy this requirement.)
G. Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts. Commercial vehicles are not permitted to park over-night on residential properties unless the subject site’s lot size is in excess of twenty-one thousand seven hundred eighty square feet (one-half acre) and a designated parking area is established on site. “Commercial vehicles” include: (1) vehicles used in a commercial enterprise which exceed twenty-two feet in length; and (2) truck tractors used in the transport of semi-truck trailers.
H. Duplex on Corner Lot.
1. Duplexes are allowed on all corner lots in all zoning districts that permit single-family residences provided the applicant can demonstrate compliance with other development standards, subject to the following:
a. A duplex located on a corner lot shall not be considered two separate dwelling units for density calculations; and
b. Development standards, such as minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, shall be applied to the entirety of the building, not the individual duplex units.
2. Duplexes located on corner lots shall be designed with pedestrian entries located on opposite street frontages so that the structure is characteristic of a single-family dwelling from each street. Alternatively, there may be a single shared entrance that presents the appearance of one single-family house.
3. Vehicular access shall be located on the lowest classified roadway for corner lots with two street classifications and driveway must be shared. For duplexes fronting on two local access roads, there may be vehicular access and individual driveways for each frontage. The city engineer may restrict access to a specific frontage if necessary for public safety.
4. When a corner-lot duplex is created by retaining and renovating an existing dwelling unit, legally established nonconforming building setbacks can be matched in any building addition or expansion necessary to convert the existing dwelling unit to a duplex.
5. Duplexes developed under this provision may be subdivided into two fee-simple lots using a unit lot subdivision process per Chapter
17.65.
I. Supportive Housing.
1. Confidential Shelters or Confidential Transition Homes. In the RL and RM zoning districts, applications for confidential shelters or confidential transition homes shall be processed as an administrative conditional use permit; however, public notice requirements or a public hearing shall not be required.
2. Permanent Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing. The number of transitional housing units allowed on any given property shall be no more than the number of standard dwelling units that would be allowed under the zoning of the property. No transitional housing unit may be located within half a mile of another transitional housing property, as measured by the nearest point on one such property to the nearest point on the other, that contains permanent supportive housing or transitional housing. Transitional housing shall not be located within a half mile of emergency housing and emergency shelters as measured by the nearest point on one such property to the nearest point on another. Must comply with all standards of the zone in which the transitional housing is located.
3. Emergency Shelter and Emergency Housing. The occupancy of an indoor emergency shelter shall be limited to no more than forty people. As used herein, the phrase “continuously operating” is intended to exclude indoor emergency shelter facilities that are needed to respond temporarily to a natural disaster or other similarly acute emergency (e.g., unusually hot or cold temperatures of short duration) that has caused unexpected homelessness within the city. No continuously operating emergency shelter may be located within a half mile of a continuously operating emergency housing facility as measured by the nearest point on one such property to the nearest point on the other. Emergency shelters shall not be located within a half mile of permanent supportive housing or transitional housing units as measured by the nearest point on one such property to the nearest point on another. An operations and security plan for emergency housing facilities shall be required that addresses potential security and neighborhood impacts within five hundred feet of the emergency housing facility. Must comply with all standards of the zone in which the indoor emergency shelter is located.
J. Confidential Shelters or Confidential Transition Homes. In the RL and RM zoning districts, applications for confidential shelters or confidential transition homes shall be processed as an administrative conditional use permit; however, public notice requirements or a public hearing shall not be required.
K. Cottage Housing.
1. Purpose. Provide an opportunity for traditional cottage housing types, clustered around open space areas usable as an amenity for the residents of the cottage cluster.
a. Provide a housing type that responds to changing household sizes and ages by providing smaller, detached dwelling units.
b. Implement the city’s comprehensive plan by encouraging a variety of housing types and affordability.
c. Encourage a community of cottages oriented around open space areas that are pedestrian-oriented, maintains traditional cottage proportions, and minimizes the visibility of off-street parking.
d. Support the growth management goal of efficient use of urban residential land.
2. Where Permitted.
a. In the RL zoning district, through a planned residential development (PRD).
b. In the RM and RH zoning districts, through a subdivision, short plat, PRD or condominium.
c. Cottage housing is encouraged to be integrated with other housing types within a development site.
d. When cottage housing is proposed through a planned residential development, the provisions set forth in this chapter, as well as Chapter
18.260, Planned Residential Developments, shall apply. If a conflict between the two chapters exists, the review authority shall determine the appropriate standard.
3. Development Standards.
a. Density. The density of the underlying zone governs; provided, that a density increase may be allowed as provided in the planned residential development or in another section of this title.
b. Lot Requirements. The lot requirement for cottage housing is set forth in Table 18.70.070.I below.
Table 18.70.070.I Lot Requirements for Cottage Housing |
|---|
Development Standard | Detached Cottage PRD in RL zone | Detached Cottage in RM/RH zones | Cottage housing with no subdivision proposed in RM/RH—commonly held ownership |
|---|
Minimum lot area | 3,000 square feet | 3,000 square feet | 1/2 acre |
Minimum lot width | 30' | 20' | n/a |
Minimum lot depth | 70' | None | n/a |
Maximum building lot coverage | 50% | 60% | n/a |
Front yard setback | 10' | 10' | n/a |
Rear yard setback when abutting an alley | 10' 5' | 10' 5' | n/a |
Side yard setback | 5' | 5' | n/a |
Street side yard setback | 10' | 10' | n/a |
Setback for all structures from adjacent property lines along the perimeter of the site | 10'* 20' when adjacent to an RL zone* | 10'* 20' when adjacent to an RL zone* | 10' 20' when adjacent to an RL zone |
Minimum distance between structures | n/a | n/a | 10' |
Maximum overall building lot coverage | n/a | n/a | 60% |
Maximum height for cottages | 20' 25' with 6:12 roof pitch | 20' 25' with 6:12 roof pitch | |
* | The required perimeter setback may contribute toward an individual lot’s required front, rear or side yard setback (not in addition to the yard setback requirements); or may be placed in an open space tract. |
4. Site Design Standards.
a. Minimum Common Open Space. The minimum common open space required is three hundred square feet per dwelling unit. The common open space shall be configured so that at a minimum:
i. The common open space abuts fifty percent of the cottages in a cottage housing development.
ii. Area required for minimum private open space, setback and parking requirements may not be used in the calculations for common open space.
iii. Common open space shall be accessible to all cottage residents in the applicable cluster and maintained by the development’s homeowners’ association.
iv. Pathways between the common open space areas, connecting cottage clusters, are required. The pathways must be at least three feet wide; pervious pavement or other permeable surfacing is allowed as approved by the city engineer.
v. Passive and active recreational amenities shall be incorporated into the common open space areas. The amenity requirements are set forth in Sections 18.70.060(C)(1), (2), (3) and (5); provided, that alternatives to the recreational amenities requirements consistent with the purpose and intent of establishing cottage clusters around common open space may be approved by the review authority.
vi. When in conjunction with a PRD, the minimum amount of total common open space required shall be as set forth in Section
18.260.090, Open space requirements. Configuration of open space shall be as set forth in this section and Section
18.260.090.
vii. When in conjunction with a PRD, the required amount and type of amenities shall be as set forth in Section
18.260.100, Amenities required.
b. Private Open Space. The minimum private open space required is two hundred square feet per dwelling and shall be adjacent to each dwelling unit in order to provide privacy for the unit, and for the exclusive use of the cottage resident(s). The private open space shall be a minimum of eight feet in dimension on any side, usable and oriented toward the common open space as much as possible. The private open space is encouraged to be separated from the common open space with a small hedge, four-foot or less high picket fence or other similar visual separation to maximize privacy to the dwelling.
c. Site Landscaping. A minimum twenty percent of the development site shall be landscaped. Common open space areas, perimeter setbacks, street trees, tree retention and parking area/lot landscaping may contribute towards this requirement. The landscaping standards identified in Sections 18.70.060(E)(2), (3) and (4) shall apply or as otherwise allowed by the review authority.
d. Clustering Groups. In order to encourage a sense of community among the residents, a single cottage cluster shall contain a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve cottage dwellings (except when constrained by site conditions). A development site may contain more than one cluster.
e. Parking.
i. The minimum required number of parking spaces is two per dwelling; with a minimum of one space provided on site in conjunction with the dwelling unit, and the remaining may be allowed (but not required) to be accommodated in a shared parking area.
ii. Shared parking areas shall not be located between the cottage housing development and the primary street frontage.
iii. Shared parking areas shall be screened from public streets and adjacent residential uses by landscaping or architectural screening.
iv. Shared parking areas are prohibited in any required setback areas.
v. Garages may be attached to individual cottages. All detached garages shall have a pitched roof design and are limited to eighteen feet in height. Wherever possible, rear entry or alley accessed garages shall be required. Rear yard setbacks may be decreased to five feet if a detached garage is located behind the principal residence and primary access is gained from the alley.
f. Low Impact Development. Where feasible, cottage developments shall utilize low impact development techniques to accommodate and treat stormwater as on-site conditions allow, and as determined by the city engineer. Examples include the use of pervious pavement for walkways and patios; rain gardens; directing runoff from roofs and other impervious areas to landscaped beds, green or living roofs; and the use of rain barrels.
5. Cottage Design Standards.
a. The cottage roof shall be at six to twelve roof pitch.
b. Cottages facing common open space shall provide a covered porch with a minimum dimension of six feet by six feet oriented toward the common open space area. The porch may extend into the cottage’s required private open space.
c. Street-Facing Facades. All cottages facing a public street shall have street-facing facades that avoid blank walls or garage-dominated facade. Windows, changes in materials, wall modulation and views to front doors or porches shall be provided.
L. Detached Accessory Structures. Detached accessory structures in the RL zoning district and on lots smaller than ten thousand eight hundred ninety square feet, such as sheds, greenhouses, storage buildings or similar structures (but not including detached garages or carports), are subject to the following standards:
1. Detached accessory structures are limited to a maximum height of fourteen feet and no greater than two hundred fifty square feet in size.
2. Detached accessory structures shall not be located less than six feet from the associated primary structure, or as otherwise set forth in the International Building Code (IBC).
3. Detached accessory structures shall be included in the calculation of building lot coverage.
4. Detached accessory structures are required to comply with all yard setbacks of the zoning district in which they are proposed, and shall not be located within ten feet of a street right-of-way, access easement or private road; provided, that a detached accessory structure may extend into any side or rear setback up to three feet from the lot line when limited to one hundred twenty square feet in size.
M. Detached Garages and Carports. Detached garages and carports in the RL zoning district on lots smaller than ten thousand eight hundred ninety square feet are subject to the following standards:
1. Detached garages and carports are limited to a maximum height of twenty-five feet.
2. Detached garages and carports are required to comply with all yard setbacks and lot coverage standards of the RL zoning district.
3. Detached garages and carports must have a minimum distance from the principal residence as required by the International Building Code (IBC).
4. Detached garages that gain access from an alley may reduce the lot’s rear setback to five feet; provided, that:
a. The detached garage is located on an alley and is accessed from the alley or from a public street abutting an alley on a corner lot;
b. The detached garage is located behind the primary residence;
c. The detached garage is located at least ten feet from any portion of the principal structure on the nearest adjoining property; and
d. One additional foot of setback shall be provided for each foot of building height above fifteen feet.
N. Farmers Market. A farmers market is an indoor and/or outdoor retail market open to the public consisting of three or more independent vendors, with each vendor operating independently from other vendors and subleasing booths, stalls or tables for the purpose of providing services, selling farm-grown or home-grown produce, food, flowers, plants or other similar perishable goods, and/or new wares, used goods or merchandise, which operates for a minimum of six months per year.
1. Farmers markets shall be limited to those run by nonprofit community organizations. “Nonprofit community organizations” are hereby defined to mean: bona fide nonprofit organizations recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a charitable institution exempt from taxation under Section
503(C) of the Internal Revenue Code and whose principal offices or meeting place is located within the city of Poulsbo.
2. Minimum site location shall be two acres.
3. The market shall provide 1.50 parking spaces per vending booth. Off-site parking may be permitted for vendors. Customer parking shall be provided on site.
4. All litter, food, merchandise, signs, tents, tables or any other physical items associated with the market must be removed from the premises at the end of each market day.
5. The market must conform to the Sign Code, Chapter
18.170, particularly as it relates to sandwich boards, banners, temporary signs and prohibited signs. Please be aware that some signs will require a permit.
6. A farmers market permit is required and will be processed as a Type I permit pursuant to Title 19. The application shall be accompanied by a complete site plan containing the following information:
b. Vendor and customer parking and circulation;
c. Vehicle entrance/exit location(s);
e. Setbacks from property lines and existing structures;
f. Proposed temporary structures;
g. Size and location of waste receptacles;
h. Size, location, and proposed screening for bathroom facilities; and
i. Property owner notarized signature page.
7. Any entity having a farmers market must obtain all necessary state, county, health and other applicable permits, licenses and vendor numbers for that specific use and location.
8. Sales by farmers or gardeners of their own farm products raised and grown exclusively upon lands owned or occupied by them and sold upon lands owned or occupied by them shall be exempt from the licensing provisions.
O. Fences.
1. No fence may violate the sight distance restrictions at street intersections.
2. A building permit shall be required per the International Building Code, as adopted and amended by the city of Poulsbo.
3. Height shall be measured from finished grade at the exterior side of the fence. Fences located on retaining walls shall be measured from the finished grade at the top of the retaining wall to the top of the fence. (No person may construct a berm upon which to build a fence unless the total height of the berm plus the fence does not exceed the maximum height allowable for the fence if the berm was not present.)
4. Prohibited fence types include barbed or razor wire and electric fencing; provided, that electric fencing may be used for livestock containment as allowed in subsection
Q of this section.
P. Guest House. One detached house for the use of guests of the main residence may be permitted on any lot and is limited to eight hundred square feet in size and twenty-five feet in height. The guest house shall not include kitchen facilities; if kitchen facilities are provided, a permit for an accessory dwelling unit and compliance with ADU standards shall be required.
Q. Household Pets. See Section
6.02.060 for household pet regulations. See subsection
F of this section for hobby breeding of household pets.
R. Infill Residential Development Standards.
1. Purpose. Within the RL district, the opportunity to achieve maximum utilization exists on parcels one and one-half acres or less in size, that have been bypassed in past platting. Alternative development standards are deemed an appropriate incentive to accomplish infilling within established residential neighborhoods. The primary purpose of infill incentives is to encourage development in existing but underutilized lots located within established neighborhoods in a way that is consistent with the existing neighborhood character.
2. Criteria. Within the RL district, parcels that meet all the following criteria are eligible for infill.
a. The infill provisions of this section shall be applied through the short subdivision and administrative conditional use permit process (Chapter
18.230).
b. All public services and facilities are immediately available and adequate to the site, or can be made available and adequate prior to completion of development.
c. The public roads and streets serving the site are adequate to carry the additional traffic generated by the development of the site.
d. Lot Requirements. The following minimum lot requirements are:
i. Lot Area. Minimum lot size is five thousand square feet. Maximum lot size is ten thousand square feet.
v. Side yard: five feet. The minimum street side yard shall be ten feet.
vii. Side and rear yard adjacent to developed residential property: ten feet.
viii. Maximum building lot coverage: fifty percent; provided, that when the lot size is less than seven thousand five hundred square feet, the total maximum building lot coverage is forty-five percent.
e. A neighborhood meeting shall be held. Procedures for the neighborhood meeting are identified in Title 19.
3. Infill Residential Design Standards. Property that is eligible for infill residential development and is proposed to be located within an established neighborhood shall adhere to design requirements. While variation in architectural design is desired, the purpose of these requirements is to ensure compatibility of new infill development with the character of the existing neighborhood.
a. New infill residences shall meet the following design criteria, as defined by the predominant character of the existing block face.
i. Block Face Definition. The block face shall consist of all residential properties along both sides of the public or private right-of-way or easement on which the infill development fronts. The block face shall be measured from intersection to intersection, to the road end, or two hundred feet in either direction from the building site, whichever is nearest.
Examples of how to measure the block face:
1. Measured from intersection to intersection—Block face is both sides of the street from intersection to intersection:
2. Measured to the road end—Block face is both sides of the street from road entry to road end:
3. Measured two hundred feet in either direction from infill site: Block face is both sides of the street two hundred feet in each direction from infill site:
ii. “Predominant” shall mean the most frequently occurring residential design characteristic along both sides of the road frontage along the block face.
b. Building Orientation. New infill residences’ building orientation within an established neighborhood shall match the predominant orientation of other buildings along the block face.
c. Front Yard Setback. The front yard setback of an infill residence within an established neighborhood shall be the average of the existing residences along the block face.
d. Height.
i. If the infill residences proposed within an established neighborhood are to be taller by five to nine feet in height than the average height of the existing residences on the block face, the infill residences shall step back the upper floor(s) a minimum of five feet as a way to maintain compatible scale.
ii. When the proposed infill residence’s height is ten feet or higher than the average height of the existing residences on the block face, the upper floor shall step back a minimum of eight feet.
iii. Stepbacks required above shall be made on the building face in the following circumstances:
b. Side building face when adjacent to existing residences. New proposed infill residences adjacent to another new infill residence are not required to provide side stepback(s).
iv. The review authority may determine that the above required stepback does not provide sufficient compatibility of bulk and scale to the existing residences on the block face. Upon providing such a finding, and when the proposed infill residences are ten feet or higher than the average height of the existing residences on the block face, the review authority may decrease the height of the infill residences. The modified building height may not be reduced to less than twenty-five feet.
e. Architectural Variety. Proposed infill residences within an established neighborhood shall incorporate architectural variety to its front facade, ensuring housing style diversity. Duplicative front facade elevations adjacent to each other are prohibited; simple reverse configurations of the same facade elevation on adjacent lots are not sufficient to meet this requirement. In order to ensure architectural variety, three or more design elements per infill residence shall be utilized:
i. Different window opening locations and designs;
ii. Differing roof line configurations;
iii. Different entry/porch designs;
iv. Different exterior finish materials and finishes;
v. Different garage location, configuration and design.
f. Narrative and Building Design. The applicant shall provide a written narrative describing the predominant character of the existing residences’ block face; detailing how the proposed infill residences’ size, height, placement and design meet the above design standards; and describing how compatibility along the predominant block face has been met. In addition, conceptual architectural building design shall be submitted with the short subdivision and conditional use application.
4. At the time of building permit application submittal, the planning director will review submitted building permits for compliance with this section, approved conceptual building drawings, and any applicable conditions of approval.
S. Livestock and Poultry.
1. Livestock as defined per Section
18.40.030 are allowed for hobby and personal use purposes within RL zoning district only and are subject to the following requirements, and in addition to any applicable requirements of Chapter
9.50 (Nuisance) and Title
6 (Animals).
2. General Requirements.
a. Large Livestock. The keeping of livestock that will weigh more than five hundred pounds at maturity requires a minimum lot size of one acre for the first animal. For each additional animal, an additional contiguous twenty thousand square feet must be available. The minimum one-acre lot may include a normally permitted residence; provided, that at least one-half acre is still available for livestock use.
b. Small Livestock. The keeping of livestock that will weigh one hundred to five hundred pounds at maturity will require a minimum lot size of one-half acre for the first animal. For each additional such animal, an additional contiguous ten thousand square feet must be available. The minimum one-half-acre lot may include a normally permitted residence; provided, that at least one-quarter acre is available for livestock use.
c. Miniature Livestock. One miniature livestock, such as certain breeds of mini-goats and mini-horses, and types of swine commonly referred to as miniature Vietnamese, Chinese or Oriental pot-bellied pig (sus scrofa vittatus), that will weigh under one hundred pounds at maturity shall be allowed on lots seven thousand five hundred square feet or larger. Additional miniature livestock (more than one) will be allowed if the lot size requirements for small live-stock specified above are met.
d. Poultry and Rabbits. The keeping of chickens, other domesticated poultry, domesticated hare or rabbit, and similar animals is permitted as follows:
i. Two on lots five thousand to seven thousand five hundred square feet in size.
ii. Four on lots seven thousand five hundred one to ten thousand eight hundred ninety square feet in size.
iii. Six on lots ten thousand eight hundred ninety one square feet to one acre.
iv. No limit on lots one acre or larger.
v. No turkeys, peacocks, or roosters are permitted. Shelters for poultry and rabbits shall meet the setback requirements for the RL zoning district.
e. Beekeeping. One hive may be kept on lots twenty thousand square feet or larger. Hives shall not be located within twenty-five feet of any lot line.
f. Livestock Facilities. Barns and shelters used to house livestock (but not poultry and rabbits) shall be located in the rear yard and set back at least fifty feet from the property line(s). Doorways and other openings shall be oriented away from neighboring properties. Livestock shall be confined or tethered in such a manner that intrusion onto neighboring property or damage to neighboring landscaping and fences is avoided. Such facilities shall be included in lot coverage percentage calculations.
g. The raising and keeping of livestock animals for commercial purposes is prohibited. Commercial purposes does not include incidental sale of livestock offspring, milk, eggs or honey subject to Washington State health and agricultural regulations.
h. The city has no authority to enforce private covenants or restrictions on land prohibiting the keeping of livestock. Compliance with the provisions of this section does not relieve a private property owner from complying with any such private covenant or restriction and private property owners are encouraged to review any such restrictions.
i. Confinement Required. All livestock and poultry shall be kept and maintained in a manner that confines their movement and activity to the premises of the owner/tenant.
j. Health and Safety. All livestock and poultry shall be kept in such a manner so as not to create any objectionable noise, odor, or otherwise cause to annoy or become a public nuisance to the health, safety or general welfare of any person. Provisions shall be made to ensure that animal food stored outdoors will not attract rodents or insects.
k. Animal Waste. Animal waste shall be properly disposed of at sufficient intervals to maintain the sanitary condition of the site and stormwater runoff. Any accumulated animal waste or composting must not constitute a nuisance, and must be stored outside of required setbacks areas.
l. Exemptions. Property identified by the Kitsap County auditor with the current use classification of agriculture shall be exempt from the limitations on number of animals set forth in this section. Further, any property which is operating a wildlife refuge/rehabilitation facility may also be exempt from the limitations on number of animals set forth in this section. Shelter/barn setbacks will be required.
T. Manufactured or Mobile Homes.
1. Any designated manufactured home meeting the definition of RCW
35A.63.145 and the certification requirements of RCW
43.22.340 may be used as a dwelling unit provided it is placed on a raised foundation, connected to all utilities required by the applicable city codes and meets applicable setback requirements.
2. Any mobile home (generally built before June 15, 1976) may be used as a dwelling unit provided it is certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974; has a minimum twenty-foot width; has a minimum eave dimension of one foot; a minimum roof pitch of one to four and has skirting or other mechanism to give the appearance the mobile home is located on grade.
U. Manufactured Home Parks.
1. Site Size. The minimum size for a manufactured home park shall be three acres.
2. Utilities. Manufactured home parks shall be completely and adequately served by city utilities.
3. Lot Sizes. Each space or lot upon which a manufactured home is to be located shall be at least three thousand square feet in area and have a minimum width of forty feet.
4. Building Lot Coverage. The maximum building lot coverage is sixty percent, including accessory buildings.
5. Accessory Buildings. Buildings and structures accessory to individual manufactured homes as defined in Section
18.40.030 shall be allowed.
6. Access. All drives within the park shall be hard surfaced. Sidewalks and paths shall be provided consistent with applicable city standards.
7. Setbacks. There shall be at least a ten-foot set-back between homes, any building within the park, or from any perimeter property line bounding the park.
8. Screening. There shall be sight-obscuring fencing, landscaping, or natural vegetated buffers at least ten feet wide on all sides of the park. Such screening shall contain openings that provide direct pedestrian access to adjoining streets and trails.
9. Recreational Areas/Open Space. Private or shared open space shall be provided at a minimum of three hundred square feet per manufactured home space. Driveways, parking lots, and required yard areas are not open space
10. Binding Site Plan. A complete and detailed binding site plan shall be submitted in support of the conditional use permit. The binding site plan shall show the locations and dimensions of all contemplated buildings, structures, spaces, driveways and roads and recreational areas. The city may require additional information as necessary to determine whether the proposed manufactured park meets all the above conditions and other applicable provisions of this code.
V. Recreation Vehicles, Watercraft and Utility Trailers.
1. All developments within residential zoning districts containing twelve or more dwelling units shall provide recreational vehicle storage facilities either within the project or the development’s conditions, covenants and restrictions (CCRs) shall prohibit recreational vehicles located on street to meet this requirement. If the storage facilities are proposed, they shall be reviewed as part of the development review process and shall meet the following standards:
a. Centralized storage areas shall be provided for recreational vehicles, boats, etc., at a minimum of one space for each eight dwelling units. Any fractional space requirement shall be construed as requiring one full storage space;
b. Storage areas shall be completely screened from exterior view by a combination of landscaping, masonry walls, fences or other comparable screening devices eight feet in height, and subject to the approval of the director;
c. Individual storage spaces shall measure not less than twelve feet by thirty feet, and have direct access to a driveway with a minimum paved width of twenty-five feet; and
d. Storage areas shall be paved or covered with crushed rock and properly drained.
2. Recreational vehicles cannot be located in public right-of-way for more than thirty days in a calendar year. Recreational vehicles may be required to be removed earlier if they are determined to be a public health and safety hazard.
3. One recreational vehicle may be used as a temporary guest lodging on a lot already containing another dwelling unit for up to fourteen days; provided, that an extended period not to exceed forty-five days may be allowed upon issuance of a temporary use permit.
4. Parking or storage of recreational vehicles, watercraft or utility trailers for compensation is not permitted within an R zoning district. This subsection does not apply to storage facilities provided exclusively for owners or tenants within a residential development.
5. Use of recreation vehicles or watercraft as a dwelling unit is prohibited; except one per lot may be used by the property owner as a temporary dwelling unit during construction of a single-family dwelling. A temporary use permit shall be obtained from the city and will be limited to one year.
W. Schools. Public and private schools are subject to conditional use permit, subject to the provisions of Chapter
18.230. Further, the following standards must be met:
1. The building lot coverage of all school buildings (including accessory structures and all portables) shall be as set forth in the applicable zoning district.
2. School buildings in residential districts shall provide thirty-foot front, side and rear yard setbacks.
3. Landscaping shall be as set forth in Section
18.70.060(E). There shall be sight-obscuring fencing along the perimeter of the school property.
4. School vehicular and pedestrian circulation shall satisfy the following criteria:
a. Vehicular and bus loading and unloading areas shall be designed to minimize impacts on traffic on public rights-of-way;
b. Parking areas shall be designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrian and vehicular movements;
c. Parent loading and unloading areas shall be designed to accommodate at least ten vehicles at one time.
d. Pedestrian and bicycle connections from schools to neighboring residential subdivisions shall be provided as feasible.
5. Portable classrooms are permitted as accessory structures for an existing school; provided, that portable classrooms shall contribute to and comply with building lot coverage standard. Review of portable classrooms shall be through the minor site plan review process in Chapter
18.270.
6. An update to the school’s overall site plan will be required with each additional building or facility.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, II(A)(7), (B)(8)—(B)(10), III(A), (C), (O), (P), (T), (U), VI(A), (B), (G), VIII(D)), 2003. Formerly 18.16.070, 18.20.080—18.20.100, 18.48.010, 18.48.030, 18.48.150, 18.48.160, 18.48.180, 18.48.200, 18.48.210, 18.60.010, 18.60.020, 18.60.070, 18.84.040; Ord. 2007-56 §§ 4 (part), 6 (part), 2007; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2019-06 § 2 (Att. A (part)), 2019; Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 9), 2020; Ord. 2023-04 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 2, 3), 2023; Ord. 2024-05 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 21, 29, 35), 2024; Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
