The purpose of this chapter is to ensure compatibility between new developments, existing uses and future developments that ensures compliance with the adopted plans, policies and ordinances of the city of Poulsbo. It is further intended to provide for the examination of development proposals with respect to overall site design and to provide a means for guiding development in a logical, safe and attractive manner.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, VII(A)(1)), 2003. Formerly 18.68.010; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A. 
General. All new developments and modifications to existing developments shall require site plan review and approval prior to the issuance of any building permits, establishment of any new uses, or commencement of any site work unless otherwise exempted in this section. Developments subject to site plan review shall comply with the Poulsbo Municipal Code and all other state statutes and applicable laws and regulations.
B. 
Minor Site Plan Review. Minor modifications of site plan features to existing developments, including new structures up to two thousand square feet, additions to existing structures of up to two thousand square feet; parking realignment or new parking nine spaces or less; portable school classrooms; and other modifications deemed appropriate by the planning director may be reviewed under the minor site plan review process (see Section 18.270.030(B)).
C. 
Exemptions. The following developments and land use categories shall be exempt from site plan review:
1. 
Land divisions and boundary line adjustments pursuant to Title 17.
2. 
Other activities including:
a. 
Landscaping maintenance unless such landscaping or alterations would modify or violate a condition of approval.
b. 
Normal or emergency repair or maintenance of public or private buildings, structures, landscaping or utilities.
c. 
Building permits required pursuant to the city’s adopted building code not requiring a development land use permit pursuant to this title, including interior remodeling and tenant improvements; provided, that if exterior alteration is included, design review may be required.
d. 
On-site utility permits, e.g., sewer hookups, water hookups, fire department permits.
e. 
Comprehensive plan map and text amendments and associated zone changes pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130 and Chapter 18.210.
f. 
New construction of or modification to existing single-family residence.
g. 
Any other work determined by the planning director to be minor or incidental in nature and consistent with the intent and objectives of this chapter and the specific zoning district provisions.
(Ord. 2023-04 § 2 (Exh. A § 11), 2023; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, VII(A)(2), (A)(4), (A)(7)), 2003. Formerly 18.68.020, 18.68.040, 18.68.070; Ord. 2024-05 § 2 (Exh. A § 15), 2024)
A. 
Site plan review applications are processed under a Type II application according to the provisions of Title 19; provided, that if site plan review is in conjunction with a Type III application, the applications shall be consolidated and subject to the highest permit type review authority.
B. 
Minor site plan review applications are processed under a Type I application according to the provisions of Title 19.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, VII(A)(3)), 2003. Formerly 18.68.030; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
An application for a preliminary subdivision shall contain the submittal requirements as identified in the applicable application form.
(Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, VII(A)(5)), 2003. Formerly 18.68.050; Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Compliance with Applicable Standards. The proposed development shall comply with all applicable design and development standards contained in this title and other applicable regulations.
B. 
Adequacy of Public Facilities. The applicant shall demonstrate availability of adequate public services, e.g., roads, sanitary and storm sewer and water, available to serve the site at the time development is to occur, unless otherwise provided for by the applicable regulations.
(Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A. 
Site plans which have been approved by a binding site plan, conditional use permit or other permit type, and which include a specific site/building plan, are not required to comply with the requirements of this chapter; provided, that all conditions of approval of the permit are met.
B. 
Any binding site plans that were approved in concept only, or approved in a general form, shall be reviewed under the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A. 
Approval Period. Site plan review approval shall be effective for a period of five years from the date of approval. The site plan review approval shall expire if:
1. 
Substantial construction of the approved plan has not begun within a five-year period; or
2. 
Construction on the site is a departure from the approved plan.
B. 
Modifications. Modifications of an approved site plan shall be processed pursuant to Title 19 regarding post-decision procedures.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, VII(A)(9)), 2003. Formerly 18.68.090; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)