Chapter 15.16
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT*

*    Editor’s Note: For additional provisions on the community development department, see Ch. 2.56 of this code.

Sections:

15.16.010    Administrative authority – Delegated.

15.16.020    Duties – Minimum.

15.16.030    Permit review.

15.16.040    Base flood data.

15.16.050    Recordkeeping.

15.16.060    Alteration of watercourses.

15.16.070    Interpretation of FIRM boundaries.

15.16.010 Administrative authority – Delegated.

The Kitsap County department of community development is appointed to administer and implement this title by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its provisions.

(Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.2, 1980)

15.16.020 Duties – Minimum.

Duties of the Kitsap County department of community development shall include, but not be limited to those duties set forth in Sections 15.16.030 through 15.16.070.

(Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3, 1980)

15.16.030 Permit review.

The department of community development shall:

A.    Review all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this title have been satisfied;

B.    Review all development permits to determine that all necessary permits have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required;

C.    Review all development permits to determine if the proposed development is located in the floodway. If located in the floodway, assure that the encroachment provisions of Section 15.12.120(1) are met.

D.    Ensure the site is reasonably safe from flooding; and

E.    Notify FEMA when annexations occur in the special flood hazard area.

(Ord. 613 (2022) § 34, 2022; Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3-1, 1980)

15.16.040 Base flood data.

When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Section 15.04.040, the Kitsap County Department of Community Development shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data available from a federal, state or other source, in order to administer Sections 15.12.090 through 15.12.130.

(Ord. 310 (2003) § 36, 2003: Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3-2, 1980)

15.16.050 Recordkeeping.

The department shall obtain and maintain the following information:

A.    Obtain and document the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not the structure contains a basement;

B.    For all new or substantially improved floodproofed structures:

1.    Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level), and

2.    Maintain the floodproofing certifications required in Section 15.12.010(C);

C.    Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this title;

D.    In coastal high hazard areas, certification shall be obtained from a registered professional engineer or architect that the structure is securely anchored to adequately anchored pilings or columns in order to withstand velocity waters;

E.    Documentation of the elevation of the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member in V or VE zones;

F.    Records of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance;

G.    Improvement and damage calculations.

(Ord. 613 (2022) § 35, 2022; Ord. 310 (2003) § 37, 2003: Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3-3, 1980)

15.16.060 Alteration of watercourses.

With regard to alteration of watercourses, the department shall:

(1)    Notify adjacent communities and the Washington State Department of Ecology prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration;

(2)    Require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.

(Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3-4, 1980)

15.16.070 Interpretation of FIRM boundaries.

The department shall make interpretations where needed, as to exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazards (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in Chapter 15.20.

(Ord. 80 (1980) § 4.3-5, 1980)