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June 26, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — If you're applying for a permit in Kitsap County on or after July 1, 2025, you'll notice a change in the way some impact fees are calculated. This change comes in response to a new state law, ESSB 5258, which requires impact fees to be based on the proportional impact of each housing unit. The goal is to lower costs for smaller homes and encourage more affordable housing types such as condos, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units. Under the new law, fees must reflect the proportional impact of a home. These updates help ensure fees more accurately reflect a home's impact on community infrastructure.
What's Changing?
Previously, school and park impact fees were based on a flat rate per home. Beginning July 1, these fees will be based on square footage.
Updated Example Fee Ranges:
- School Impact Fees:
- 800-square-foot home: $672.08 (minimum impact fee)
- 2,073-square-foot home: $1,740.98 (current flat rate)
- 3,575-square-foot home: $3,002.84 (maximum impact fee)
- Park Impact Fees:
- 792-square-foot home: $348.30 (minimum impact fee)
- 1,948-square-foot home: $856.96 (current flat rate)
- 3,543- square-foot home: $1,559.09 (maximum impact fee)
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, will be charged no more than 50% of the impact fee for the primary home, further supporting housing options for families and individuals. Road impact fees are not changing, as they are based on traffic impact, which meets current state requirements.
Why Now?
These changes reflect a new legal requirement passed by the Washington State Legislature (ESSB 5258 and ESHB 1337). The goal is to make it easier and more affordable to build smaller homes, townhomes, condos, and ADUs in communities across the state.
Community Development's Role
As the permitting agency, the Department of Community Development calculates and collects impact fees during the permit process. These fees are distributed directly to local school districts, Kitsap County Parks, and the Kitsap County Public Works Roads Division. We're committed to keeping the process transparent, smooth, and in line with the latest legislation.
For more information or to view the updated fee schedule, visit kitsapgov.com/DCD or contact us at [email protected].
Media Contacts:
Alicia Adler
Communications Coordinator
Kitsap County Community Development
[email protected]
Krista Carlson
Communications Manager & PIO
Kitsap County
[email protected]
About Kitsap County
Located in Washington, Kitsap County is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities.
Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit www.kitsap.gov or follow us on social media @KitsapWa.
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Links
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