Bremerton reviews zoning code changes that would widen stream buffers and add tree penalties

City planning staff on March 4 presented proposed zoning code amendments that would strengthen protections for wetlands, streams and shorelines while updating landscaping requirements for new development.

Garrett Jackson, the presenter, told the Bremerton City Council the package is information-only and seeks public feedback before formal hearings. "The largest change we have proposed are for riparian areas, or the buffers next to streams," Jackson said, adding the proposal would increase fish-bearing stream buffers from 150 feet to 200 feet and increase non–fish-bearing stream buffers to about 100 feet. Jackson said those increases reflect Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations to better protect fish habitat and to add predictability for property owners.

The proposed Critical Areas Ordinance changes would also allow limited departures from best available science, including a 25% stream-buffer reduction option and a buffer-averaging approach so reductions at one location must be offset elsewhere on the site. Jackson said the code would codify increased tribal notification to the Suquamish Tribe and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe for critical-area reports and project reviews.

Jackson also outlined proposed penalties and mitigation rules tied to tree removal in critical areas: the presentation cited fines up to $5,000 for larger deciduous trees and $1,000 for smaller trees, with no fine for trees under 4 inches in diameter; mitigation to replace removed trees would be required in many cases.

On shoreline changes, Jackson said updates are intended to align mapping and allowed uses with the city's comprehensive-plan changes, add cultural-resource protections and correct mapping discrepancies dating to 2017. The landscaping-code proposal would lower the threshold that triggers required landscaping for remodels (50% of assessed structure value) and add incentives for drought-resistant and larger trees to expand the urban canopy while offering alternatives to shrubs and ground cover for interior landscaping requirements.

The presentation referenced a consultant gap analysis by Facet Northwest and state laws that guide local critical-area and shoreline regulation, including the Washington Growth Management Act and the Shoreline Management Act. Jackson noted the proposed updates grew from a multi-month Planning Commission review and a joint public hearing with the Department of Ecology; no formal action was taken by the council on March 4.

The council was directed to accept written public comments through the city email and Jackson reminded the public that a formal public hearing is scheduled for April 1; the council will consider adoption after that hearing.