Kitsap County DCD permit guide
Building an ADU in unincorporated Kitsap County: what the permit rules say
Quoted from Kitsap County DCD's own pages, with the date we read them: October 13, 2026.
Short answer
Permit required
Kitsap County DCD treats an ADU as a permitted project. Its ADU page lists approximate permit fees for each of six pre-approved plans, and says properties with rural zoning must also apply for a Conditional Use Permit. Source [1]
The rule, quoted
An ADU is a secondary home located on the same property as a primary residence. It can be attached to the main home or detached from the main home.
Properties with rural zoning must also apply for Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approval and pay the associated CUP fees, plus a $1,000 design fee.
The pre-approved ADU plans will be available for use in urban areas of unincorporated Kitsap County and anywhere in the cities of Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, or Poulsbo for free, as long as no modifications to the plan are made. The plans are available for use in the rural areas of unincorporated Kitsap County, for a fee.
What to submit
The County says each project type has "its own set of required documents and drawings", and that its intake checklists show the documents you will need, "such as a site plan, floor plans, and structural details". The checklists are linked from the County's Permit Pathways page. Source [2]Source [3]
Worth knowing
Approximate County permit fees by plan
- Lille, 480 square feet: $4,666.50 Source [1]
- Sidney, 600 square feet: $5,120.29 Source [1]
- Sinclair, 800 square feet: $5,847.15 Source [1]
- Blakely, 800 square feet, two-story: $5,770.24 Source [1]
- Kitsap, 2-car or 3-car garage: $7,235.45 Source [1]
- Salish: $6,593.72 Source [1]
The County says "All permit fees provided below are approximates and do not include additional fees that may apply depending on your project," and points to its Contact page for a more accurate estimate. Source [1]
Before you apply
- The County has a guide in its Permit Application Portal "to determine if you qualify for the free pre-approved ADU plans." You need a Permit Application Portal login to use it. Source [1]
- A detailed plan set can be requested by form. The County emails it with a watermark saying the plans are "not for construction", so you can review options and estimate costs before you apply. Source [1]
Sources
Where this comes from
Compiled from Kitsap County DCD's published rules; last checked
JKM pulls the permit as part of the job
Call Ian Laughlin at (206) 226-1988, or send the address and the scope. We find the right office and take it from there.