HBA Policy Statement — 2002

The Home Builders Association of Kitsap County (HBA) is vitally concerned with the legal and economic issues that define the limits of our homebuilding industry, as well as for the citizens who live within its boundaries. As general contractors, suppliers and support service associates who make up the second largest industry in America, we develop and build home in accordance with many governmental regulations. Our customers and Kitsap County citizens bear a continuing substantial increase of cost and tax burden that is threatening to eliminate entry-level housing. Therefore, as members of the HBA we believe that it is in the community's best interest for us to explain our positions on key issues that will impact economic soundness of the homebuilding industry in Kitsap County. These are our policy statements.

Impact Fees:
Historically, impact fees have not been equitable. The cost of new infrastructure for growth should be equitable as applied for new homeowners. Development in certain locations that benefits current taxpayers, as well as new residents or businesses, should be supported by new infrastructure that is not exclusively paid for by impact fees. Funding sources such as the reallocation of the Real Estate Excise Tax and common school construction fund should support school construction. Transportation should utilize alternative funding sources such as the Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax. Parks also should be supported by the reallocation of the Real Estate Excise Tax and other broad based taxes. Deferring the collection of impact fees to final occupancy rather than the issuance of a building permit will minimize the earlier payment cost multiplier effect, which increases the cost of the home to the buyer. There shall be an itemized public accounting of how impact fees are actually spent. Our citizens need to be educated about impact fees in Kitsap County, and the basis for any changes to the existing impact fee ordinance.

One-Stop Permit Center:
The need for streamlining the permitting process in Kitsap County has existed for many years. It is incumbent upon our county government to recognize this urgent need and provide the necessary facilities and personnel to accomplish this goal for the benefit of our clients and citizens of Kitsap County. The most viable solution to this problem is the establishment of a one-stop permit center which will consolidate the functions of the Department of Community Development, Public Works, and Environmental Health. It is imperative that the Environmental Health Department is part and parcel of this consolidation and consistency. The facility should be easily accessible with adequate parking. The facility should also provide permit applicants readily available reports on the status of their applications.

Comprehensive Plan Review:
HBA is committed in its vigilance of the Comprehensive Plan review. These reviews must be completed annually. As Kitsap County's residential, commercial and industrial bases continue to grow, it is important that our Comprehensive Plan undergo the scrutiny that will determine proper and adequate revisions to areas sensitive to change. It is also important that government exercises flexibility and provides cost-effective means for citizen and stakeholder input.

Buildable Lands:
The purpose of the Buildable Lands Program is to identify if there is adequate land supply to meet population projections for Kitsap County. The HBA of Kitsap County believes that the Buildable Lands Program must properly evaluate all land included within current and future urban growth areas to ensure future housing, business, industrial and recreation growth can occur. Failure to ensure adequate developable and buildable land will result in significant scarcity-driven appreciation of land, lots and homes. Planning goals, critical areas and associated buffers must anticipate zoning goals to accommodate population growth.

Affordable Housing:
Providing our citizens safe, affordable housing is the central component to the mission of our Association and the home building industry. We recognize that government regulation and taxation significantly impact our customer-orientation with regard to affordable housing. In order to ensure adequate available affordable housing, government should balance the interests of the consumer with the intent of its regulations.

Green Building:
The Home Builders Association of Kitsap County has been a of green building. We are committed to remaining a leader. Since the inception of our BUILT GREEN/Build A Better Kitsap program in 1996, we have recognized that home building techniques such as durable product, reduction of environmental impact, indoor air quality, and conservation of natural resources are considerations that need to be addressed by our industry. Implementation of our BUILT GREEN/Build A Better Kitsap program continues to enhance the quality of life in Kitsap County.

Stormwater Management:
Our Association recognizes that sufficient remedies for stormwater deficiencies are overdue. However, such remedies must be cost-effective and based upon common sense. Best management practices should encompass a regional strategy for urban growth areas. Municipalities should provide stormwater management for pre-existing development.

Smart Growth:
The concept of "Smart Growth" is one of the critical issues confronting Kitsap County today. It touches on choices we hold close to our hearts - where we live, work and play, the education of our children, preservation of our natural and historical treasures, commute times to work, and the economic and job opportunities created by new growth in our communities. It is an idea that addresses the questions of how best to plan for and manage growth, when and where new residential and commercial development as well as schools and major highways should be built, and how to pay for the infrastructure required to serve a growing population. Smart Growth goals will help preserve the wonderful quality of life Kitsap County has historically provided. Success will require collaborative participation of all stakeholders in the Kitsap Smart Growth Coalition.

The Kitsap Smart Growth Coalition has established the following goals:

• Support and Enhance Existing Communities
• Protect Natural Systems
• Respect Rural Areas & Communities
• Develop Livable Communities
• Maximize Infrastructure Efficiency
• Achieve Economic and Social Equity
• Focus on Our Future