Land use lawyer in Silverdale, WA

Real estate

Keeping your project moving through local rules

Every development project, from a short plat on a family parcel to a commercial building in Silverdale, depends on permits, codes and a public process. A misstep at any stage can stall the whole project or force expensive redesigns.

Kitsap Law Group helps owners, developers and businesses work through land use requirements in Kitsap County, the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island, and Jefferson and Mason Counties. Our attorneys have also advised and represented local governments, so we understand how planning staff, hearing examiners and elected officials approach these decisions.

We have handled land use matters from both sides of the counter, and we bring that perspective to every project.

Permitting, platting and development approvals
Code enforcement responses and appeals
Growth management and shoreline questions

David A. Weibel in his office with arms crossed, framed art on the wall

Experience on both sides

Land use law is where real estate meets local government. Our attorneys have worked for and with public agencies across the West Sound, appeared at public hearings, city council and port commission meetings, and helped draft and revise local ordinances. We have also represented private owners and developers seeking approvals from those same bodies.

That background means we can explain not only what the code says, but how it is usually applied in practice, and what a hearing examiner or council is likely to focus on. It also helps us spot when a jurisdiction has gone further than the code allows.

What we handle

Land use matters we handle

We help clients plan ahead, respond to the government when something goes wrong and appeal decisions when that is warranted.

Permitting and development

Guidance through building, site development and land use permits, including what the jurisdiction will expect before an application is filed.
Platting and subdivisions

Short plats, long plats, boundary line adjustments and the conditions that come with them.
Zoning questions

Whether a planned use is allowed, what a rezone or variance involves, and how nonconforming uses are treated.
Code enforcement

Responding to notices of violation and working with the jurisdiction to bring a property into compliance.
Appeals

Appealing code enforcement decisions and permit decisions, and preparing land use petition actions in superior court.
Shoreline regulations

Shoreline permits, setbacks and use limits for waterfront property on Puget Sound, Hood Canal and inland lakes.
Growth management

Questions under Washington's Growth Management Act, including comprehensive plans, urban growth areas and related appeals.
Ordinances for public agencies

Drafting and revising zoning and land use ordinances for local governments.

Our approach

Dealing with issues before they arise

The most effective land use work often happens early. We make it our responsibility to answer your questions, flag the issues the jurisdiction is likely to raise and plan around them before they become delays.

Understand the property and the goal
We review the parcel, its zoning, any critical areas or shoreline designations, and what you want to build or change.
Map the process
We identify the permits and approvals involved, the likely conditions and who will make each decision.
Work with the jurisdiction
We communicate with planning staff, prepare for hearings and respond to comments and conditions.
Challenge decisions when warranted
If a decision is wrong, we explain your appeal options and represent you before the hearing examiner, board or court.

Christy Palmer at her desk by the window with water outside

Who handles it

Attorneys who handle real estate

David A. Weibel has represented municipal, corporate and individual clients in land use matters, argued cases before the Growth Management Hearings Board and assisted with drafting local ordinances. David P. Horton represents property owners, municipalities and businesses in land use and related litigation. Christy Palmer's practice includes land use, code enforcement and municipal law.

Meet the full team

Questions

Frequently asked questions

I received a code enforcement notice. What should I do?

Read it carefully and note any response or appeal deadline it states, since those deadlines can be short. Do not ignore it. A sensible first step is to understand exactly what the jurisdiction says is wrong and whether it can be corrected. An attorney can help you respond, negotiate a compliance schedule or appeal if the notice is mistaken.

Can I appeal a land use decision?

Generally, yes. Many local decisions can be appealed to a hearing examiner or similar body, and final land use decisions can often be challenged in superior court through a land use petition. Appeal deadlines are short and strictly applied, so contact an attorney as soon as you receive a decision you disagree with.

Do I need a lawyer to get a permit?

Many routine permits do not require one. Legal help is most valuable when a project involves a subdivision, a rezone or variance, shoreline or critical area rules, neighbor opposition, or a permit that has been denied or conditioned in a way that does not work.

How do shoreline rules affect my waterfront property?

Waterfront property in Washington is subject to shoreline master programs adopted by each county and city. They can limit what you build, how close to the water you build and what you can do with vegetation. The rules differ between Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason Counties and between cities, so it is important to check the specific program that applies.

What is the Growth Management Act and why does it matter to me?

Washington's Growth Management Act requires most counties and cities to plan for growth, including designating urban growth areas and protecting critical areas. Those plans shape zoning and what can be built where. Disputes over plans and regulations can go before the Growth Management Hearings Board.

Do you represent local governments as well as property owners?

Yes. Our attorneys have represented cities, ports and other public agencies, and have assisted with drafting and revising local ordinances. That experience helps us anticipate how a jurisdiction will view a project.