The City of Port Orchard has announced a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) regarding the 2024 update to its Comprehensive Plan, which is crucial for addressing the city’s projected population and employment growth through 2044. This update is mandated by the State Growth Management Act and aims to ensure the city's plans align with both regional goals and state legislation. Following a comprehensive environmental checklist review, the city concluded that the update poses no significant adverse environmental impacts, thus negating the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public engagement is encouraged, with comments accepted until October 8, 2024, as the city values community input before finalizing the amendments. The DNS, issued on September 24, 2024, outlines the procedural framework for potential appeals, which must be submitted by October 22, 2024.

While this update is categorized as a non-project action, all future project-level improvements will require individual environmental assessments. The lead agency responsible for this proposal is the City of Port Orchard's Department of Community Development, led by Nicholas Bond, AICP. This comprehensive planning effort is essential for sustainable growth management in Port Orchard.