Help Protect Accountability and not let multi-million-dollar developers dictate Zoning and City policy. Taxpayers should have a say in how their tax dollars are spent, and demand a full, transparent, equitable process for zoning changes. As we have been saying from the beginning, this appeal has never been about affordable housing, it is about accountability, transparency and following the proper rules and procedures that every project, affordable or not, City owned or not, should undergo. It is about demanding that our elected officials are not driven by money, funding and grandeur, but that they work for the City and the people, not the developers.
Responsible Bainbridge, a WA nonprofit corporation, is taking a stand for governmental transparency, environmental stewardship, proper public participation and community advocacy. We have already accomplished so much and we continue to be energized by overwhelming community support!
We support Affordable Housing. This appeal is not about that, it is about city honesty. Let's get affordable housing right - not use the shortcuts the City applied by issuing a "non project" SEPA DNS to fast track LIHI's funding deadlines. Let's demand and ensure that
A third day of hearing has been scheduled for Feb 2, at 1pm: We do not have the actual link yet, but it should be posted on the Hearing Examiner's site. https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/434/Hearing-Examiner
The First two days of Hearings have been completed on Jan 28 & 30th: The SEPA Appeal Hearing will take place via zoom on Wed Jan 28 and Fri Jan 30 9am. Here is a link to the hearing proceedings and the prehearing conference audio files:
The City of Bainbridge Island is attempting to fast-track zoning changes in the Central Core and Ferry Zones:
- Allow buildings up to 65 feet tall
- Increase density and reduce parking
And they’re doing it before completing the Comprehensive Plan, Groundwater Management Plan, or Winslow Subarea Plan.
Even more alarming: the City issued a SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) for Ordinance 2025-21, which proposes these changes to our municipal code, claiming they have no significant environmental impact.
We disagree. And we’re taking action.
Why SEPA Review Matters
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) exists to protect communities from rushed development. It requires a transparent, rigorous review of environmental impacts before major decisions are made. And it demands that proper process is followed.
Join the Fight for Bainbridge
A local citizen has filed a formal SEPA appeal to challenge the City’s DNS (designation of environmental nonsignificance). We’re building a compelling legal case, organizing outreach, and standing up for a governmental process that is accountable.
This legal challenge is one of the few tools left to hold the City accountable and put a check on zoning changes crafted to meet a developer's funding timelines. The citizens of Bainbridge Island should have a say over developers in any zoning changes!
Successes to date:
- LIHI (Low Income Housing Institute) was denied state grant funds because their application was incomplete. They did not have proper zoning - the SEPA appeal played a role in this!
- COBI was denied its Motion to Dismiss the appeal.
- COBI initially sought an expedited hearing date of Dec 17, 2025. But then requested an extension to "better prepare". This cost taxpayers additional money, delaying the initial hearing date of Dec 17th, to Jan 28-30. Unfortunately, it also cost the appellant significant additional funds - is this a tactic by the city to "bleed" the appellant?
Where Your Donation Goes
Your contribution supports:
- Legal fees for the SEPA appeal
- A community-led push for transparency and responsible growth
Every dollar helps defend Bainbridge Island’s future.
Take Action
Join us in urging COBI to:
- Follow proper procedure
- Respond to concerned citizens questions
- Complete the Groundwater Management Plan, Winslow Subarea Plan, and Comprehensive Plan before sweeping zoning changes.
- Follow lawful procedures before rewriting our zoning code
- Ensure accountability, public engagement and fiscal responsibility
- Not be led by developer's needs and funding desires, but be led by consistent, reliable, trustworthy planning processes and meaningful community engagement.
Donate today. Please share with your friends and neighbors. Help Bainbridge grow with care—not shortcuts.
Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you!
Donations may also be made by check to:
Responsible Bainbridge, PO Box 10212, Bainbridge Island , WA 98110
To help community awareness:
Link to Department of Ecology: where you can find the DNS, Checklist and Ordinance 2025-21 version submitted on Sept 5th.
Here is the link to the DNS: https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20687/DNS-for-Ord-2025-21?bidId=
Here is a link to the SEPA Checklist: https://bainbridgewa.nextrequest.com/documents/52420252
Responsible Bainbridge is a 501 (C) 4 WA Nonprofit Corporation. Donations are not tax deductible, but they directly support local advocacy and community action.
Organizer
