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Our vision: A safe and healthy Kitsap County for all.

Built Environment

The way our communities are designed and built can have a major effect on residents’ health. The parts of our living environment that are designed and built by human beings is called the built environment: roads, sidewalks, parks, buildings, homes, and utility infrastructure are all part of the built environment. A healthy built environment is one that provides access to safe and healthy housing, provides opportunities for physical activity, protects people from exposure to environmental pollutants, and mitigates the effects of extreme weather events.


Elements of a healthy built environment can include:

Active Transport Infrastructure 

Bike lanes, share used paths, and other active transport infrastructure can help reduce incidences of chronic disease by promoting healthy activities like walking and biking.


Urban Greenery

Urban areas can be up to 7°F warmer than more rural surrounding areas. Trees, parks, and other urban green spaces can help reduce the severity of the urban heat effect, thereby reducing incidences of heat related illness and injury. Parks and green spaces can also help keep people who lack access to air conditioning cool during extreme heat events.


Complete Streets/Safe Routes to School

Traffic infrastructure that prioritizes the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists can help reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and death, as well as promote higher rates of healthy physical activity within the community.

KPHD seeks to improve the health of Kitsap County’s built environment by collaborating with local planning departments to help ensure that public health priorities are incorporated into planning and land use decision making. We also provide resources and information to the public about how to improve individuals’ living environments. By providing information about health issues such as mold, indoor air quality, and lead exposure, we empower the community to make informed decisions about, and advocate for, the health of their personal environments.

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