PORT ORCHARD — A construction moratorium for certain areas of Kitsap County will expire on March 17, much to the chagrin of citizen groups and one county commissioner.

“Citizens did not have the opportunity to participate in this matter,” said North Kitsap Commissioner Chris Endresen. “I am not happy with the way this ended up.”

The moratorium, imposed Dec. 18, 2006, affected the construction of community sewers in certain low-density areas. New technology has made it possible for a single septic system to serve several different lots. A citizens’ group lobbying in favor of continuing the moratorium feels its repeal could open the way for high-density development in rural areas.

“The county is continuing to allow continued development in rural areas,” said Leslie Hassock of Port Orchard. “They are changing the rules.”

Added Garry Mahan of Port Orchard, “If you don’t take a proactive step, the moratorium will go away.”

Half of the dozen or so residents attending in support of the moratorium — spoke out during the morning session. All were members of the Beaver Creek Conservation Group.

The discussion was postponed to the afternoon, at which point the commissioners were to decide whether to extend the moratorium or let it lapse. It turned out the commissioners only had one choice. Director of Community Development Director Larry Keeton reported that in order to renew the moratorium they would need to pass it all over again. The re-implementation would take at least a few months, allowing a window where it is not in effect.

Assistant Department of Community Development director Jim Bolger said this window would not necessarily allow developers to slip the projects through the approval process.

Bainbridge Island attorney Ryan Vancil, who represented the group, wrote the commissioners and DCD March 8, maintaining, “the level of development density … on the properties in question is inherently urban in nature and is not compatible with rural areas.”

Vancil was surprised by Monday’s action, and was expecting the commissioners to find some way to extend the moratorium.

“I had expected that we would be part of the political decision,” Vancil said. “I thought we would have a turn sitting at the table. But we were not invited.”

Hassock said the group had been told it was a “stakeholder” and would be part of any discussions but were not called when the meetings occurred.

“It doesn’t matter what we do,” said June Garrett-Groshong of Port Orchard. “They will do what they want anyway. The deck is stacked against us.”