Benton County, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max residential height
- 35 feet
- Front setback (narrow road)
- 55 ft from road centerline
- Rear/side setback
- 20 feet
- Livestock enclosure setback
- 100 ft property line, 500 ft residence
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. 611 (2018) §§ 67-68
Summary
In unincorporated Benton County's GMA Agricultural District, no residential building may rise higher than 35 feet. The limit sits inside the same zoning chapter that sets the district's 20-acre minimum lot size and its front, side and rear setbacks.
11.17.110 BUILDING REQUIREMENTS. All lands, structures and uses in the GMA Agricultural District shall conform to the following building requirements: (a) No residential building shall have a height greater than thirty-five (35) feet. (b) Development on land shall be in compliance with Chapter 15.02 BCC, Chapter 15.04 BCC, Chapter 15.06 BCC, Chapter 15.08 BCC, Chapter 15.12 BCC, and Chapter 15.14 BCC. [Ord. 611 (2018) § 67]
Full Breakdown
14. 120: a 55-foot front setback from the centerline of any road right-of-way 60 feet or less in width (or 25 feet from the property line on wider roads), and a 20-foot rear and side yard setback. Structures used for commercial dairy, hog, poultry or rabbit operations, fur-bearing animal propagation, or livestock auction yards must sit at least 100 feet from all property lines and 500 feet from any existing residential structure on adjoining land under different ownership. 130 carves out narrow exceptions to the setback rules, not the height limit: cornices, eaves, chimneys and open unenclosed stairways may project three feet into a required setback, and uncovered porches or landings below first-floor level may project six feet.
020; the cities of Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Prosser set their own residential height limits inside their corporate limits. The provisions trace to Ordinance 611 (2018), sections 67 and 68.
Violations & Fines
A residential building exceeding the 35-foot height cap, or a structure built within the required front, side or rear setback, is a zoning code violation reviewed by the county Planning Administrator, with appeal available to the Hearing Examiner. Livestock enclosures placed inside the 100-foot or 500-foot buffer without qualifying for the wind-pattern or FFA/4-H exception are likewise enforceable violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Benton County's agricultural zone?
What is the required setback from the road in the GMA Agricultural District?
Do small architectural features have to stay out of the setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
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