Environmental Rules in Benton County, WA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Benton County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Erosion Control
Land-disturbing work in Benton County requires erosion and sediment control, and the arid, windy climate adds a fugitive-dust problem. Grading permits carry an erosion control plan, while the Benton Clean Air Agency regulates PM10 dust from cleared and graded ground.
Benton County Erosion & Dust Control
Some RestrictionsRCW 36.70A.060(2)
Each county and city shall adopt development regulations that protect critical areas that are required to be designated under RCW 36.70A.170.
Coastal Development
Benton County has no ocean coast, but the Columbia and Yakima rivers are shorelines of the state. Under the Shoreline Management Act, development within 200 feet of these rivers needs a shoreline permit under the county's Shoreline Master Program.
Benton County Shoreline Development Rules
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 90.58.020
The legislature finds that the shorelines of the state are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources.
Flood Zones
Benton County enforces floodplain rules along the Columbia and Yakima rivers. In FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, new homes must be elevated above base flood elevation, and building in the floodway is barred.
Benton County Floodplain Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 86.16.041
Beginning July 26, 1987, every county and incorporated city and town shall submit to the department of ecology any new floodplain management ordinance or amendment to any existing floodplain management ordinance.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Benton County requires the lowest floor of any new or substantially improved residential structure in a mapped special flood hazard area to sit at least one foot above base flood elevation. Commercial and industrial buildings must meet the same one-foot freeboard or be engineered watertight to that height instead.
Benton County Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsBCC 3.26.080
3.26.080 SPECIFIC STANDARDS - CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT. The following provisions are required in all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth herein: (a) Residential Construction. (1) New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to one foot or more abov...
Environmental Rules by City in Benton County
1 cities in Benton County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Benton County ordinances
See every category we cover for Benton County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Benton County Ordinance Hub →