5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Benton County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
New development and land-disturbing work in Benton County must control stormwater on site. Sites disturbing one acre or more need Ecology's Construction Stormwater General Permit, and projects follow the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington to protect the Columbia and Yakima rivers.
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.
RCW 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.
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.
RCW 90.58.020
The legislature finds that the shorelines of the state are among the most valuable and fragile of its natural resources.
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.
RCW 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.
Benton County requires a grading permit for significant excavation or fill. Drainage must not be redirected onto neighboring land, and retaining walls over four feet need engineered plans and a separate permit.
1 cities in Benton County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Benton County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Benton County Ordinance Hub →