Right to Farm in Benton County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Benton County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Benton County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Farm Nuisance Protection

Benton County Code Chapter 14.05 shields farming and forest practices in unincorporated areas from nuisance lawsuits. Activities that follow good agricultural practices and predate nearby non-farm uses are presumed reasonable and not a nuisance, unless they cause a substantial adverse effect on public health and safety.

Benton County Right-to-Farm Protection

Some Restrictions

Benton County Code (BCC) § 14.05.040

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, agricultural activities conducted on farmland and forest practices, if consistent with good agricultural practices and established prior to surrounding nonagricultural and nonforestry activities, are presumed to be reasonable and shall not be found to constitute a nuisance unless the activity has a substantial adverse effect on the public hea...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Agricultural Zoning Protection

Unincorporated Benton County protects farmland through the GMA Agricultural District, a zoning classification with a 20-acre minimum parcel size that limits non-farm uses. The chapter is written to work alongside the county's separate Right to Farm chapter, which shields normal agricultural activity from nuisance complaints.

Benton County GMA Agricultural District Zoning

Some Restrictions

Benton County Code (BCC) §§ 11.17.010, 11.17.020, 11.17.030

11.17.010 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to meet the minimum requirements of the State Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW) that mandates the designation and protection of agricultural lands of long term commercial significance. The chapter protects the GMA Agricultural District (GMAAD) and the activities therein by limiting non-agricultural uses in the district to those compatib...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Benton County ordinances

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