Benton County, WA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum parcel size
- 20 acres
- Zoning authority
- Growth Management Act, RCW 36.70A
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Benton County only
- Companion chapter
- Chapter 14.05 BCC Right to Farm
- Appeal body
- Hearing Examiner
Summary
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.
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 compatible with agriculture and by establishing minimum lot sizes in areas where soils, water, and climate are suitable for agricultural purposes. This chapter is intended to work in conjunction with Chapter 14.05 BCC entitled "Right to Farm" which protects normal agricultural activities from nuisance complaints. ... 11.17.030 GMA AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. The GMA Agricultural District shall include those areas identified in the official Zoning Map of Benton County and in the Benton County Comprehensive Plan as having Critical Agricultural Resources (soils, climate, and water). The minimum parcel size shall be twenty (20) acres, with exceptions as provided by this chapter.
Full Breakdown
70A to designate and protect agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance. 05 BCC, "Right to Farm," which protects normal farm activity from nuisance complaints. 020 applies the district only to unincorporated land shown on the county Zoning Map; incorporated Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and Prosser set their own zoning. 030 fixes the minimum parcel size at 20 acres for land identified as having Critical Agricultural Resources (soils, climate and water), reasoning that commercial agriculture needs large parcels with real separation from conflicting uses. 090 for family-conveyance splits, parcels divided by a permanent physical barrier such as a railroad or canal, and Planning Administrator-approved divisions found to serve agricultural purposes without raising residential density above what the undivided acreage would have allowed.
350 are not blocked by the chapter. 130, including 100-foot and 500-foot setbacks for commercial dairy, hog, poultry and rabbit operations. 19 BCC for the county's wine-growing area.
Violations & Fines
Land divisions or non-agricultural uses that do not meet BCC 11.17's minimum lot size or use restrictions require Planning Administrator review, with appeal to the Hearing Examiner. Development inconsistent with the district's allowed and accessory uses under BCC 11.17.040-.070 is a zoning violation subject to the county's general code enforcement process under Title 11 BCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum lot size in Benton County's agricultural zone?
Does the agricultural zoning chapter cover nuisance complaints against farms?
Does GMA Agricultural District zoning apply inside Kennewick or Richland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington right to farm overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.