Washington's Growth Management Act under RCW 36.70A.170 requires counties and cities to designate and protect agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance through zoning.
Under Washington's Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A.170 directs counties and cities to designate agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance and adopt regulations conserving them. RCW 36.70A.060 requires development regulations protecting these designated lands from incompatible uses. Counties typically establish agricultural zoning districts with minimum parcel sizes, restrictions on residential subdivision, and right-to-farm disclosures for new neighbors. Conservation programs including the Voluntary Stewardship Program (RCW 36.70A.700) help balance agricultural viability with critical area protection. Programs like Purchase of Development Rights and Transfer of Development Rights help preserve farmland. Right to Farm protections under RCW 7.48.305 complement zoning to defend established operations.
Inconsistent local zoning may be challenged before Growth Management Hearings Boards under RCW 36.70A.280. Successful petitioners can void noncompliant ordinances and trigger compliance orders.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle short-term rental guests must comply with Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 (Noise Control), which sets a 55 dBA daytime limit and a 45 dBA nightt...
Seattle, WA
Seattle banned single-use plastic carryout bags in July 2012 — one of the first major US cities. Washington State then preempted with a statewide ban effecti...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are requ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 does not impose a dedicated off-street parking requirement on short-term rentals, and SMC 23.42.060 (Land Use Code) does...
Seattle, WA
Seattle enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age and Washington RCW 70.345 (effective Jan 2020), prohibiting all tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 limits a short-term rental operator to a maximum of two dwelling units citywide: the operator's primary residence (where...
See how Seattle's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.