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.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
See how Tacoma's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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