Washington RCW 7.48.305 protects established agricultural activities from nuisance lawsuits when operations existed before nearby nonagricultural land uses changed the area.
Washington's Right to Farm Act, RCW 7.48.305, declares that agricultural activities conducted on farmland are not public or private nuisances if consistent with good agricultural practices and established prior to surrounding nonagricultural activities. The statute protects farms from suits arising from typical farming sounds, odors, dust, and other operational features when neighbors moved in after the farm was established. Protection extends to crops, livestock, dairying, and aquaculture among others. The law preserves remedies for negligent or unlawful operations that cause harm. RCW 7.48.300 declares it state policy to protect agriculture from urban encroachment. Plaintiffs filing nuisance suits dismissed under the act may be liable for the farmer's attorney fees and costs.
Plaintiffs filing protected nuisance claims may have suits dismissed and pay defendant's attorney fees under RCW 7.48.305. Negligent farm operations remain subject to ordinary liability.
Auburn, WA
Auburn applies WAC 173-60 EDNA limits through ACC 8.28. Residential: 55 dBA day, 45 dBA night. Industrial receiving: 60 dBA day, 50 dBA night. Measured at th...
Auburn, WA
Industrial sources into residential zones are capped at 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night under WAC 173-60 via ACC 8.28. The Boeing Auburn plant and Valley warehou...
Auburn, WA
Federal law preempts local aircraft noise. Auburn Municipal Airport follows FAA Part 150 and Sea-Tac overflights are under FAA and Port of Seattle. ACC 8.28 ...
Auburn, WA
Outdoor concerts and festivals must meet ACC 8.28 limits and often need a special event permit. Downtown Auburn and Les Gove Park events follow a written noi...
Auburn, WA
Auburn restricts RV, trailer, and boat parking on public streets to 72 hours and sets additional limits on driveway and front-yard storage of recreational ve...
Auburn, WA
EV charging in Auburn follows the Washington State Energy Code, which requires EV-ready capacity in new multifamily and commercial parking and protects publi...
See how Auburn's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.