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.
Kent, WA
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are cappe...
Kent, WA
Kent industrial sources are capped at 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at another industrial property, but only 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night when received at a res...
Kent, WA
Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Kent residential streets except for active loading. Warehouse districts and truck routes h...
Kent, WA
Kent follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at Kent Station and sev...
Kent, WA
Kent driveway aprons require Public Works approval under KCC Title 6. New or widened driveways need a right-of-way construction permit, and vehicles must not...
Kent, WA
Kent has no city requirement to split shared fence costs with a neighbor. Washington common law controls boundary fences. Survey the property line before bui...
See how Kent'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.