Pierce County, WA Right to Farm: Farm Nuisance Protection (2026)

030 states that agricultural operations conducted on farmland are presumed reasonable and cannot be found a nuisance unless the activity has a substantial adverse effect on public health and safety, provided the operation is consistent with good agricultural practices and was established before the surrounding nonagricultural activity. Operations conducted in conformity with all applicable laws and rules are further presumed to be good agricultural practices that do not adversely affect public health and safety, and cannot be restricted as to the hours or days on which they are conducted.

The chapter does not modify state nuisance law generally, and it expressly preserves the right to sue for damages. 24 PCC), and defines 'Agricultural Operation' to cover noise, odors, dust, machinery and irrigation pump operation, roadway movement of livestock and equipment, aerial application of fertilizers and pesticides, and organic waste recycling on the farm. 040 directs the Department of Planning and Public Works, with the Farm Advisory Commission, to maintain a County Council-adopted map of agricultural operations, updated every two years, and to notify every property owner within 2,500 feet of a mapped farm within 90 days of any map adoption or amendment; the map must also be posted on the County's website and its availability disclosed to local real estate offices. 08 PCC, with both agencies reporting complaint summaries to the Pierce County Farm Advisory Commission twice a year.