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.
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 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.