Chapter 20.50
AGRICULTURE OVERLAY ZONE
Sections:
20.50.000 Agriculture overlay zone.
20.50.005 Description and purpose.
20.50.010 Designation criteria.
20.50.015 Permitted uses – AGO zones.
20.50.020 Property development and performance standards – AGO zones.
20.50.030 Agricultural nuisances.
20.50.035 Repealed.
20.50.000 Agriculture overlay zone.
The agriculture overlay AGO zone is hereby established. Properties so designated shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.005 Description and purpose.
The AGO zone is intended to apply to properties designated “agriculture overlay” on the city’s official zoning map. The AGO zone is intended to ensure that agricultural lands within these areas are treated sensitively to the location of and pressures from surrounding urban development. It is the intent of this zone to encourage the continuation of agricultural activities as defined herein until such time that these lands are needed for urban uses. It is also the intent of this zone to protect agricultural activities from zoning and nuisance complaints. (Ord. 3156 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.010 Designation criteria.
The application of the AGO zone shall be to properties meeting the following criteria:
(1) Site shall be a minimum of one acre in size; and
(2) Site shall currently be used for commercial agricultural purposes, as defined in WAC 458-30-200, or within the previous five years have been most recently used as such. (Ord. 3156 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.015 Permitted uses – AGO zones.
(1) Any use permitted or conditionally permitted in the underlying zone.
(2) Urban agricultural activities, including agricultural production and agricultural support uses.
(3) Community gardens. (Ord. 3156 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.020 Property development and performance standards – AGO zones.
(1) The development and performance standards for the particular use and the underlying zone shall apply.
(2) Agricultural activities shall be conducted consistent with generally accepted agricultural and best management practices and shall not be restricted in terms of time of day or days of the week. (Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.025 Signs.
All signs within the AGO zones shall conform with the sign requirements of the underlying zone. In addition, during any spray operations, farmers may post city-approved caution signs on city right-of-way that read “Caution – Spraying in Progress” or other warnings that may be required by other agencies, without obtaining a permit. (Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.030 Agricultural nuisances.
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this code, agricultural activities conducted consistent with this chapter shall not be found to constitute a nuisance unless the activity has a substantial adverse effect on the public health and safety. Agricultural activities undertaken in conformity with all applicable laws, rules and generally accepted agricultural and best management practices are presumed to be good agricultural practices not adversely affecting the public health and safety. (Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).
20.50.035 Public notice.
Repealed by Ord. 3156. (Ord. 2504 § 1, 1997).