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Thurston County, Wash., Code Sections 23.14.060 through 23.14.080 (current through July 17, 2017)
Policy Summary

Establishes design standards and permitted uses for urban agriculture for the city of Olympia's neighborhoods (including residential areas), including animal husbandry and beekeeping standards, and small commercial urban farms.

Background Information

State Washington
Jurisdiction Name Thurston County
Jurisdiction Type County,
Population Size 200,000-800,000
Legal Strategies
  • Expressly allows something
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Limited scope
Applies to the city of Olympia within the county, but not the entire county (although other cities in the county may also have similar provisions).
Food System Category Grow; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Health-related goal?
Yes

"healthy lifestyle and food choices for the community" (23.14.070 F), "All agricultural activities must comply with Article VI — Rules and Regulations of the Thurston County Board of Health Governing Nonpoint Source Pollution" (23.14.080 B.8)

Environmental goal?
Yes

Beekeeping for pollination purposes (23.14.080 B.4)."Agricultural uses shall employ best management practices (BMPs), such as may be included in a Conservation Plan developed by the Thurston Conservation District or in the Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual for Thurston County (2009)" (23.14.080 B.8).

Economic goal?
Yes

"Encourage the preservation of good agricultural uses for their value as economic assets" (23.14.070 F)

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

The intent of this chapter is to develop opportunities for a range of urban agriculture activities; define levels of urban agriculture; establish design standards; encourage and support urban agricultural opportunities for individuals, families, and community groups; and encourage the preservation of good agricultural uses. 23.14.070

Includes definitions?
Yes

Chapter 22.04

Addresses implementation?
No

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

Title 26 code enforcement includes enforcement and penalties for several codes including Title 22

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Title 23, Olympia Urban Growth Area Zoning, Chapter 23.14 --Urban Agriculture. History: Ord. No. 15304, § 2(Att. A) (6-7-2016).