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Thurston County, Wash., Code Sections 23.14.060 through 23.14.080 (current through July 17, 2017)
Brief 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.
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
State: Washington
Jurisdiction Type: County
Jurisdiction Name: Thurston County
Does the law refer to priority populations in some way?
No.
Does the law refer to or suggest a goal related to improving or protecting health?
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).
Does the law refer to or suggest a goal of fostering improved environmental conditions?
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).
Does the law refer to or suggest a goal related to promoting or supporting the community's economy?
Yes. "Encourage the preservation of good agricultural uses for their value as economic assets" (23.14.070 F).
Does the law include findings (including jurisdiction-specific findings), or are there findings in the larger section, title, article, or chapter which the law is part of?
No.
Does the law have a stated intent or purpose, or is there an intent or purpose in the larger section, title, article, or chapter which the law is part of?
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.
Does the law include definitions, or are there definitions in the section, title, article, or chapter which the law is part of?
Yes. Chapter 22.04.
Does the law address implementation in some way?
No.
Are there enforcement provisions that identify specific penalties or consequences for non-compliance?
Yes. Title 26 code enforcement includes enforcement and penalties for several codes including Title 22.
Does the law include an evaluation component, beyond reporting on activity?
No.
Does the law require an extra or atypical financial or resource 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).