Article VIII. Shoreline Use Policies and Regulations
16.55.410 Agriculture.
(1) Policies.
(a) Encourage erosion control measures in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service agency guidelines.
(b) Control irrigation runoff to minimize discharge of chemicals, fertilizer, sediment, and organic materials in aquatic areas in accordance with federal and state water quality standards.
(c) Allow diversion of water for agricultural purposes consistent with water rights laws and rules.
(d) Encourage maintenance of vegetative zones between tilled areas and aquatic areas to reduce stormwater runoff, reduce sedimentation, and promote fish and wildlife habitat.
(2) Regulations.
(a) Section 16.55.100 (Definitions), WAC 173-26-020 (Definitions) and WAC 173-26-241(3)(a) (Agriculture) shall determine the need for shoreline review for agricultural activities.
(b) The provisions of this SMP do not limit or require modification of agricultural activities on agricultural lands as of the date of adoption of the SMP. In determining whether lands meet the definition of agricultural activities, the SMP Administrator shall consider laws and rules included in Subsection 16.55.410(1) and information regarding typical agricultural practices for the subject agricultural use, current use taxation records, conservation easements, and other relevant information. Examples of agricultural practices that could vary by the type of agriculture include but are not limited to: rotations of fields for grazing, cultivation, production, and harvests; animal breeding, feeding, or forage activities; type and frequency of maintenance, repair and replacement of agricultural facilities; and other typical practices.
(c) SMP provisions shall apply in the following cases:
(i) New agricultural activities on land not meeting the definition of agricultural land;
(ii) Expansion of agricultural activities on non-agricultural lands, or conversion of non-agricultural lands to agricultural activities;
(iii) Conversion of agricultural lands to other uses;
(iv) Other development on agricultural land that does not meet the definition of agricultural activities; and
(v) Agricultural development and uses not specifically exempted by the SMA.
(d) Feed lots and stockyards are prohibited in shoreline jurisdiction.
(e) In new cultivated areas, vegetative buffers consistent with Subsection 16.55.370(5), shall be maintained between the OHWM and cultivated ground for purposes of erosion control and riparian vegetation protection, and shall apply to uses and activities subject to the SMP in Subsection 16.55.410(2)(c).
(f) Diversion of water for agricultural purposes shall be consistent with federal and state water rights laws and rules.
(g) No equipment or material shall be abandoned or disposed of in shoreline jurisdiction.
(h) Development in support of agricultural uses shall be consistent with the environment designation intent and management policies, located and designed to assure no net loss of ecological functions, and shall not have a significant adverse impact on other shoreline resources and values. (Ord. 16-3 §42, 2016).