WAC 365-190-050   Agricultural lands.  (1) In classifying agricultural lands of long-term significance for the production of food or other agricultural products, counties and cities shall use the land-capability classification system of the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as defined in Agriculture Handbook No. 210. These eight classes are incorporated by the United States Department of Agriculture into map units described in published soil surveys. These categories incorporate consideration of the growing capacity, productivity and soil composition of the land. Counties and cities shall also consider the combined effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by:

     (a) The availability of public facilities;

     (b) Tax status;

     (c) The availability of public services;

     (d) Relationship or proximity to urban growth areas;

     (e) Predominant parcel size;

     (f) Land use settlement patterns and their compatibility with agricultural practices;

     (g) Intensity of nearby land uses;

     (h) History of land development permits issued nearby;

     (i) Land values under alternative uses; and

     (j) Proximity of markets.

     (2) In defining categories of agricultural lands of long-term commercial significance for agricultural production, counties and cities should consider using the classification of prime and unique farmland soils as mapped by the Soil Conservation Service. If a county or city chooses to not use these categories, the rationale for that decision must be included in its next annual report to department of community development.

     (3) Counties and cities may further classify additional agricultural lands of local importance. Classifying additional agricultural lands of local importance should include consultation with the board of the local conservation district and the local agriculture stabilization and conservation service committee.

     These additional lands may also include bogs used to grow cranberries. Where these lands are also designated critical areas, counties and cities planning under the act must weigh the compatibility of adjacent land uses and development with the continuing need to protect the functions and values of critical areas and ecosystems.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.050. 91-07-041, § 365-190-050, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91.]