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KITSAP COUNTY: Ag rules for small farms to
be revised. A new committee will try to bring sense to the zoning
code
July 12, 2002
Bothered by roosters that crow all day? Worried about over-grazed pastures that damage streams? Or do you think county zoning inspectors are too eager to control horse-riding stables?
Kitsap County officials want to plow into these and
other problems as they study revisions to the county's
agricultural zoning rules. And they need help from local residents
and farmers, said Eric Baker, the county's code
enforcement officer.
Recent conflicts between small farmers and nearby
residents have demonstrated the weakness of the county's zoning
code with respect to agricultural issues, Baker said. Sometimes,
the rules are too strict; sometimes, they're not strict enough;
and sometimes, they just don't make sense, he said.
For example, the code does not define what
constitutes a commercial horse stable. Nevertheless, current rules
require commercial stables to obtain special land-use permits
under strict controls.
Baker said he is involved in discussions with the
owners of several horse farms who contend they are not commercial
operations, despite the fact they board horses for a fee — some
just to cover feed.
A strict "common man" definition of the
word commercial — accepting money for a service — could change
the status of hundreds of horse stables in Kitsap County, Baker
said. That's one reason he and the county commissioners want the
old rules studied and changed where necessary.
Meanwhile, the discussion with stable owners has
been placed on hold, Baker said.
Revising the ag rules begins with a public workshop
Wednesday.
"We're looking to get ideas
mainly," Baker said. "The county has no preconceived
notions about what our new regulations should be."
During the workshop, participants will learn about
the existing regulations and overall goals of the county. People
may provide feedback in writing, by talking to staff or by kicking
around ideas in small-group discussions.
After the workshop, the county commissioners will
appoint a committee to examine existing rules and consider
suggested changes. Eventually, the ideas will be proposed as
regulations, which will be subject to public hearings.
The need to define stables, riding arenas and other
facilities is clear, Baker said. The committee also will consider
whether to change the amount of livestock allowed on a given
acreage.
The current rule allows each half acre to hold one
large animal (horse, cow, etc.), three medium animals, six small
animals (such as rabbits), five ratitas (such as emus) or 12
poultry. Properties larger than five acres are not regulated.
Existing rules specify the number of animals by the
total acreage. They do not prohibit placing all the livestock on a
small section of the property, to the detriment of the animals
themselves. One suggestion is to allow more livestock if the owner
works with the Kitsap Conservation District to develop a
farm-management plan.
New rules might also consider noise, dust and odors
emanating from small farms.
A workshop to launch a study of agricultural zoning
rules will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Silverdale
Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW. For information, call
(360) 337-7181.
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