Urban farms
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.42.051
in effectA. All Urban Farms in Residential Zones. In all residential zones all urban farms are subject to the following provisions: 1. Mechanical equipment. Only mechanical equipment designed for household use may be used. 2. Sales. Retail sales and all other public use of the farm shall begin no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and end by 7:00 p.m. every day of the week. 3. Deliveries. Commercial deliveries and pickups are limited to one per day. On-site sales are not considered commercial pickups. 4. Motor vehicles. No more than two motor vehicles, each with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, may be used for farm operations. 5. Location. The farm shall be located on the same lot as the principal use to which it is accessory or on a lot where the planting area is within 800 feet of the lot where the principal use is located. 6. Signs. One identification sign is permitted, not exceeding 64 square inches in area. 7. Structures. On a lot with no principal structure: a. The total gross floor area of all structures for urban farm use may not exceed 1,000 square feet. b. Structures for urban farm use may not exceed 12 feet in height, including any pitched roof. c. Structures for urban farm use are also subject to the development standards that would apply to an accessory structure in the zone. B. Urban Farms Requiring Conditional Use Permits in Residential Zones. If an urban farm in a residential zone requires an administrative conditional use permit, the provisions of this subsection 23.42.051.B also apply. The Director may approve, condition or deny a conditional use permit based on the general conditional use criteria applicable in the zone and based on potential impacts of the types described in this subsection 23.42.051.B. 1. Management Plan. The applicant shall provide a proposed urban farm management plan that addresses any probable impacts of the type described in this subsection 23.42.051.B and includes any proposed mitigation measures. The plan shall include, without limitation: a. a site plan; b. description of the type of equipment necessary or intended for use in each season and the frequency and duration of anticipated use; c. disclosure of any intent to spray or otherwise apply agricultural chemicals or pesticides, frequency and duration of application, and the plants, diseases, pests or other purposes they are intended for; d. disclosure of whether the operation of the farm would involve 750 square feet or more of land-disturbing activity, or would otherwise require drainage approval under Chapter 22.800 et seq.; and e. a proposed sediment and erosion control plan. 2. Potential Impacts and Mitigation. The Director, in determining whether to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application, shall consider the potential impacts and mitigation, including: a. Water Quality and Soils. Impacts of irrigation run-off on adjacent properties, water bodies and environmentally critical areas, and proposed sediment and erosion control measures. b. Traffic and Parking. Impacts related to the number of staff onsite during work hours, and the number of potential visitors regularly associated with the site. c. Visual Impacts and Screening. Visual impacts relating to the proposed nature, location, design, and size of proposed features, structures and activities, including the location of composting activities and planting areas, and any existing or proposed screening. d. Noise and Odor. Impacts related to the location on the lot of the proposed urban farm, any trash or compost storage areas, any farm stand or additional accessory structure, and any other noise-generating or odor-generating equipment and practices. e. Agricultural Chemicals. Impacts related to the use of chemicals, including any fertilizer and pesticide. f. Mechanical Equipment. Impacts related to the operation of equipment, including noise, odors, and vibration. 3. Conditions of Approval. Conditions of approval may include, without limitation: a. measures such as landscaping or fences to mitigate potential visual impacts on adjacent property and public areas; b. measures such as landscaping, sound barriers or fences, mounding or berming, adjustments to location of parking or yard standards, structure design modifications, and limited hours of operation for facilities or activities, to mitigate potential noise and/or odor impacts; and c. measures related to operation of the urban farm consistent with some or all of the provisions of the urban farm management plan, with any amendments required or permitted by the Director. C. Odors or Fumes. In all zones, no odors or fumes from an urban farm shall be allowed to escape into the open air in such amounts as to be detrimental to the health of any individuals or the public; or noticeable, discomforting or disagreeable so as to offend the sensibilities of a reasonable individual at a distance of more than 200 feet from an urban farm. (Ord. 123378, § 2, 2010.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026