Opinion ID: 2600501
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: LCC 17.30.660(1):Maximum Density and Minimum Lot Area (agricultural land)

Text: ¶ 79 This section is similar to the requirements in LCC 17.30.490(3), discussed above. LCC 17.30.660(1) provides: The minimum lot area for any new subdivision, short subdivision, large lot subdivision or exempt segregation of property shall be as follows, except for parcels to be used for uses and activities provided under LCC 17.30.610 through 17.30.650: (1) Development StandardsDivision of Land for Sale or Lease. The minimum lot area for subdivision of commercial farmland shall be 20 acres; provided, however, that a residential subdivision of land for sale or lease, whether lots are over or under five acres in size, may be approved under the following circumstances: (a) The total density of residential development on the entire contiguous ownership, including existing dwellings, is not more than one unit per 20 acres. (b) The units are clustered on lot sizes consistent with Lewis County board of health rules for wells and septic. (c) Adequate water and provisions [for] septic capacity are in fact present. (d) The project affects none of the prime soils on the contiguous holdings at the time of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, including all roads and accessory uses to serve the development; provided, however, that prime lands previously converted to non-crop related agricultural uses, including residential, farm and shop buildings and associated yards, parking and staging areas, drives and roads, are not considered prime farm lands for purposes of this section. (e) The plat shall set aside the balance of the prime farm lands in a designated agricultural tract. (f) The plat shall contain the covenants and protections in LCC 17.30.680. (g) Any subdivision shall meet the cluster subdivision requirements of LCC 17.115.030(10). ¶ 80 The Board found subsections (b) and (g) noncompliant and invalid. CP at 56. The Board expressed concern that clustering would not conserve agricultural lands and encourage the agricultural economy. CP at 44. However, the section contains many limitations designed to protect agricultural activities  no prime soils may be affected, water provisions must be in place, and clustering restrictions are contained in LCC 17.115.030(10). These limitations are sufficient to fulfill the GMA's requirement of conserving agricultural land. Thus, the challenged sections are compliant and valid.