Dunn introduces ordinance to support local farmers

October 13, 2011

Summary

New policy allows for easier deliveries in agricultural areas

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn today introduced an ordinance making it easier for farmers to receive deliveries of materials, supplies and equipment within Agricultural Production Districts (APDs). Current King County policy does not allow farm vehicles such as hay trucks to stop along the side of a road.

“King County created ADPs as special areas where we encourage farming. Unfortunately, regulations sometimes make farming more difficult,” said Dunn. “This legislation cleans up a policy that makes it difficult for farmers to receive large deliveries. Hopefully this will make it a little easier for them to do their jobs.”

The new policy would allow commercial farm vehicles to stop on roadways as long as they stop in a safe location, for a period of less than an hour and park as far off the road surface as possible. At all times, drivers of these commercial vehicles are required to leave room for emergency vehicles and at least twenty feet of roadway for two way traffic.

“Local farming is a value that King County embraces but farmers struggle to deal with urban county property values and regulations,” said Dunn. “We need to actively search for ways to encourage farming and keep it vibrant here in King County.”

Reagan Dunn represents the communities of Bellevue, Newcastle, Renton, Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Enumclaw and a significant portion of unincorporated King County including ADPs.