Welcome to Skagit County
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February 26, 2003
SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed an interim ordinance on February 26, to add clarity to allowed uses of rural reserve and natural resource industrial lands. The new ordinance added specific language regarding agricultural processing facilities and activities associated with tourism that promote local agriculture. The Board of Commissioners determined that the definition of “agricultural accessory uses” is incomplete with regard to the full intent of the goals and objectives articulated in the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan and the Growth Management Act. The interim ordinance will be valid for six months. The Skagit County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings and submit recommendations to the Board of Commissioners prior to permanent adoption. “The existing code provisions did not adequately address the realities of agriculture today. To remain economically viable, farm owners and operators must be in a position to process, market, and add value to their product,” said Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. “Our farmers have suffered from the loss of local food processors in recent years. For agriculture to prosper, they need the ability to create their own value-added food processing facilities.” “Our farmers need certainty in regard to land use decisions now to invest in the spring planting this year,” said Dahlstedt.
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