ZONING PROBLEMS Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Some folks in the Walla Walla valley have concerns about potential zoning changes, currently under review, that would allow RV lots in agricultural zones that could destroy the agricultural and historic value of this place at the heart of the Cayuse homeland.
Sarah Hurlburt, president of the Frenchtown Historical Foundation, is one of them …
HURLBURT … “We believe that the historic importance of the old Highway 12 corridor, as you drive into Walla Walla there’s this stretch there, the historic importance of that area compliments the agricultural economy. It contributes to its preservation. These are very compatible functions, and we think that they’re under threat with this new zoning change.”
However, there are state laws that could overrule certain county zoning changes …
HURLBURT … “It’s true that the Washington State Growth Management Act allows for what they call innovative zoning techniques. But they only allow for those innovative techniques as long as they conserve agricultural land.”
This, Hurlburt says is not a “what if” case …
HURLBURT … “That’s a factual description of the progression from 2015, when the county commissioners ruled to allow trailer sales in AR-10 zoning. And then now today we’ve got a trailer lot on top of the cite of the longest Indian battle in the history of Washington Territory. So, this creep is actually happening, it’s not a hypothetical.”
Some worry this would create a precedent for other counties to do the same.
Tune in tomorrow for more.
