Commission approves 34.83‑acre agricultural protection area near Navajo Lake Estates

The King County Commission voted unanimously Sept. 30 to approve an agricultural protection area designation for a 34.83‑acre parcel owned by Jacob Benson near Navajo Lake Estates. Land‑use coordinator Shannon presented staff findings and reports from the planning commission and the agricultural advisory board, and recommended approval.

The designation is intended to provide added protection for active agricultural operations beyond standard agricultural zoning, Shannon told commissioners, including mapping the protection so future buyers are alerted to the protected use. Shannon said the parcel has been used for grazing and includes water pipeline and farm improvements; the owners spray Scotch thistle annually and plan to continue grazing.

The public hearing drew one speaker, John Reese, who said he supported the designation and urged the county to use available rollback tax funds and easements to preserve farmland. “I just wanna speak in favor of this ag protection zone,” Reese said.

Commissioners discussed procedural questions — including whether an owner can remove the designation — and staff confirmed protections are for 20 years and that there is an established process to reverse the protection. Following a motion to accept the proposal based on planning commission and ag advisory board reports, the commission voted aye and approved the agricultural protection area as presented.

Next steps include finalizing the administrative record and mapping the protection area; staff said public notice and the file will reflect the commission’s action. The designation does not itself change zoning or land‑use rights beyond the mapped protection and the statutory processes that support it.