Skagit County has established that new development in agricultural areas must be compatible with agriculture.  The county zoning code includes specific dimensional standards and siting criteria so that new buildings are sited in a manner that minimizes their impact on farms.  Skagit County requires a 35 foot minimum front setback and a 200 foot maximum setback from public roads.  This requirement is intended to prevent siting houses in the middle of productive farmland.

The zoning code also includes provisions for agricultural land preservation districts that allow certain subdivisions and boundary line adjustments in exchange for an agricultural conservation easement, with exceptions.