The Town of Washington uses overlay districts to protect agricultural land and farm productivity.  Overlay zones provide incentives or institute additional development standards for parcels with certain characteristics.  Washington applies an agricultural protection overlay districts to parcels in certain zones that are greater than 10 acres, have at least 50 percent prime soils, or are located in a certified agricultural district.

In addition, uses such as road side stands and housing for farm workers are permitted in the overlay district.

The town planning board may require that that new residential developments of three or more lots located within the overlay district comply with local cluster requirements.  In addition, the planning board may require a 75 foot buffer between residential and agricultural uses.