Auburn's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Auburn, Washington, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Chickens & Livestock
Auburn allows 4 fowl on lots of 6,000 sq ft plus 1 per 2,000 sq ft added, capped at 10 under ACC 18.31.220. Coops must sit in the rear yard and 10 feet from property lines.
Key details: Base Flock: 4 fowl on 6,000 sq ft. Extra: 1 per additional 2,000 sq ft. Max: 10 (unless RC/R-1). Coop Setback: 10 ft rear and side.
Exceeding the fowl cap, keeping a coop in the front or side yard, or violating setbacks are zoning infractions under ACC 18.31.220 with civil fines and abatement orders.
Wildlife Feeding
Washington RCW 77.15.792 prohibits intentional feeding of deer, elk, bears, and cougars. Auburn enforces these through Code Enforcement. Songbird feeders are allowed but cannot attract bears.
Key details: State Law: RCW 77.15.792. Banned: Deer, elk, bear, cougar. Allowed: Songbird feeders. Enforcement: WDFW + Auburn Code.
Intentional feeding of large carnivores is a criminal infraction under RCW 77.15.792. Nuisance attractants (open trash, feeders drawing bears) can be cited under ACC 8.12 and 6.02.
Livestock
Auburn allows large livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep) only in RC and R-1 zones under ACC 18.31.220. Most residential zones prohibit them. Mini-goats may be allowed on smaller lots.
Key details: Allowed Zones: RC and R-1 only. Standard Residential: Large livestock banned. Mini Goats: Case by case. Code: ACC 18.31.220.
Keeping prohibited livestock in a standard residential zone is a zoning violation under ACC 18.31.220. Loose livestock impoundment fees apply under ACC 6.02.
Beekeeping
Auburn allows honeybee hives as permitted animals under ACC 18.31.220 with rear yard placement. Hives must sit 10 feet from property lines. State apiarist rules under RCW 15.60 apply.
Key details: Setback: 10 ft rear and side. Location: Rear yard only. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft recommended. State Law: RCW 15.60.
Placement too close to a property line or unmanaged aggressive colonies can be declared a public nuisance under ACC 6.02.140 with abatement orders.
Breed Restrictions
Auburn does not ban any dog breed. Dangerous dog designations are based on individual behavior under RCW 16.08 and ACC 6.02. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face containment and insurance rules.
Key details: Breed Ban: None. Basis: Individual behavior. State Law: RCW 16.08. Dangerous Dog: $250K bond required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Auburn is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.
Exotic Pets
Auburn follows Washington RCW 16.30 banning private ownership of dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, non-human primates, venomous reptiles). ACC 6.02 adds local enforcement. Ferrets are legal.
Key details: State Law: RCW 16.30. Prohibited: Big cats, bears, primates. Allowed Small: Ferrets, common reptiles. Code: ACC 6.02.
Possession of a prohibited dangerous wild animal is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 16.30 with immediate seizure and criminal prosecution. Auburn can also issue civil infractions under ACC 6.02.
This is one of the stricter rules in Auburn's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Dog Leash Laws
Auburn requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet under ACC 6.02.040. The leash must be held by a competent person. Violations are civil infractions.
Key details: Max Leash: 8 feet. Code: ACC 6.02.040. Off-Leash Area: Game Farm Park. Voice Control: Not sufficient.
First leash law offense is typically a warning or minor civil infraction; subsequent offenses escalate. Dog-at-large combined with aggressive behavior can support a potentially dangerous dog declaration.
The Bottom Line
Auburn's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Auburn is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Auburn's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.