How Auburn Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide

If you live in Auburn or are thinking about moving there, business licensing & operations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Auburn has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of business licensing & operations, and some of them might surprise you.

Adult Entertainment

Auburn requires a $500-a-year establishment license and $50-a-year manager's license for adult entertainment businesses under ACC 5.30, and bans sexually oriented businesses within 1,000 feet of homes, schools, daycares, churches, parks and each other under ACC 18.74.030.

Key details: Establishment license fee: $500.00 per year. Manager license fee: $50.00 per year. Spacing from homes/schools/parks/churches: 1,000 feet. Spacing from other adult businesses: 1,000 feet. Operating hours ban: 2:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m..

Violating the ACC 18.74 location rules is a civil infraction enforced through Chapter 1.25 ACC, and is separately declared a public nuisance per se subject to abatement, on top of possible business license revocation (ACC 18.74.050). Denial of a license under Chapter 5.30 can be appealed to the hearing examiner within 10 calendar days, with judicial review under Chapter 7.16 RCW available afterward (ACC 5.30.070).

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.

Towing Companies

Auburn tow truck operators must run 24/7, reach a collision scene within 5 minutes by day or 10 by night, and get there within 20 minutes, under ACC 5.20.240. Licensees need at least three qualifying trucks and a storage yard meeting Washington's RTTO standards within five miles of the city.

Key details: Governing section: ACC 5.20.240. Response time, daytime: En route within 5 minutes, 7am-10pm. Response time, night: En route within 10 minutes. Arrival requirement: On scene within 20 minutes. Minimum fleet: At least 3 qualifying tow trucks.

Tow truck licenses are governed by the general Chapter 5.20 scheme: the police chief or building official may revoke a license immediately under ACC 5.20.070 for operation detrimental to public peace, health or welfare, with a 15-day appeal to the director of community development and public works, then 15 more to the hearing examiner. Under ACC 5.20.080 and ACC 5.15.110, violations are a civil infraction/civil penalty under Chapter 1.25 ACC or a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000, jail up to 90 days, or both.

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.

Pawnbrokers

Auburn pawnbrokers must be fingerprinted, keep a written transaction ledger, and report every transaction to the police chief before noon the next day under ACC 5.20.210. Pledged property must stay on-site for four days after that report, and the police chief maintains a mandatory do-not-buy list.

Key details: Governing section: ACC 5.20.210. Application requirement: Full fingerprint set on file. Daily report deadline: Before noon, prior day's transactions. Pledge hold period: 4 days after report to police. Interest rate law adopted: RCW 19.60.060 by reference.

Noncompliance with the do-not-buy list triggers enforcement under ACC 5.20.070 and 5.20.080 and RCW 19.60.066. General Chapter 5.20 penalties apply: under ACC 5.15.110, violations are a civil infraction/civil penalty under Chapter 1.25 ACC or a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both, and the police chief may revoke the license immediately if continued operation threatens public peace, health or welfare.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Auburn actively enforces its pawnbrokers requirements.

Massage Establishments

Auburn requires a regulatory license for every massage business, health salon and public bathhouse under ACC 5.20.170. The building department, city health officer and police chief must inspect and sign off before a license issues, employees must be at least 18, and the code flatly bans any genital contact during treatment.

Key details: Governing section: ACC 5.20.170. Minimum employee age: 18 years, good moral character. Prohibited conduct: Genital contact by any means. Inspected by: Health officer or police chief on demand. Minimum lighting: 3 footcandles, color-corrected.

The police chief or building official may revoke the license immediately if continued operation threatens public peace, health or welfare, or violates any law (ACC 5.20.070); the licensee has 15 days to appeal to the director of community development and public works, then 15 more to the hearing examiner. Under ACC 5.20.080 and ACC 5.15.110, violations are a civil infraction/civil penalty under Chapter 1.25 ACC or a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of unlicensed operation a separate offense (ACC 5.15.120).

Compared to other cities, Auburn takes a harder line on massage establishments. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Auburn is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Auburn, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Auburn's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.