Auburn's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Auburn, Washington, there are 4 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.

Stormwater Management

Auburn follows the Department of Ecology Western Washington Stormwater Manual through ACC Title 13 surface water code, requiring runoff control for new and redeveloped sites in the Green River watershed.

Key details: Code: ACC 13 + Title 17. Manual: Ecology Western WA Stormwater. Trigger: 2,000 sq ft impervious. LID Required: Where feasible. Hotline: (253) 931-3048.

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.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Auburn requires new construction in the Special Flood Hazard Area to be built to a flood protection elevation one foot above the base flood elevation. The floodplain administrator, the city's director of community development, enforces the standard under ACC 15.68.130 before issuing a floodplain development permit.

Key details: Freeboard requirement: Base flood elevation plus 1 foot (FPE). Governing section: ACC 15.68.130. Enforcing official: Director of community development (floodplain administrator). Permit expiration: 180 days if construction not started. Appeal body: Auburn hearing examiner.

Building below the required flood protection elevation without a floodplain development permit violates ACC 15.68.160, which requires a permit before any construction or development begins in the Special Flood Hazard Area or Protected Area. Enforcement runs through the community development department; the floodplain administrator can deny or condition permits and require elevation certificates to confirm compliance before approving occupancy.

Erosion Control

Auburn requires a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for any project that disturbs land, spelling out clearing limits, sediment controls and slope stabilization. The plan must follow the city's Surface Water Management Manual under ACC 13.48.225, and the city engineer can order added best-management practices if a site keeps discharging sediment.

Key details: Governing section: ACC 13.48.225(D)(2). Required plan: Construction SWPPP for erosion/sediment control. Downstream review distance: At least 1/4 mile. Enforcing office: City engineer / public works. Deviation request: Requires published public notice.

Discharging sediment-laden runoff without an approved SWPPP, or working without the required storm drainage permit under ACC 13.48.240, is unlawful. A responsible party who fails to immediately collect, remove, contain or treat a discharge as directed by the city under ACC 13.48.210(B) is liable for the city's abatement expenses. The city engineer can require additional structural BMPs, and unresolved noncompliance can escalate to enforcement of the drainage permit requirements.

Flood Zones

Auburn regulates construction in FEMA-mapped Zone AE floodplains along the Green River and White River under ACC Title 15.68 and the Critical Areas Ordinance, requiring elevation and flood vents.

Key details: Code: ACC 15.68 + ACC 16. Elevation: 1 foot above BFE. Main Flood Zone: Green River Zone AE. Vents: Required below BFE. Program: FEMA NFIP.

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

The Bottom Line

Auburn is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 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.

Keep in mind that Auburn can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.