Filming & Production in Auburn, WA

If you live in Auburn or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Auburn has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Street Closures

Filming that closes a public street in Auburn needs a special event permit under ACC 2.23. The staff review committee can condition the permit on advance notice to residents and businesses before any whole or partial street closure, including single-lane closures.

Key details: Governing chapter: ACC 2.23 Special Event Permits. Filming covered: Listed as a special event, ACC 2.23.020(G)(1). Street closure notice: Required condition, ACC 2.23.070(C)(10). Application deadline: 90 days before event, ACC 2.23.050(A). Violation: Infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC.

Violating any condition set under a special event permit, including a street-closure notice condition, is an infraction under ACC 2.23.130, subject to the penalties and procedures of Chapter 1.25 ACC. The city may also revoke the permit outright under ACC 2.23.120 if the event exceeds the scope of the permit, fails to comply with a condition, or was obtained on materially false information, or immediately in a public safety emergency.

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.

Location Permits

A film or movie shoot on Auburn's public property, streets, or parks needs a special event permit under ACC 2.23.040, since ACC 2.23.020(G) lists 'filming/movies' among the activities the chapter regulates. Only small productions with limited traffic or service impact can be discretionarily exempted from that requirement.

Key details: Permit needed for: filming/movies on public property or ROW. Application deadline: 90 days before the shoot. Exemption available for: small filming events, director's discretion. Required insurance: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate. Appeal fee/window: $250 fee, 14 days to city clerk.

A production that films on Auburn public property without the required special event permit, or that exceeds the conditions of the permit it was issued, is subject to an infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC per ACC 2.23.130, and the city can revoke the permit outright under ACC 2.23.120 for false information or noncompliance. A denied exemption or permit can be appealed to the city clerk within 14 days for a $250 fee under ACC 2.23.110.

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

Production Noise

Auburn's special event permit chapter lets the staff review committee cap amplified sound and require compliance with noise laws as a permit condition under ACC 2.23.070(C)(9), covering film shoots and other events using PA systems, generators, or amplified dialogue on public property or in city parks.

Key details: Noise condition authority: ACC 2.23.070(C)(9), staff review committee. Basis for conditions: public safety/places/services impact, not content. Noise limit format: set per permit, no fixed decibel cap. Applies to: filming, festivals, and other special events. Noncompliance penalty: infraction, Chapter 1.25 ACC; permit revocation.

Failing to observe a noise condition or any other requirement written into a special event permit is an infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC per ACC 2.23.130. The city can also revoke the permit outright under ACC 2.23.120 if the event exceeds the scope of what was approved, including running amplified sound beyond what the committee authorized.

The Bottom Line

Auburn is tougher than many cities when it comes to filming & production. Out of the 3 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.

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.