How Auburn Handles Invasive Plant Rules: A Practical Guide

Auburn maintains 148 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with invasive plant rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Auburn falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Auburn's street tree code, ACC 12.36.040, names ailanthus, the tree of heaven, among the species it is unlawful to plant in any public parking strip because its roots damage sewers, sidewalks and pavement, and the city engineer enforces the ban citywide.

Key details: Species named: Ailanthus (tree of heaven), among others. Where banned: Public parking strips citywide. Reason cited: Root damage to sewers, sidewalks, pavement. Enforcement officer: City engineer, ACC 12.36.020. Remedy: Abatement + lien, plus Ch. 1.25 civil penalty.

Planting ailanthus (tree of heaven) or any other listed species in a public parking strip violates ACC 12.36.040 and is enforced under Chapter 1.25 ACC. If the tree matures into a sidewalk or street obstruction, it becomes a public nuisance under ACC 12.36.050 that the city can abate and lien to the property under ACC 12.36.080.

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.

Prohibited Species

Auburn's amended International Property Maintenance Code bans noxious weeds outright and caps other weeds or plant growth at six inches under ACC 15.20.080, giving the city authority to enter, clear a property and bill the owner if a violation notice is ignored.

Key details: Weed height cap: 6 inches on premises and exterior property. Noxious weeds: Prohibited outright, no height threshold. Exempt: Cultivated flowers and gardens. City abatement: City/contractor may clear and bill owner. Enforcing code: IPMC § 302.4 as amended, ACC 15.20.080.

Ignoring a notice of violation to cut and destroy noxious weeds or overgrown plant growth exposes an owner to prosecution under IPMC Section 106.3 as amended by ACC 15.20.080, and the city can send its own crew or contractor onto the property to remove the vegetation and charge the cost back to the owner. Appeals go to the hearing examiner within 20 days under ACC 15.07.130.

The Bottom Line

Auburn's invasive plant rules 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.

This guide is based on Auburn's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.