How Auburn Handles Property Maintenance: A Practical Guide

Auburn maintains 148 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. 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.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

ACC 12.40.010 gives every person occupying or controlling a lot in Auburn just 24 hours to clear all ice and snow from the sidewalk abutting their property, with violations enforced as an infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC.

Key details: Deadline: 24 hours after ice/snow accumulates. Who is responsible: Whoever occupies or controls the lot. Enforcement: Infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC. Adopted: Ordinance 2982, 1976; amended 1991. Chapter: ACC 12.40, Snow Removal from Sidewalks.

Failing to clear ice and snow from an abutting sidewalk within 24 hours violates ACC 12.40.010 and is enforced as an infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC, the city's general civil-penalty chapter for Title 12 violations.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Auburn requires owners to register any property that sits vacant for more than 30 days under ACC 15.20.100, then keep it secured, lit, winterized and free of overgrown vegetation. Properties under a current rental business license or occupied part-time by the owner are exempt. Failure to register is a Chapter 1.25 ACC violation enforced by code enforcement.

Key details: Registration trigger: Vacant more than 30 days. Exemptions: Licensed rentals; part-time owner-occupied. Water service: Must be disconnected. Lighting: Exterior lights on a timer. Tarps: Not allowed except short-term.

Failing to register a vacant property, or letting one fall out of compliance with the subsection (B) maintenance list, is a violation punishable under Chapter 1.25 ACC's civil infraction and penalty procedures. Because the requirements apply retroactively, a property that was already vacant before the ordinance's adoption is not grandfathered out of registering or maintaining it going forward.

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

Property Blight

Auburn's public nuisance code, ACC 8.12.020, declares junk-covered yards, unsightly or dangerous buildings, junkyards and uncontained trash to be public nuisances citywide, and the city can order abatement, then bill the owner or place a lien if the owner does not act within the notice period.

Key details: Nuisances covered: Junk, unsightly buildings, junkyards, uncontained trash. Notice to comply: 10 calendar days to fix or appeal. Civil penalty: $500 first day plus $100/day after. Recurrence penalty: Doubles within 60 days of same violation. Cost recovery: Lien equal rank with property taxes.

A dilapidated building, a junk-strewn yard, an uncovered trash pile that draws pests, or an unlicensed junkyard all qualify as nuisances under ACC 8.12.020 and can bring a director's abatement notice, a civil penalty starting at $500 for the first day and $100 for each additional day under ACC 1.25.065, and, if unpaid, a property lien ranking equally with city and county taxes.

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.

The Bottom Line

Auburn is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. 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.