Auburn's Public Health Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public health rules a little differently. In Auburn, Washington, there are 2 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.

Food Handler Certification

Auburn requires every food establishment employee covered by ACC 8.04.010 to hold a valid food handler health record, permit, card or certificate on file with their employer, backed by an annual health exam the health officer can order at any time. King and Pierce County health officers enforce the rule.

Key details: Governing section: ACC 8.04.240. Required document: Health record, permit, card or certificate. Exam frequency: Annually, or more if ordered. Enforcing agency: King & Pierce County health officers. Max civil infraction: $250 per violation/day.

A violation of Chapter 8.04, including operating without the required employee health card on file, is a civil infraction under ACC 8.04.280, punishable per the citywide infraction schedule in ACC 1.25.050: up to $250 per violation, with each day and each employee treated as a separate infraction, plus possible restitution for the city's enforcement costs.

Rodent Control

Auburn's nuisance code, ACC 8.12.020, specifically bans unprotected cesspools and pits, uncovered trash and packing debris, garbage cans without tight lids, and weeds or grass clippings whenever any of them create rodent or insect harborage, and the city can order the property owner to abate it.

Key details: Garbage cans: Must resist rodent gnawing, have tight lids. Vegetation rule: Weeds/clippings that harbor pests are a nuisance. Chapter purpose: Reducing rodent and pest harborage, ACC 8.12.010. Abatement authority: Code enforcement official, ACC 8.20.030.

A gnawable or lidless garbage can, an uncovered cesspool or pit, packing debris piled where rodents can nest, or weeds and grass clippings left to attract pests all violate ACC 8.12.020; the code enforcement official can order the condition corrected under ACC 8.20.030, and failure to comply lets the city abate it, bill the owner under ACC 8.20.040, and file a lien for unpaid costs.

The Bottom Line

Auburn's public health 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.