How Auburn Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide
Auburn maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. 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.
Night Caps
Auburn does not impose a maximum number of rental nights per year for short-term rentals. Operators may rent as often as they wish, subject to business license and safety compliance.
Key details: Auburn night cap: None currently. Primary residence rule: Not required. State law: RCW 64.37. Business license: Required year-round. Contact: Auburn (253) 931-3000.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Auburn is more permissive than most cities when it comes to night caps. That said, there are still limits.
Noise Rules
Short-term rentals in Auburn must follow the citywide noise ordinance in ACC 8.28, which prohibits disturbing noise especially between 10 PM and 7 AM. Operators should post house rules and respond to complaints.
Key details: Noise ordinance: ACC 8.28. Quiet hours (typical): 10 PM to 7 AM. State reference: WAC 173-60. Operator liability: Responsible for guests. Enforcement: Civil penalties, license review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Parking Rules
Auburn STRs must provide adequate off-street parking under ACC 18.52. Guest vehicles cannot block sidewalks, driveways, or create hazards on residential streets.
Key details: Parking code: ACC 18.52. Single-family minimum: 2 off-street spaces. Street parking code: ACC Title 10. Blocked driveways: Prohibited. RV/trailer parking: Check zoning rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Insurance Requirements
Auburn does not mandate minimum liability insurance for STRs, but Washington RCW 64.37 requires platforms to provide $1 million coverage. Operators should carry their own commercial short-term rental policy.
Key details: State minimum (RCW 64.37): $1,000,000 liability. Platform coverage: AirCover, Vrbo liability. Homeowners policy: Usually excludes STR. Recommended: Dedicated STR policy. Direct bookings: Operator must carry insurance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Auburn is more permissive than most cities when it comes to insurance requirements. That said, there are still limits.
Occupancy Limits
Auburn follows Washington State Building Code (IRC) occupancy guidelines based on bedroom count and square footage. STRs commonly cap occupancy at 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
Key details: Building code: ACC Title 15 (IRC/IBC). Industry standard: 2 per bedroom + 2. Bedroom minimum: 70 sq ft + egress. State preemption: RCW 35A.21.310. Detectors: Per WAC 51-51.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Registration Rules
Auburn STR operators must obtain a City business license and comply with Washington RCW 64.37 requirements. Platforms verify compliance before listing goes live in many cases.
Key details: State registration: WA DOR UBI required. Local endorsement: City of Auburn via UBI. 24-hour contact: RCW 64.37.050 required. Posted notice: Inside unit. Renewal: Annual.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Permit Requirements
Auburn requires short-term rental operators to obtain a City business license and register with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Hosting platforms like Airbnb collect state lodging taxes.
Key details: City business license: Required. State law: RCW 64.37. Rental threshold: Under 30 days. Safety requirements: Smoke/CO detectors, extinguisher. Lodging tax: State and local apply.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Taxes & Fees
Auburn STRs pay Washington state sales tax, state and local lodging taxes, and a city business license fee. Airbnb and Vrbo typically remit state taxes automatically on behalf of operators.
Key details: State sales tax: Applies to stays under 30 days. Lodging tax: State plus local. City business license: Annual fee required. Platform tax collection: Airbnb/Vrbo remit state taxes. Direct rentals: Must register with DOR.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Auburn gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 2 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
All of the above reflects Auburn's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.