How Auburn Handles Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: A Practical Guide
Auburn maintains 148 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian 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.
Sidewalk Repair
Under ACC 12.12.232 and 12.12.234, the property owner abutting a public sidewalk, not the city, bears the cost of maintaining and repairing it, including clearing debris, moss, snow and ice and fixing any artificial turf strip, unless the city engineer determines otherwise.
Key details: Who pays: Abutting property owner, per ACC 12.12.232/.234. Includes: Debris, moss, snow, ice, vegetation, artificial turf. Dispute process: Written notice with documentation to city engineer. Turf removal notice: 3 business days before city disturbs it. Nuisance abatement authority: ACC 8.12.020 and 8.12.080.
Failing to repair a required sidewalk after a city order is a public nuisance under ACC 8.12.020, which the city can abate under ACC 8.12.080 and bill to the owner, abutting owner, or permittee. Separately, any violation of Chapter 12.12 is an infraction under ACC 1.25.050, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Obstruction Rules
ACC 12.32.010 reserves Auburn's public sidewalks exclusively for pedestrians and bicycles. ACC 12.32.020 bars placing any bench, rack, sign, merchandise or other object on a sidewalk without the city engineer's approval, backed by a civil infraction of up to $250.00.
Key details: Sidewalks reserved for: Pedestrians and bicycles only. Approval needed for objects: City engineer sign-off. Maximum penalty: $250.00 civil infraction. Loading exception: Freight crossing sidewalk under permit. Cross-reference: Also subject to ACC Title 15 building code.
Depositing or maintaining an unapproved bench, rack, sign, merchandise display or other obstruction on a public sidewalk is a civil infraction carrying a maximum penalty of $250.00 under ACC 12.32.020. Other violations of the chapter are enforced under Chapter 1.25 ACC's general civil-infraction procedure.
Encroachment Permits
Auburn requires a right-of-way use permit under ACC 12.60.010 before anyone makes private use of a public sidewalk, street or landscape strip. Four permit types cover banners, short- and long-term encroachments, and hauling, each with its own application fee.
Key details: Permit required for: Any private use of public right-of-way. Permit types: A (banner), B (short-term), C (long-term), D (hauling). Type A duration: 14 days or less. Type C duration: 30 days to 5 years. Application fee: Nonrefundable, per city fee schedule.
Making private use of a public right-of-way without a permit violates ACC 12.60.010, and the city can order correction or discontinuance under ACC 12.60.080, remove an unpermitted structure after a 10-day notice of violation, and lien the cost against the property. Unpermitted objects left in the right-of-way are declared a nuisance and may be removed after 24 hours' notice.
The Bottom Line
Auburn's sidewalk & pedestrian 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.
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.