Auburn, WA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- ACC 15.07, Construction Administrative Code
- Permit applicant files with
- Dept. of Community Development
- Exempt work
- Public way, utility poles, flood-control structures
- Appeal deadline
- 20 calendar days to hearing examiner
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Gross misdemeanor penalty
- Up to 1 year, $5,000 fine
Summary
Auburn requires a written permit application to the department of community development before any work covered by the adopted International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fire, Fuel Gas, Plumbing and Energy Codes begins, per ACC 15.07.050. The application must identify the work, tax parcel, valuation, and the contractor's state registration and city license; work in the public way, on utility poles, or on flood-control structures is exempt under ACC 15.07.010(C).
A. Application for Permit. Applicants shall file an application in writing on a form furnished by the department of community development for that purpose. Applications determined by the building official to be in compliance with this section shall be deemed as complete. Such application shall: 1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made. 2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done with the tax parcel number assigned pursuant to RCW 84.40.160, and the street address, when available. ... 5. State the valuation of the proposed work. ... 8. Include the property owner's name, address, and phone number. 9. Include the prime contractor's business name, address, phone number, current state contractor registration number and city business license.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
050. The application must identify and describe the work, give the tax parcel number and street address, state the intended use, occupancy and construction type, attach construction documents, state the valuation of the work, and be signed by the applicant or an authorized agent. It must also list the property owner's name, address and phone number, plus the prime contractor's business name, address, phone number, current Washington state contractor registration number and Auburn business license. 010(C) are work located primarily in a public way, public utility towers and poles, and hydraulic flood control structures.
080), with an added investigation fee if work starts before a permit issues. 140. 130, by filing a written appeal with the required filing fee.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit, or failing to comply with the adopted technical codes, violates Title 15 under ACC 15.07.140(E). Absent a more specific penalty, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, or a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year and a $5,000 fine; the building official weighs the safety risk and compliance effort in setting the penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for minor repairs in Auburn?
What must a building permit application include?
How do I appeal a building official's permit decision in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle building permits.