Auburn, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Rough-in inspection
- Mechanical, gas, plumbing, electrical before covering
- Envelope inspections
- Wall insulation, glazing, roofing, slab (4 stages)
- Special inspections
- Building official may order, no city cost
- Utility connection rule
- No hookup until rough-in approved
- Penalty for violation
- Up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine
Summary
Auburn's building official inspects construction in defined stages under ACC 15.07.090: a combined rough-in inspection for mechanical, gas, plumbing and electrical work before it is covered, a four-part energy-efficiency envelope inspection, and special inspections the official can order beyond IBC Chapter 17 requirements.
The city will conduct inspections as prescribed in the latest adopted copy of the International Building Code with the exceptions as noted below: A. IMC/UPC/IFGC/NEC Rough-In Inspection. Rough-in mechanical, gas piping, plumbing and electrical shall be inspected when the rough-in work is complete and under test. No connections to primary utilities shall be made until the rough-in work is inspected and approved. B. Energy Efficiency Inspection – Envelope. 1. Wall Insulation Inspection. To be made after all wall insulation and air vapor retarder sheet or film materials are in place, but before any wall covering is placed. 2. Glazing Inspection. To be made after glazing materials are installed in the building. 3. Exterior Roofing Insulation. To be made after the installation of the roof insulation, but before concealment. 4. Slab/Floor Insulation. To be made after the installation of the slab/floor insulation, but before concealment.
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
090 sets Auburn's inspection sequence on top of what the International Building Code otherwise requires. ' Subsection B breaks the energy-efficiency envelope inspection into four checkpoints: wall insulation, inspected after insulation and any air/vapor retarder sheet or film is in place but before wall covering goes on; glazing, inspected after installation; exterior roofing insulation, inspected after installation but before concealment; and slab or floor insulation, inspected after installation but before concealment. Subsection C lets the building official require special inspections beyond Chapter 17 of the International Building Code, performed by an approved agency at no cost to the city. 140, including misdemeanor prosecution for unpermitted or uninspected work.
Violations & Fines
Covering rough-in work, insulation, or glazing before the required inspection is approved, or connecting to primary utilities before rough-in sign-off, violates ACC 15.07.090 and is enforced under ACC 15.07.140(E) as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine absent a more specific penalty, with the building official able to withhold a certificate of occupancy until the work is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspection stages does Auburn require for a new home?
Can Auburn require inspections beyond what the International Building Code lists?
What happens if I cover insulation before it's inspected in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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How other cities in King County handle building inspections.