Auburn, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Adopting section
- ACC 15.07.010(D)(8)
- Permit classification
- Type I administrative decision
- Rough-in inspection
- Required before utility connection
- Appeal deadline
- 20 calendar days
- Max misdemeanor penalty
- 90 days jail / $1,000 fine
Summary
Auburn adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code by reference under ACC 15.07.010(D)(8) and classifies plumbing permits as Type I administrative decisions. Applicants file with the department of community development, pay plan-review and permit fees, and rough-in plumbing must be inspected before any connection to primary utilities.
8. Uniform Plumbing Code Adopted – Chapter 51-56 WAC. The 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code is adopted by reference, including Chapter 12, "Fuel Piping," Chapter 15, "Firestop Protection," Appendix A, "Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System," Appendix B, "Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems," Appendix C, "Alternate Plumbing Systems," Appendix I, "Installation Standards," and those portions of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel-fired appliances as found in Chapter 5 and those portions of the code addressing building sewers.
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
010(D)(8) adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code by reference under Chapter 51-56 WAC, including Chapter 12 (Fuel Piping), Chapter 15 (Firestop Protection), Appendices A, B, C and I, and the sections addressing venting, combustion air for fuel-fired appliances, and building sewers. 010, a plumbing permit is classified as a Type I decision, meaning it is an administrative decision made by city staff that is not subject to State Environmental Policy Act review. 050 must identify the work, describe the parcel by tax number and street address, state the construction valuation, and include the property owner's and prime contractor's names, addresses and the contractor's state registration number and city business license.
080 requires a plan review fee paid when submittal documents are filed and a permit fee paid before issuance, both set by the city's adopted fee schedule; work performed without a permit draws an added investigation fee. Refund requests must be filed in writing within 180 days of application or payment. 090, rough-in plumbing, along with mechanical, gas piping and electrical work, must be inspected while under test before any connection is made to primary utilities. 130 and must be filed within 20 calendar days with the required filing fee.
Violations & Fines
Under ACC 15.07.140(E), failing to comply with the adopted plumbing code is a violation punishable as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or civil infraction depending on the underlying offense classification; where no specific penalty applies, a misdemeanor carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, and a gross misdemeanor carries up to one year and a $5,000 fine. The department of community development enforces building and plumbing codes, and the Auburn police chief may issue criminal citations when criminal sanctions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Auburn, Washington use?
Is a plumbing permit reviewed the same way as a rezone in Auburn?
What happens if plumbing work is inspected without a permit in Auburn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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