Building Safety in Auburn, WA (2026)
8 verified building safety rules for Auburn, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Elevator Maintenance
Auburn elevators are regulated by Washington Department of Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual inspections, operating permits, and licensed contractor maintenance are required.
Auburn Elevator Maintenance Rules
Heavy RestrictionsChapter 70.87 RCW
Chapter 70.87 RCW ELEVATORS, LIFTING DEVICES, AND MOVING WALKS Complete chapter HTML PDF RCW dispositions Sections HTML PDF 70.87.010 Definitions. HTML PDF 70.87.020 Conveyances to be safe and in conformity with law. HTML PDF 70.87.030 Rules — Waivers during state of emergency. HTML PDF 70.87.034 Additional powers of department. HTML PDF 70.87.036 Powers of attorney general. HTML PDF 70.87.040 ...
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Scaffolding at Auburn construction sites follows Washington State Building Code (RCW 19.27) and WISHA safety rules, with permits required for scaffolds over 10 feet and right-of-way encroachments needing city approval.
Scaffold Safety Rules in Auburn
Some RestrictionsChapter 296-874 WAC
Chapter 296-874 WAC SCAFFOLDS Show dispositions Last update: 6/2/20 HTML versions have links PDF versions have authentication Complete chapter HTML PDF Including dispositions WAC Sections HTML PDF 296-874-099 Definitions. HTML PDF 296-874-100 Scope. HTML PDF 296-874-200 General requirements for scaffolds. HTML PDF 296-874-20002 Make sure scaffolds are properly designed and constructed. HTML PDF...
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Auburn's amended fire code, ACC 15.36A.041(C), mandates automatic sprinklers in most new buildings over 10,000 square feet, taller than 30 feet, or needing more than 2,500 gpm fire flow, plus any new building lacking adequate fire flow or emergency access, with Group R-3 and U buildings exempted from the size trigger.
Auburn Residential Fire Sprinkler Rules
Heavy RestrictionsACC 15.36A.041(C) (IFC § 903.1)
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section. Systems shall be installed and maintained in an operable condition as specified in this chapter in the following locations as determined by the building and fire code official: a. All new buildings that do not have adequate fire flow to achieve the minimum fire flows required by the city of Auburn design standards or do ...
Green Building Code
Auburn adopts the 2021 International Green Construction Code by reference under ACC 15.07.010(D)(13), but only as an optional guide for developers who choose to build to it; the city does not require any project to meet the code. Where the Green Construction Code conflicts with Auburn's own engineering or stormwater standards, the city's standards control under ACC 15.07.020(A).
Auburn Green Building Code Adoption
Few RestrictionsACC 15.07.010(D)(13)
International Green Construction Code Adopted. The 2021 International Green Construction Code, as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as an optional reference for developers who choose to utilize elements of the code for guidance.
Building Permits
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).
When a Building Permit Is Required in Auburn
Some RestrictionsACC 15.07.050
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. Descr...
Electrical Permits
Auburn does not run its own electrical permit program: ACC 15.28.010 requires all electrical wiring, equipment and appliances to conform to state statutes and states that no additional local permits or licenses are required beyond what state law demands, leaving inspection to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries.
Auburn Electrical Work Permit Rules
Few RestrictionsACC 15.28.010
15.28.010 Generally. All electrical wiring, equipment and appliances shall be in conformity with the statutes of the state. No additional permits or licenses shall be required other than as required by state law.
Plumbing Permits
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.
Auburn Plumbing Permit & Code Rules
Some RestrictionsACC 15.07.010(D)(8)
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 Standard...
Building Inspections
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.
Auburn Building Inspection Stages and Rules
Some RestrictionsACC 15.07.090
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 inspec...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Auburn city rules.
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