Auburn vs Federal Way
How do erosion control rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn requires temporary erosion and sediment control (TESC) plans for clearing and grading per ACC Title 15 and the Ecology stormwater manual, with wet-season rules limiting soil disturbance from October to April.
View full Auburn rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way requires Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) plans for construction projects disturbing 7,000 sf or more per state rules. Silt fencing, cover, and stabilized entrances are standard.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC 15 + Ecology Manual | - |
| TESC Threshold | 7,000 sq ft typical | - |
| Wet Season | Oct 1 to Apr 30 | - |
| Stabilization | Required after grading pause | - |
| Discharge | Muddy water prohibited | - |
| TESC trigger | - | 7,000 sf disturbance |
| Wet season | - | Oct-Apr, 2-day cover rule |
| Required BMPs | - | Silt fence and gravel pad |
| State permit | - | Over 1 acre |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I need a TESC plan for a small landscaping project?
Most small residential landscape projects fall below thresholds, but any work on Lea Hill or West Hill steep slopes, near streams, or over 7,000 square feet generally requires a TESC plan.
Can I continue excavation in November?
Wet-season rules reduce the allowable exposed area and add stabilization deadlines. Projects must plan for rapid covers, mats, or seeding between grading phases.
Federal Way FAQ
Do small house projects need erosion control?
Small single-family remodels below 7,000 sf disturbance can use homeowner-level BMPs without a formal TESC plan.
What happens if silt leaves my site?
Federal Way can issue stop-work orders and fines, and the Department of Ecology can separately penalize under the construction permit.
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