Auburn vs Federal Way
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Grading permits are required in Auburn for fills, cuts, and landscape regrades beyond thresholds in ACC Title 15, with drainage plans reviewed by Public Works under the Ecology Stormwater Manual.
View full Auburn rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way requires a grading permit for most cut or fill over 50 cubic yards under FWRC Title 19. Drainage changes must match the DOE Western Washington Stormwater Manual and not harm neighbors.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | 50 cubic yards or 7,000 sq ft | - |
| Retaining Wall | Over 4 feet needs permit | - |
| Roof Drains | Must be tightlined | - |
| Flow Control | Match pre-development | - |
| Code | ACC Title 15 + Ecology | - |
| Permit trigger | - | 50 cy cut or fill |
| Disturbance | - | 7,000 sf |
| Steep slopes | - | Geotech at >15% |
| Retaining walls | - | Permit over 4 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I regrade my Auburn backyard without a permit?
Small landscape grading under 50 cubic yards on flat ground usually does not require a permit, but West Hill or Lea Hill steep slopes, critical areas, or larger cuts and fills trigger review.
Can I let my gutter water spill onto the ground?
No. Auburn code requires roof drains to connect to a tightline that discharges to an approved location; surface release that causes erosion or neighbor impacts violates the drainage code.
Federal Way FAQ
Do I need a permit to regrade my Federal Way yard?
Yes if you move more than 50 cubic yards, disturb over 7,000 sf, or change drainage affecting a neighbor.
Can I add fill in a floodplain?
Fill in a floodway is prohibited; in the flood fringe it requires permits and compensating storage in many cases.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Federal Way compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool