Brush Clearance: Auburn vs Kent
How do brush clearance rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn has no formal defensible space mandate but requires abatement of hazardous vegetation under ACC 8.20. Dead, dry, or fire-prone plant material must be removed on city notice.
View full Auburn rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires property owners to abate fire hazards from dry vegetation and debris, especially on East Hill slopes and valley-wall parcels near wildland-urban interface zones.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC 8.20 and 15.36 | - |
| WUI Zones | Lea Hill plateau edge | - |
| Compliance | 10 to 30 days notice | - |
| Non-compliance | City abates at owner cost | - |
| State Law | RCW 76.04 defensible space | - |
| Defensible space | - | 30 feet around structures recommended |
| Critical areas | - | Buffer clearing restricted |
| Tree limbing | - | 6 to 10 feet up near homes |
| Authority | - | Puget Sound RFA inspections |
| Noncompliance | - | Abatement lien against property |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Does Auburn require defensible space around homes?
Auburn does not have a formal defensible space rule for most urban parcels, but WUI areas on the east plateau follow DNR state standards under RCW 76.04. All properties must keep dry brush and dead vegetation cleared under ACC 8.20.
What happens if I ignore a brush abatement notice?
The city can enter the property, clear the hazard, and charge the owner the full abatement cost plus administrative fees, recorded as a lien on the property.
Kent FAQ
Is there a mandatory clearance distance in Kent?
Kent does not publish a fixed distance like California, but follows Firewise guidance of 30 feet defensible space for homes in hillside or WUI areas.
Can I clear brush in a stream buffer?
Not without review. Critical Areas rules limit vegetation removal in streams, wetlands, and their buffers. Contact Kent Economic and Community Development first.
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