Auburn vs Renton
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Auburn, WA and Renton, WA?
Auburn and Renton 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 →Renton, WA
King County
Renton Municipal Code 4-8 and the King County SWDM require grading permits for earth-moving over 50 cubic yards and detailed drainage plans to protect the Cedar River, Black River, and downstream habitat.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 threshold | - | More than 50 cubic yards |
| Slope review | - | Geotech required above 15 to 40 percent |
| Flood compensation | - | Storage required for floodplain fills |
| Flow matching | - | 2 and 10 year post equals pre |
| Drainage direction | - | Cannot flow onto neighbors |
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.
Renton FAQ
Do I need a permit to level my backyard?
Small landscape grading under 50 cubic yards is typically exempt, but any activity in a critical area or over the threshold requires a grading permit.
Can I direct my gutters to the street?
Only through an approved tightline to the city storm system. Untreated discharge to the street can trigger stormwater violations.
Compare other topics
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