Brush Clearance: Auburn vs Seattle
How do brush clearance rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle 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 →Seattle, WA
King County
King County has no mandatory annual brush clearance ordinance like California. In Wildland Urban Interface areas, defensible space up to 100 ft is enforced on new construction through the adopted IWUIC.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Mandatory Annual | - | No countywide rule |
| WUI | - | 100 ft defensible space |
| Critical Areas | - | Clearing permit needed |
| Burn Bans | - | PSCAA + Fire Marshal |
| Program | - | Firewise USA |
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.
Seattle FAQ
Do I have to clear brush around my house in unincorporated King County?
No general annual mandate exists, but the IWUIC requires defensible space at permit for new construction in WUI areas, and the Fire Marshal can order abatement when vegetation creates an imminent fire hazard.
Can I just cut down trees to clear brush?
Not without checking critical-area rules. Clearing over 7,000 square feet or removing significant trees in wetland, stream, or steep-slope buffers requires a clearing and grading permit under KCC 16.82 and 21A.24.
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