Auburn, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- ACC 13 + Title 17
- Manual
- Ecology Western WA Stormwater
- Trigger
- 2,000 sq ft impervious
- LID Required
- Where feasible
- Hotline
- (253) 931-3048
Summary
Auburn follows the Department of Ecology Western Washington Stormwater Manual through ACC Title 13 surface water code, requiring runoff control for new and redeveloped sites in the Green River watershed.
Stormwater manuals Our stormwater manuals provide stormwater permit implementation and management guidance. Contact your municipality or permit administrator to determine which manual you need and for questions regarding implementation of stormwater management guidance. Ecology's Stormwater Management Manuals (SWMMs) The dropdowns below provide access to past and present SWMMs. Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW)
Western Washington 2024 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington Previous versions 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington
2012 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, as Amended in December 2014
2012 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington Vol. I Technical Requirements and Site Planning Vol. II Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Volume III - Hydrologic Analysis and Flow Control Design/BMPs
Volume IV - Source Control BMPs Volume V - Runoff Treatment BMPs 2001 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington Volume I - Minimum Technical Requirements and Site Planning Volume II - Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Volume III - Hydrologic Analysis and Flow Control Design/BMPs Volume IV - Source Control BMPs Volume V - Runoff Treatment BMPs 1992 Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound Basin Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (SWMMEW)
Eastern Washington 2024 Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington Previous versions 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (2004)
Corrections and Clarifications to the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (2004) Order a hard copy Stay informed Join our email list to receive updates about Ecology's Stormwater Manuals. Emerging guidance Stormwater management is evolving. As such, stormwater management guidance documents are often published in between versions of Ecology’s SWMMs. Stormwater management guidance documents released after publication of the latest SWMMs are provided in the “Additional Resources” folder within the interactive online version of the SWMMs. Direct links are provided below:
Full Breakdown
Auburn's surface water management program implements the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater NPDES Permit issued by the Washington Department of Ecology and is codified in ACC Title 13 utilities and surface water sections of Title 17. New development and redevelopment that creates or replaces thresholds of impervious surface must meet the most recent Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, including minimum requirements for source control, runoff treatment, flow control, and low impact development (LID). Typical triggers include adding 2,000 square feet of impervious surface, disturbing 7,000 square feet of land, or creating new pollution-generating impervious surface.
Detention vaults, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales are common compliance features. Auburn enforces illicit discharge rules that prohibit non-stormwater flows to the storm system, including car wash water, paint rinse, and yard chemicals. Spills and illegal dumping should be reported to the Auburn Storm Drainage Utility at (253) 931-3048. Auburn drains to the Green River and its tributaries including Mill Creek, Bowman Creek, and White River, which receive additional water-quality focus due to salmon habitat and downstream Muckleshoot tribal fishery interests. Annual outreach programs and car-wash kits are available for fundraiser groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need stormwater review for a new driveway?
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle stormwater management.