Auburn, WA Filming & Production: Street Closures (2026)

Auburn treats commercial filming and movie shoots as a "special event" under ACC 2.23.020(G)(1), which lists "filming/movies" among the activities that trigger the special event permit chapter when they use public streets, rights-of-way, or public property. Under ACC 2.23.040, a special event permit is required for any such event, and that permit is separate from and in addition to any street or park use permit otherwise required. The staff review committee, made up of directors and representatives from affected city departments and chaired by the mayor or a designee, decides whether a filming activity needs a permit and sets the terms, conditions, and fees under ACC 2.23.030.

When a street closure is involved, ACC 2.23.070(B)(3) lets the city condition the permit on "accommodation of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, including restricting the event to only a portion of the street or right-of-way," and ACC 2.23.070(C)(10) specifically authorizes a condition requiring "[n]otice to residents and/or businesses regarding any activity that would require a whole or partial street closure, including single lane closures." The city can also require compliance with traffic control plans and the use of cones, barricades, or flaggers under ACC 2.23.070(C)(1).

Applications for the underlying special event permit must be filed at least 90 days before the event under ACC 2.23.050(A), though the staff review committee may waive that deadline for good cause, including when the event exercises First or Fourteenth Amendment rights. Small filming events with limited or no impact on traffic or public services may qualify for a discretionary exemption from the special event permit itself under ACC 2.23.040(B)(7), decided by the director of administration or a designee, but that exemption does not waive any separate street or right-of-way use permit that would otherwise apply, per ACC 2.23.040(C).