Washington allows open carry of firearms by qualified adults without a permit, with limited statutory restrictions and broad preemption barring most local open carry rules.
Open carry of firearms is generally legal in Washington for adults aged 18 and over who are not prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law. No permit is required for open carry of long guns or pistols outside vehicles, although carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle requires a CPL under RCW 9.41.050. RCW 9.41.290 preempts local regulation, so cities and counties cannot ban open carry in most public places. However, RCW 9.41.305 prohibits open carry of firearms at permitted demonstrations on public property and at the State Capitol. Schools, courts, and other locations under RCW 9.41.300 also restrict open carry.
Unlawful open carry at restricted locations may be a gross misdemeanor or felony depending on location. Carrying a loaded pistol in a vehicle without a CPL is a misdemeanor.
Auburn, WA
Auburn applies WAC 173-60 EDNA limits through ACC 8.28. Residential: 55 dBA day, 45 dBA night. Industrial receiving: 60 dBA day, 50 dBA night. Measured at th...
Auburn, WA
Industrial sources into residential zones are capped at 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night under WAC 173-60 via ACC 8.28. The Boeing Auburn plant and Valley warehou...
Auburn, WA
Federal law preempts local aircraft noise. Auburn Municipal Airport follows FAA Part 150 and Sea-Tac overflights are under FAA and Port of Seattle. ACC 8.28 ...
Auburn, WA
Outdoor concerts and festivals must meet ACC 8.28 limits and often need a special event permit. Downtown Auburn and Les Gove Park events follow a written noi...
Auburn, WA
Auburn restricts RV, trailer, and boat parking on public streets to 72 hours and sets additional limits on driveway and front-yard storage of recreational ve...
Auburn, WA
EV charging in Auburn follows the Washington State Energy Code, which requires EV-ready capacity in new multifamily and commercial parking and protects publi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Auburn's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.