Auburn, WA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Auburn City Code Chapter 18.60 regulates home occupations, defining them as any occupation, profession, or activity conducted within a dwelling that is clearly incidental and secondary to residential use. The home occupation must be conducted by a resident of the dwelling, use no more than a limited portion of the floor area (typically 25 percent), produce no external evidence of business activity other than a permitted sign, generate no more traffic than normal residential use, and create no noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line. Retail sales from the premises are generally prohibited except for products produced on-site or incidental to a service. Employees who do not reside in the dwelling are typically prohibited or limited to one non-resident employee. A City of Auburn business license is required, and certain occupations may require additional state licensing. Auto repair, medical clinics, kennels, and similar intensive uses are prohibited as home occupations.