Auburn, WA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Auburn City Code Chapter 18.60 (Home Occupations) permits residents to conduct businesses within their homes in all residential zones (R-1, R-5, R-7, R-10, R-16, R-20, and RR) subject to performance standards. The home occupation must be clearly secondary to the residential use, occupy no more than 25 percent of the primary dwellings gross floor area (or one accessory structure), not alter the residential character of the dwelling or lot, and be operated by one or more residents of the dwelling with no more than one non-resident employee on-site. Prohibited activities include auto repair, junk yards, welding, retail sales with walk-in customers (other than incidental to the service), explosive or hazardous material storage, medical clinics, kennels, and mortuaries. All home occupations must obtain an Auburn Business License (required for any business operating in Auburn regardless of size) and if applicable a Washington State UBI through the Department of Revenue. Changes to the dwelling to accommodate the business (separate entrance, signage, extensive remodeling) trigger additional review. The use must be revocable; upon sale or cessation, the home occupation does not transfer automatically to new owners.