Auburn, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Auburn City Code Chapter 18.50 (Landscaping) and Chapter 16.10 (Critical Areas) both encourage and in many cases require native plants. Developer landscape plans for new construction are reviewed for at least partial use of Pacific Northwest native species suitable for the Green River valley ecoregion. Critical area buffer plantings (wetland, stream, shoreline, steep slope) under ACC 16.10 must use approved natives such as western red cedar, Douglas fir, red alder, vine maple, Oregon grape, sword fern, salmonberry, and red-flowering currant. Stormwater facility landscaping under the 2019 Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington also requires natives in bioretention and swales. Homeowners converting turf to native garden have no permit requirement for routine replanting. The Saving Water Partnership Native Plant Guide, King Conservation District spring plant sale, and WSU Master Gardener program provide free guidance and low-cost plant material. Native gardens are exempt from the 12-inch overgrown-weed rule under ACC 8.12 when clearly designed and maintained. Noxious weed removal must still be performed in native plantings.