WA authorizes rainwater harvesting under RCW 90.03.260. Auburn allows rooftop rain barrels for non-potable use with no permit. Systems over 5,000 gal need review. Potable use requires DOH approval.
Washington State Department of Ecology issued a 2009 interpretive policy clarifying that rooftop rainwater collection for on-site beneficial use does not require a water right, codified through RCW 90.03.260. Auburn welcomes rainwater harvesting as a stormwater best management practice under the Auburn Surface Water Management Manual. Typical residential rain barrels (55 to 200 gallons per downspout) and small cisterns for garden and landscape irrigation do not require a permit, though discharge to neighboring property or the storm system is restricted. Cisterns exceeding 5,000 gallons or installations involving structural modifications, underground tanks, or pump systems require a mechanical and plumbing permit through Auburn Community Development. Indoor non-potable use (toilet flushing, laundry) is allowed with proper backflow prevention and a cross-connection approval from Auburn Utilities. Potable use of harvested rainwater requires treatment (filtration, UV, chlorination), a plumbing permit, and approval from the Washington Department of Health under WAC 246-290. King Conservation District offers cost-share for larger residential cistern projects. Mosquito-proof screens and first-flush diverters are recommended best practices.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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
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
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 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
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
Auburn does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban, but enforces the 72-hour rule, signed time-limited zones, and no-parking signs at parks, trailheads,...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Auburn's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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