Auburn, WA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Loading time limit
- 15 minutes maximum per stop
- Hours restriction applies
- Not 6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m., Sundays, holidays
- Fine
- $30.00 infraction under ACC 10.36.530
- Curb marking
- White paint, or signs in the CBD
- Impound authority
- Chief of police under ACC 10.36.360
Summary
Auburn limits vehicles in marked loading zones to expeditious loading or unloading only, capping the stop at 15 minutes under ACC 10.36.520. The restriction runs during business hours only: it does not apply between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. or on Sundays and holidays. Curbs are painted white to mark the zones under ACC 10.36.480.
10.36.520 Parking in loading zones. It is unlawful to stand, park or angle park any vehicle in any place established as a loading zone as designated in ACC 10.36.480 through 10.36.510 except for the purpose of, and only for such period of time as necessary for, expeditious loading or unloading of such commercial or passenger vehicle. In no case shall the stop for loading or unloading of articles or materials or passengers exceed 15 minutes in time. The provisions of this article shall not be applicable between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. or on Sundays and holidays.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
36 ACC, Article VI. 480 directs the city traffic engineer to paint the curbs adjoining commercial and passenger loading zones white, while bus loading zones instead get alternating five-foot yellow and red curb sections plus a posted sign reading "No Parking Any Time"; within the central business district, signage alone can substitute for curb paint. 020, a "commercial loading zone" is a curb area reserved for loading or unloading commodities, merchandise, produce, freight or animals by commercial vehicles only, while a "passenger loading zone" is reserved for loading and unloading passengers by passenger vehicles only.
520 makes it unlawful to stand, park or angle park in a designated loading zone except for the time actually needed for expeditious loading or unloading, and it caps that stop at 15 minutes no matter the purpose. and on Sundays and holidays, when any vehicle may occupy the zone like an ordinary curb space. 520, with impound costs charged to the owner or operator before release.
Violations & Fines
Parking beyond the 15-minute loading window, or parking in a loading zone for any purpose other than loading or unloading, is an infraction under ACC 10.36.530 punishable by a $30.00 fine. Vehicles left in a loading zone in violation of ACC 10.36.190 through 10.36.520 may also be impounded by the chief of police or a designee under ACC 10.36.360, with towing and storage costs billed to the owner before the vehicle is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I park in an Auburn loading zone?
Do Auburn's loading zone rules apply at night?
How does Auburn mark a loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Loading Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle loading zones.