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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Auburn (Pierce County Portion)
A building permit is required for construction within the City of Auburn.
Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft likely exempt
- Exempt Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft likely exempt
Note: Contact Building Department for specific exemption determinations.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Detailed plans and specifications
- Construction drawings
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
- Permit validity
- Building permits valid for 180 days from issuance. Extension fee: $50 (apply before expiration).
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with Building Department.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Building permits valid for 180 days from issuance. Late fee for work without permit: Equal to cost of original permit. Fees can be paid when Certificate of Occupancy issued rather than at permit issuance.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review typically takes several weeks.
- 01 Confirm permit requirements - Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft may not need permit.
- 02 Prepare detailed plans including specifications and drawings.
- 03 Submit application to Auburn Building Department (online or in-person).
- 04 Pay application fee.
- 05 Plan review process (several weeks).
- 06 Receive permit upon approval and commence work.
- 07 Schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Plan review typically takes several weeks.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Fee schedule unchanged since 2009 (confirm currency before client use)
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Varies by project complexity.
02
Permit fee formula
Flat rate: $15.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost for new construction, additions/alterations, porches/decks/garages. Swimming pools $200 minimum. Demolition $200 minimum.
03
Trade permit fee
Varies by permit type and scope.
04
Reinspection fee
Varies by permit type and scope.
Contact Building Department for payment methods.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Building Department (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department for scheduling details.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with Building Department)
- Time windows
- Inspections required at various project phases.
Typical sequence: Inspections required at various project phases. Final inspection required.
Contact Building Department for remote inspection options.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Auburn (Pierce County Portion) permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction within the City of Auburn.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Flat rate: $15.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost for new construction, additions/alterations, porches/decks/garages. Swimming pools $200 minimum. Demolition $200 minimum.. Plan check fee: Varies by project complexity..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm permit requirements - Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft may not need permit. 2. Prepare detailed plans including specifications and drawings. 3. Submit application to Auburn Building Department (online or in-person). 4. Pay application fee. 5. Plan review process (several weeks). 6. Receive permit upon approval and commence work. 7. Schedule required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA typically run Plan review typically takes several weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA. The following work is generally exempt: Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft likely exempt. Note: Contact Building Department for specific exemption determinations. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA via: Building Department. Contact Building Department for scheduling details..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/auburn
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.