City Building Permits
Auburn (Pierce County Portion), WA Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Auburn (Pierce County Portion), Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
City of Auburn (primarily King County but includes portions in Pierce County).
- Department
- Community Development Department
- Phone
- (253) 931-3020
- Website
- https://www.auburnwa.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Confirm permit requirements - Unattached accessory structures under 200 sq ft may not need permit.
- Prepare detailed plans including specifications and drawings.
- Submit application to Auburn Building Department (online or in-person).
- Pay application fee.
- Plan review process (several weeks).
- Receive permit upon approval and commence work.
- Schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Plan review typically takes several weeks.
Source: Community Development Department
General Requirements
A building permit is required for construction within the City of Auburn.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Detailed plans and specifications
- Construction drawings
- Permit validity
- Building permits valid for 180 days from issuance. Extension fee: $50 (apply before expiration).
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
- 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.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Varies by project complexity.
- 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.
- Trade permit fee
- Varies by permit type and scope.
- Reinspection fee
- Varies by permit type and scope.
- Payment note
- Contact Building Department for payment methods.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
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 inspection sequence: Inspections required at various project phases. Final inspection required.
Contact Building Department for remote inspection options.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- Eight-year exemption for qualifying market-rate multifamily housing
- Up to $100,000 refund for eligible construction-related sales tax
- Up to 50% reduction in land use, building permit, and other fees
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department before applying.
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