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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can answer questions about sewer or water availability?

You can get assistance by calling the Public Works Department at 253-804-5070.

Who can answer a question regarding if a piece of property is in a flood plain or other questions regarding easements?

Please contact the Public Works Department at 253-931-3010.

How do I notify someone about a traffic light being out?

Please contact the Maintenance and Operations Division at 253-931-5102.

How do I apply for a residential permit?

Residential applications require two sets of plans, four copies of a site plan, and the appropriate application forms. There is no appointment necessary for permit application. Please call the Permit Center at 253-931-3020. Residential Permit Submittal Checklist (PDF)

How do I apply for a commercial permit?

Please contact the Permit Center at 253-931-3020. Commercial Permit Submittal Checklist (PDF)

I need to get an electrical permit.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issues all electrical permits for properties located within Auburn city limits. They can be reached by phone at 253-596-3800 or visit their website.

Need to locate underground utilities.

Call One-Call at 1-800-424-5555.

Septic tank permits/questions.

King County Health Dept. 206-296-4708 or 206-296-4666 or 206-296-4722

What do I do if my house is served by a septic system?

An approval from the Seattle King County Department of Public Health is required for any new residence that will be served by septic, and for most changes to existing residences currently served by septic systems. They can be reached by phone at 206-296-4932 or visit their website.

King County general information.

206-296-0100

King County public works- road maintenance.

206-296-8100

King County signals.

206-296-8153 M-F, 6:00 am - 3:30 pm. After hours 206-296-8100

King County roads in general.

Dial 1-800-KC-ROADS (1-800-527-6237)

King County zoning.

206-296-6655

How do I schedule an inspection?

You can use any of the following methods for requesting a building inspection:

Online

By calling a permit tech and setting up an account you will have easy access to our online system which provides a simple way of requesting your building inspection. Permit techs can be reached by calling 253-931-3020 and choosing option 1. The permit tech will assign you a PIN which will enable you to access the online system. Advantages of submitting via the online system:

Inspection requests are accepted up to 6:30 am on the same day that you are requesting the inspection as opposed to our 3:30 pm cutoff on the prior day when you schedule by e-mail or telephone.
Given the number of building inspections required for a project, you avoid having to provide all of the information required if you call or e-mail us. You simply access your account, view your project(s), and choose to request the type of inspection you would like.
Avoid situations where requests left via voicemail are unfulfilled because of poor cell phone reception.
You can view past inspection results and future inspections that will be needed which will allow for better project planning.

Email or Phone

Send an e-mail to the Permit Center or call and leave a voicemail and your inspection will be set up for the following business day. The cutoff for e-mail and voicemail inspection requests is 3:30 pm. If you call simply dial 253-931-3020 and choose option 3. Your e-mail or voicemail must include the following information:

Permit Number
Site Address
Requested Time of Day (a.m. or p.m.)
Your Name and Phone Number

Do I need a Permit?

The International Building Code states, “No building or structure regulated by the Uniform Building code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has been obtained from the building official…”

There are some exceptions, which you will find under the Exempted Work provisions of Section 105.2, 2006 International Building Code.

Call Before You Dig

Washington 811