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City Code Update Project

What is the Code Update Project?

The Development Code and Design Standards Update Project (Code Update Project) involves the comprehensive review, evaluation, and amendment of key City of Auburn development regulations and design standards, including the City's zoning code, subdivision code, and engineering design standards.

The Code Update Project is progressing in two phases. phase 1 involves residential and subdivision code. Phase 2 involves nonresidential zoning. Phase 1 was completed in June of 2009. Phase 2 is comprised of two groupings. The first grouping was approved in December of 2011 and the second grouping is expected to be completed by may of 2012. 

Why Update the Code?

The Code Update Project is intended to meet three broad objectives:

  • Improve the readability of the development regulations and design standards and make them easier for property owners, developers, and City residents to use;
  • Update the development regulations and design standards technical content to address known issue areas and better support the City's development review and quasi-judicial decision process;
  • Ensure that the development regulations and design standards are coordinated and consistent with Auburn's Comprehensive Plan and other state land use and environmental requirements;

How to Stay Informed and Get Involved

The City Code Update process includes workshops, review meetings and hearings on the proposed code revisions prior to final adoption.

Public comments are welcome throughout the process. There are a number of ways you can get more information or participate in the Development Code Update:

  • Access the City's Development Regulations and Design Standards online
  • Attend Planning Commission meetings
  • Attend City Council meetings
  • Provide comments on the proposal
  • Sign up for the interested parties list

Phase 1 Amendments

Phase 2 Amendments -*Adopted 12/27/2011

Grouping 1:

Landscaping and Screening - ORD 6387

Ordinance 6387 amended Chapter 18.50 (Landscaping and Screening) of the Auburn City Code (ACC).

Summary:

 

  • Regulations and standards related to landscaping and screening – updated and reorganized
  • Sufficient landscaping is a required component of all developments
  • Plant materials are to complement the natural character of the Pacific Northwest
  • No unnecessary disturbance of natural vegetation in new development

 

Off Street Parking and Loading – ORD 6388

Ordinance 6388 amended Chapter 18.52 (Off Street Parking and Loading) of the Auburn City Code (ACC).

Summary:

 

  • Regulations provide for safe, attractive, and convenient off-street parking and loading
  • Increased number of shared and reduced parking strategies
  • Allows for alternative parking surfaces
  • Allows alternative parking layouts subject to approval by the planning director.

 

Administrative Variance – ORD 6389

Ordinance 6389 amended Chapter 18.70 (Variances, Special Exceptions and Administrative Appeals) of the Auburn City Code (ACC). The amendments added an Administrative Variance process where under specific cases the planning director can grant relief to development standards, not to exceed a certain quantifiable standard.

Outdoor Lighting – ORD 6390

Ordinance 6390 created a new Chapter 18.55 (Outdoor Lighting) of the Auburn City Code (ACC).

Summary:

 

  • Discourage excessive lighting of outdoor spaces
  • Encourage energy conservation
  • Promote exterior lighting that promotes safe vehicular and pedestrian within a development while minimizing impacts on adjacent properties.

 

Grouping 2 - Non-Residential uses and development standards - Proposed for Adoption in May of 2012

Related documents and links

To provide comments, ask questions or sign up for the interested parties list, e-mail the Code Update Staff.

To mail, hand-deliver or fax comments:

Planning and Development Department
25 West Main Street Auburn, WA 98001
Fax 253-804-3114
Ph 253-931- 3090

CONTACT

Auburn City Hall
25 W Main Street
Auburn WA 98001-4998
Phone: 253-931-3000