Vacant properties can create a multitude of code violations. Code Compliance Officers work hard to minimize the impact these properties have on the community. Many of these homes now belong to mortgage holders who are out of state and can be slow to respond to our requests and inquiries.

If you are observing suspicious activity or someone illegally entering a vacant home, be sure to report that to 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide an address and description of the person(s) involved. For more information on a specific property, or to report a vacant property in your neighborhood, please contact the City of Auburn Permit Center at 253-931-3090 or by sending an email to the permit center.

Many homeowners are not aware that renting out their house requires a rental housing business license. This has been a requirement in the City of Auburn for over 10 years. Data analysis reveals that there are historically more instances of code violations and police responses to rental properties. Requiring a rental housing business license for rental properties ensures that the City has accurate contact information so that the property owner can be informed of, and correct problems on the property.

If you are currently operating your home as a rental property without a business license, please contact us (at [email protected] or at 253-931-3090) and apply for a rental housing license and ensure your property is in compliance. For more information or to apply, you can also visit the Rental Housing page.

When it comes to renting a single family residents, there are 2 types of rental housing business licenses:

• Non-owner occupied single lease agreement for the entire home
• Non-owner occupied, rented through multiple, individual lease agreements, which is referred to as a communal residence

Which license you obtain depends on how you intend to rent your home. Community Development staff are available to answer any questions you may have. Please contact the Customer Service Center at 253-931-3090.

If you see a yellow public notice sign on the property you will find information about the proposal on the sign as well as a QR code that will bring you to the Land Use Notification page. If you have additional questions about a project or you don't see a yellow public notice sign feel free to contact the City's Permit Center. You can email the permit center or call 253-931-3020.

For information about what facilities/parks are available, visit the online facility rentals page or call the Parks, Arts & Recreation Administration Office at 253-931-3043.

Please report these incidents to our Maintenance and Operations Division at 253-931-3048 during regular business hours which are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM, excluding recognized City holidays

If you have suspect information: from either witnessing something or surveillance cameras, contact the police to report the graffiti and request an officer to take a report. You can call 911 or the non-emergency number at 253-288-2121.
If you don't have suspect information:

• Use the Online Reporting system (available for Apple & Android).
• Call the graffiti hotline at 253-931-3048 Ext. 7.
• Please be prepared to provide photos of the graffiti.

In November 2015, Mayor Nancy Backus convened a citizen task force to address homelessness in Auburn. This task force was comprised of community leaders, service providers, citizens, faith community, police and fire, school district, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, business owners, and key city staff. We heard from a wide range of residents during the process also. 

• Please use the Online Reporting system to report a homeless/transient camp location.

For additional information please contact Kent Hay, Director of Human Services, at [email protected] or 253-294-6429.

Any person who engages in business activities must have a valid license issued by the City of Auburn. Please contact the Permit Center at 253-931-3020 to obtain a permit.

Please visit the Online Citizen Reporting page to file an online report, or call Maintenance and Operations at 253-931-3048,  to speak to office staff during regular business hours which are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM, excluding recognized City holidays.

Excessive vegetation growth, garbage, litter, inoperable vehicles, junk and other debris on a property is considered a "public nuisance" and a violation of City code. Code Compliance Officers work hard to address public nuisances as these conditions affect public health and safety, and have a negative impact on property values. If you believe a property has become a public nuisance, please call Code Compliance at 253-931-3020, and select Option 4.
See Auburn City Code Title 8 on Health and Safety.

For evening or night hour concerns, please call the Auburn Police Department's non-emergency number at 253-288-2121. You can also contact Code Enforcement if it is something occurring during the day by emailing code enforcement or calling 253-931-3020 and choosing option #4.

Help monitor your neighborhood by starting a Block Watch group! If a group of your neighbors is interested in forming a Block Watch to address safety concerns in your area please do the following:

• Create a list of interested individuals
• Designate a Block Watch captain to act as the point of contact between your group and the Auburn Police Dept.
• Contact Officer Aaron Williams, via email or by calling 253-288-3147, with your list and captain, to receive information about upcoming Block Watch meetings. Meetings occur quarterly and are between Block Watch Captains or Co-Captains and Auburn Police representatives. This allows for the sharing of information among citizens in addition to between citizens and police.
• Consider joining your neighborhood on Nextdoor! Nextdoor is a free, private social network for neighbors. More than 1 in 3 neighborhoods in the US are using Nextdoor to discuss community safety, get recommendations, and much more. Visit nextdoor.com for more information.
• Here are some ways your neighborhood can stay connected with Auburn Police Department:
  • Follow the Auburn Police Department on Facebook
  • Follow the Auburn Police Department on Twitter

Auburn City Code: 10.36.191 Recreational vehicle parking.
"A. No person shall park any recreational vehicle on any street, alley or public right-of-way in any residential neighborhood in the city for more than 24 hours."
Please visit our online reporting system to report violations.

Potholes can be more than just a nuisance to drivers; they can actually be dangerous. Therefore, the City has a "Pothole Patrol" that will promptly fix potholes that develop on any street throughout the City. To report a pothole, please call the Pothole Patrol at 253-931-3048, or submit your request online.

Your property's assessed value is determined by the county you live in (part of Auburn is in King County and part is in Pierce County). There are several taxing districts on your property tax bill, including the City of Auburn.