The zoning code provides information on land use regulations, dimensional standards, and certain other development standards that apply to property within the city (i.e., landscaping standards, parking standards, sign standards, etc.). The information in the zoning code is presented by zone and land use type, so it is important to consult the city’s official zoning map to determine what zone applies to a given property.

The zoning code constitutes Title 18 of the Auburn City Code (ACC), and is organized as a series of chapters. General zoning code provisions are presented in Chapter 18.02 ACC. This chapter contains the basic rules of interpretation for the zoning code, and includes a complete list of the city’s zones. This chapter is a resource for users who may be unfamiliar with zoning codes and are unsure of how a particular regulation applies to them. Procedural sections of the code and decision criteria are addressed in Chapters 18.60 through 18.72 ACC. (Ord. 6245 § 1, 2009.)

Chapter 18.04 ACC provides definitions for terms used throughout this title. Where appropriate, sketches and other graphic illustrations have been used to help explain terms and concepts. While every effort has been made to define terms consistent with common usage, users should consult this section to familiarize themselves and reduce the potential for misunderstandings. This section also contains explanations and illustrations of complex concepts that may not be familiar to all users. (Ord. 6245 § 1, 2009.)

The first step in determining allowed uses is verifying the zoning on the property, which can be done by speaking with city of Auburn planning department staff or by consulting the city’s official zoning map. When verifying a property’s zoning, it is also important to note any overlays that may be marked on the zoning map. Overlays may have additional requirements or otherwise modify the allowed uses and development standards for a zone. The overlay regulations established for Lea Hill, West Hill, and designated urban separator areas are contained in Chapter 18.21 ACC, and for the airport are contained in Chapter 18.38 ACC.

The sections devoted to particular zones described on the zoning map form the framework of the zoning code. Each of these sections contains the intent statement for the particular zone, a table of allowed uses, as well as tables for dimensional standards (building height, setbacks, and lot coverage) and cross-references to other standards such as landscaping and parking requirements. It is important to note that each section contains only regulations that apply specifically to that zone, and development standards that apply to all zones are addressed through cross-references to other chapters of the zoning code. (Ord. 6838 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 6245 § 1, 2009.)

In order to make the individual zone chapters easier to read, supplementary regulations or specialized topics applied more broadly than at a specific zone level, such as landscaping, parking, signage, and nonconforming uses, are discussed separately. Chapters 18.50 through 18.56 ACC provide detailed information on these and similarly broad topics. While the relevant portions of these sections will be referenced by the zone-specific chapters, these chapters are also a good place to look for information on existing or proposed land uses not explicitly listed elsewhere in the code. (Ord. 6245 § 1, 2009.)

The city of Auburn recognizes and acknowledges that the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has jurisdiction and land use control over Indian lands. The designation of city zoning and land use regulations that might appear to affect any Indian lands does not, and is not intended to, usurp or exercise land use control over such lands. Any such city regulations are intended to identify what zoning or land-use provisions would apply to such lands were they not under Indian jurisdiction, or were the land to change in ownership or jurisdictional character. Until those circumstances change for such lands, the city regulations shall be for informational purposes only. (Ord. 6667 § 6, 2017.)