Frequently Asked Questions

All structures-from office buildings to single-family homes to decks and sheds-are required to meet building safety codes. To ensure compliance with these safety codes, the building inspector visits the project during construction and upon completion. A permit informs the Building Department about the project, helps ensure the contractor understands requirements and becomes a mechanism for triggering inspections. A permit also helps maintain a record of property improvements. When someone is considering purchasing property, it can be valuable to know what work has been done on the property, when it was completed, who completed it, and that it was inspected for compliance.

It takes time and resources to maintain and process permits, maintain records, and conduct inspections. Fees are collected to cover the cost of the application, review, and the inspection process.

The following are times when a permit is required:

• Additions
• Decks / Pergolas
• Demolitions
• Electrical Work
• Fences
• Foundation Work
• Garages / Carports
• Gazebos
• New Buildings and Changes to existing
• Permanent Signs and Temporary Signs
• Plumbing Work
• Remodels
• Sheds / Yard Barns
• Swimming Pools
• Utilities: Sewer Connection and Tap; Water Connection, Meter and Tap; Irrigation Meters
• Work in the right-of-way

The Building Permit Applicant is responsible for calling to schedule inspections.

The City of Auburn employs a Building Inspector that is trained in codes and construction methods.

Call for an inspection at least 24 hours prior to when the inspection is needed. For example, if the concrete is scheduled at 9 am on Tuesday, call before 9 am the Monday before.

The required inspections are included in the building permit fee. Special inspection fees may be charged for the following:

• Required re-inspection: $40

A Certificate of Occupancy (C. of O.) is required for all construction projects requiring a building permit to the occupancy or use of the building. The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until all electrical, mechanical and plumbing is complete and address numbers are posted on the building. Conditional certificates of occupancy will only be issued in rare circumstances when it is not reasonably practical to have all code requirements completed due to circumstances not under the control of the contractor or property owner. 

• No fee for Certificate of Occupancy
• $30 fee for Conditional Certificate of Occupancy

If an inspector identifies an item for correction that the permit holder believes is correctly built or installed as per code, then they may contact the Administrator of the Department of Building, Planning, and Development. If an inspector identifies an item for correction that the permit holder believes is correctly built or installed as per code, then they may contact the Administrator of the Department of Building, Planning, and Development.

The provisions of the Building Code are not intended to prevent the use of any material, alternate design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the Building Code, provided any alternate has been demonstrated to meet the purpose of the code.

The building inspector may approve any such alternate, provided the inspector finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of the code and that method or work offered is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation. The customer is responsible to provide proper documentation and evidence of suitability for each alternate proposed.

Your first step is to contact Auburn's Building, Planning, and Development Department and apply for a permit. Then, once approved and your contractor is ready to tap for water, you call the Auburn Water Department. (Generally, contractors will manage this process.)

Your first step is to contact Auburn's Building, Planning, and Development (BPD) Department and apply for either a temporary or permanent permit. Auburn Electric will be notified when the permit is approved and the site is ready to be energized. After that, BPD will inspect the site. (Generally, contractors will manage this process.)