City of Auburn - 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update

Share City of Auburn - 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update on Facebook Share City of Auburn - 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update on Twitter Share City of Auburn - 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update on Linkedin Email City of Auburn - 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update link

Comprehensive Plan News and Updates:

Adoption of Periodic Comprehensive Plan update & Develpment Regulations (Ordinance Nos. 6960 & 6959) - December 16, 2024

The City of Auburn adopted its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations related to the Growth Management Act (Act) Periodic update on December 16, 2024. The adopting ordinances will be in full effect December 27, 2024. A copy of the updated Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations are on the right-hand side of the page under "Periodic Update Adopted Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations". The new code will be published online at Auburn City Code in the coming months.

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) - October 18, 2024

The City of Auburn is issuing its Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This notice of availability is provided in accordance with WAC 197-11-460. Appeals shall be commenced in accordance with ACC 16.06.220 “Environmental appeals”, ACC 16.06.230 “Time limitation on appeals”, and ACC 16.06.240 “Fee to accompany notice of appeal”. The city will not take action on the proposal for 7 days following this notice. The FEIS can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website.

Adoption of Existing Document - October 18, 2024

Adoption of the FEIS for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. This adoption uses the existing FEIS to meet SEPA non-project action responsibilities required for the adoption of the development regulation update (text amendment). The purpose of the development regulation is to implement the goals, policies, and strategies identified in the draft Periodic Comprehensive Plan Elements, including concepts as middle housing, accessory dwelling units, and unit lot subdivisions. The Notice of Adoption can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website. The draft regulations can be accessed in the Planning Commission Meeting 13: October 23, 2024 Special Meeting Agenda.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) - June 6, 2024

The City of Auburn is issuing its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a 30-day public comment period (WAC 197-11-455) beginning May 20, 2024. Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. PST on June 19th, 2024. The public mat attend an in-person public meeting scheduled for June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. PST in City Council Chambers or virtually on June 6, 2024 at 6 p.m. For information on the application and instructions on how to participate and provide comment please visit HERE. The DEIS and Notice of Availability can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website. The June 6, 2024 DEIS Meeting presentation can be found HERE.

Climate Element Framework Available - November 29, 2023

As part of the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan, the City of Auburn will be incorporating the city's first Climate Element. In May 2023, The Washington State Legislature passed HB 1181 which requires cities to plan for climate change in comprehensive plans through adoption of a Climate Element and Transportation Element by 2029. To begin building a foundation for future climate planning, contracted with Cascadia Consulting to develop a Climate Element Framework which provides recommendations on information to include in our Climate Element as well as address future state requirements.

The Climate Element Framework is available to view under the "2023 Planning Commission Presentations" widget to the right of this page. The draft Climate Element, in addition to other Comprehensive Plan Elements, are scheduled to be out for public review in Q1/Q2 2024.

Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Scoping Notice Available - October 23, 2023

Invitation to Comment and Notice for the 2024 Auburn Comprehensive Plan. Scoping Period October 23, 2023 to November 13, 2023 for the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update. The proposal is a non-project action to update the Comprehensive Plan per state requirements. The previous Periodic Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2015 and has provided the framework for development of the city for the past 8-years. The revised 2024 Comprehensive Plan is envisioned to supplement the existing plan by providing a refreshed perspective of the land use, development, and transportation options serving the city while complying with state, regional, and county requirements.

More information on this Scoping Notice can be found here: https://www.auburnwa.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=11470638&pageId=19873246


Comprehensive Plan Public Open House - April 25, 2023

Staff will be at Washington Elementary gymnasium (20 E St NE) on April 25th from 4-7 PM presenting on the Comprehensive Plan, talking with residents on topics such as the vision for the city, plan goals, land use and housing, and other information. The community can drop-in at any point between 4-7 pm to learn more about the project and provide interactive feedback. This meeting is open to any and all who wish to attend. The community can drop-in at any point between 4-7 pm to learn more about the project and provide interactive feedback. For more information or questions, please contact Planning Services at planning@auburnwa.gov.


Planning Commission Public Meetings and Public Hearings

The City of Auburn will be holding a series of Public Meeting presentations and Public Hearings to discuss the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update. These Planning Commission meetings are held on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm. The public meetings and hearings are expected to continue through October 2024. The presentations and hearings are open to the public and will be held in-person in the City Council Chambers, 25 W Main St., Auburn, WA, 98001. Each meeting generally consists of a Staff presentation on a specific Comprehensive Plan Element(s) or Plan, a Public Hearing on an Element(s) or Plan, and Planning Commission deliberation and action on an Element(s) or Plan.

The currently scheduled Public Meeting and Public Hearing dates are listed below:

Specific dates for each Element presentation, public hearing, and deliberation and action are subject to change. Any such change will be posted at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled meeting and can be found on this project website and here: https://www.auburnwa.gov/landuse.

A Notice of Public Hearing, which contains information on how to participate in these meetings can be found in the Public Hearing Notices and Public Comments section to the right of this page. Public Comments can be submitted by emailing them to planning@auburnwa.gov or by attending the appropriate Public Hearing date. Please notify Planning Services Dept. prior to the meeting to provide comment virtually.

Agenda Packets containing meeting materials for each meeting are linked below. Packets include staff presentations, draft document updates, draft maps, and other relevant information being presented at the meeting.



2024-2044 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update Overview

The Growth Management Act requires that each city and county in Washington state conduct a periodic update of its comprehensive plan and development regulations per, RCW 36.70A.130 every eight (8) years. The City’s previous plan was substantially revised in December 2015, and Community Development is beginning the process of leading the periodic Comprehensive Plan update, which is currently due in June 2024. The Comprehensive Plan is a "long-range" 20-year plan that provides direction on how and where the city will grow through 2044. The City's is required to accommodate specific growth targets provided by regional and state authorities in the plan.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan must be consistent with recently adopted regional documents such as as Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050, King County Urban Growth Capacity Report, King and Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies. In addition, the Plan must address any state requirements adopted since the previous periodic plan that has not yet been addressed during the yearly annual comprehensive plan amendment process.

Concurrent with this process, Community Development staff is leading two other projects: the Auburn Downtown Plan & Planned Action project and Housing Action Plan (HAP) Implementation project, which will provide additional analysis to be included in the comprehensive plan.

What is the Timeline for the Comprehensive Plan Update?

In 2022-2024, the City is conducting a major update of the Comprehensive Plan, which is required to be adopted by December 2024. The City will be conducting community engagement throughout the update entire update process. A draft project timeline which covers anticipated efforts through 2024 can be seen below, and will be refined as the project progresses. Dates are subject to change - please see table above for the most up-to-date meeting dates and subjects.


Current Comprehensive Plan Elements

The Comprehensive Plan consists of "Elements", which are similar to chapters in a book. City departments are responsible for updating each of their own respective Elements (Transportation, Parks, Utilities, Housing, etc.), which are then combined into one cohesive document for adoption near the end of the project. Throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update process, data, plans, and other information are shared among the departments to ensure consistency across all of the Elements. In addition, the Comprehensive Planning team will look for opportunities to coordinate on public outreach opportunities to ensure the community is able to be informed, and heard, throughout the process. You can view the current Comprehensive Plan elements here.

  • Core Comprehensive Plan (Executive Summary)
  • Land Use Element
  • Housing Element
  • Capital Facilities Element (includes water, sewer, and stormwater plans)
  • Utilities Element
  • Transportation Element - visit: www.auburnwa.gov/ctp
  • Economic Development Element
  • Parks and Recreation Element/Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan Update - visit: www.auburnwa.gov/PROS
  • Historic Preservation Element
  • Climate Element


Comprehensive Plan News and Updates:

Adoption of Periodic Comprehensive Plan update & Develpment Regulations (Ordinance Nos. 6960 & 6959) - December 16, 2024

The City of Auburn adopted its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations related to the Growth Management Act (Act) Periodic update on December 16, 2024. The adopting ordinances will be in full effect December 27, 2024. A copy of the updated Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations are on the right-hand side of the page under "Periodic Update Adopted Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations". The new code will be published online at Auburn City Code in the coming months.

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) - October 18, 2024

The City of Auburn is issuing its Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This notice of availability is provided in accordance with WAC 197-11-460. Appeals shall be commenced in accordance with ACC 16.06.220 “Environmental appeals”, ACC 16.06.230 “Time limitation on appeals”, and ACC 16.06.240 “Fee to accompany notice of appeal”. The city will not take action on the proposal for 7 days following this notice. The FEIS can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website.

Adoption of Existing Document - October 18, 2024

Adoption of the FEIS for the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. This adoption uses the existing FEIS to meet SEPA non-project action responsibilities required for the adoption of the development regulation update (text amendment). The purpose of the development regulation is to implement the goals, policies, and strategies identified in the draft Periodic Comprehensive Plan Elements, including concepts as middle housing, accessory dwelling units, and unit lot subdivisions. The Notice of Adoption can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website. The draft regulations can be accessed in the Planning Commission Meeting 13: October 23, 2024 Special Meeting Agenda.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) - June 6, 2024

The City of Auburn is issuing its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a 30-day public comment period (WAC 197-11-455) beginning May 20, 2024. Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. PST on June 19th, 2024. The public mat attend an in-person public meeting scheduled for June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. PST in City Council Chambers or virtually on June 6, 2024 at 6 p.m. For information on the application and instructions on how to participate and provide comment please visit HERE. The DEIS and Notice of Availability can be accessed under "Project Documents" on this website. The June 6, 2024 DEIS Meeting presentation can be found HERE.

Climate Element Framework Available - November 29, 2023

As part of the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan, the City of Auburn will be incorporating the city's first Climate Element. In May 2023, The Washington State Legislature passed HB 1181 which requires cities to plan for climate change in comprehensive plans through adoption of a Climate Element and Transportation Element by 2029. To begin building a foundation for future climate planning, contracted with Cascadia Consulting to develop a Climate Element Framework which provides recommendations on information to include in our Climate Element as well as address future state requirements.

The Climate Element Framework is available to view under the "2023 Planning Commission Presentations" widget to the right of this page. The draft Climate Element, in addition to other Comprehensive Plan Elements, are scheduled to be out for public review in Q1/Q2 2024.

Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Scoping Notice Available - October 23, 2023

Invitation to Comment and Notice for the 2024 Auburn Comprehensive Plan. Scoping Period October 23, 2023 to November 13, 2023 for the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update. The proposal is a non-project action to update the Comprehensive Plan per state requirements. The previous Periodic Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2015 and has provided the framework for development of the city for the past 8-years. The revised 2024 Comprehensive Plan is envisioned to supplement the existing plan by providing a refreshed perspective of the land use, development, and transportation options serving the city while complying with state, regional, and county requirements.

More information on this Scoping Notice can be found here: https://www.auburnwa.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=11470638&pageId=19873246


Comprehensive Plan Public Open House - April 25, 2023

Staff will be at Washington Elementary gymnasium (20 E St NE) on April 25th from 4-7 PM presenting on the Comprehensive Plan, talking with residents on topics such as the vision for the city, plan goals, land use and housing, and other information. The community can drop-in at any point between 4-7 pm to learn more about the project and provide interactive feedback. This meeting is open to any and all who wish to attend. The community can drop-in at any point between 4-7 pm to learn more about the project and provide interactive feedback. For more information or questions, please contact Planning Services at planning@auburnwa.gov.


Planning Commission Public Meetings and Public Hearings

The City of Auburn will be holding a series of Public Meeting presentations and Public Hearings to discuss the 2024 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update. These Planning Commission meetings are held on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm. The public meetings and hearings are expected to continue through October 2024. The presentations and hearings are open to the public and will be held in-person in the City Council Chambers, 25 W Main St., Auburn, WA, 98001. Each meeting generally consists of a Staff presentation on a specific Comprehensive Plan Element(s) or Plan, a Public Hearing on an Element(s) or Plan, and Planning Commission deliberation and action on an Element(s) or Plan.

The currently scheduled Public Meeting and Public Hearing dates are listed below:

Specific dates for each Element presentation, public hearing, and deliberation and action are subject to change. Any such change will be posted at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled meeting and can be found on this project website and here: https://www.auburnwa.gov/landuse.

A Notice of Public Hearing, which contains information on how to participate in these meetings can be found in the Public Hearing Notices and Public Comments section to the right of this page. Public Comments can be submitted by emailing them to planning@auburnwa.gov or by attending the appropriate Public Hearing date. Please notify Planning Services Dept. prior to the meeting to provide comment virtually.

Agenda Packets containing meeting materials for each meeting are linked below. Packets include staff presentations, draft document updates, draft maps, and other relevant information being presented at the meeting.



2024-2044 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update Overview

The Growth Management Act requires that each city and county in Washington state conduct a periodic update of its comprehensive plan and development regulations per, RCW 36.70A.130 every eight (8) years. The City’s previous plan was substantially revised in December 2015, and Community Development is beginning the process of leading the periodic Comprehensive Plan update, which is currently due in June 2024. The Comprehensive Plan is a "long-range" 20-year plan that provides direction on how and where the city will grow through 2044. The City's is required to accommodate specific growth targets provided by regional and state authorities in the plan.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan must be consistent with recently adopted regional documents such as as Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050, King County Urban Growth Capacity Report, King and Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies. In addition, the Plan must address any state requirements adopted since the previous periodic plan that has not yet been addressed during the yearly annual comprehensive plan amendment process.

Concurrent with this process, Community Development staff is leading two other projects: the Auburn Downtown Plan & Planned Action project and Housing Action Plan (HAP) Implementation project, which will provide additional analysis to be included in the comprehensive plan.

What is the Timeline for the Comprehensive Plan Update?

In 2022-2024, the City is conducting a major update of the Comprehensive Plan, which is required to be adopted by December 2024. The City will be conducting community engagement throughout the update entire update process. A draft project timeline which covers anticipated efforts through 2024 can be seen below, and will be refined as the project progresses. Dates are subject to change - please see table above for the most up-to-date meeting dates and subjects.


Current Comprehensive Plan Elements

The Comprehensive Plan consists of "Elements", which are similar to chapters in a book. City departments are responsible for updating each of their own respective Elements (Transportation, Parks, Utilities, Housing, etc.), which are then combined into one cohesive document for adoption near the end of the project. Throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update process, data, plans, and other information are shared among the departments to ensure consistency across all of the Elements. In addition, the Comprehensive Planning team will look for opportunities to coordinate on public outreach opportunities to ensure the community is able to be informed, and heard, throughout the process. You can view the current Comprehensive Plan elements here.

  • Core Comprehensive Plan (Executive Summary)
  • Land Use Element
  • Housing Element
  • Capital Facilities Element (includes water, sewer, and stormwater plans)
  • Utilities Element
  • Transportation Element - visit: www.auburnwa.gov/ctp
  • Economic Development Element
  • Parks and Recreation Element/Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan Update - visit: www.auburnwa.gov/PROS
  • Historic Preservation Element
  • Climate Element


Page last updated: 20 Dec 2024, 09:48 AM