Auburn's Business Incentives at a Glance

• One-Stop Permit Center: Our team works with your timeline from your first interaction, aiming for project completion as soon as possible. Our Early Site Review and Pre-Application meetings streamline the approval process, minimizing costly errors. Over the past three years, 51% have been approved after the first review. Most approved within 46 days or fewer!
• Comprehensive Environmental Impact Review: Auburn's Urban Core has completed an Environmental Impact Review, which significantly reduces project approval timelines by only requiring compliance checks.

• Multi-Family Tax Exemption: Get 8-year tax exemptions on new or rehabilitated multi-family housing units in downtown Auburn or extend it to 12 years for affordable housing units.
• Impact and System Development Fee Deferral: Defer fees until project occupancy, easing financial burdens during construction.
• Construction Sales Tax Refund: In specific land use zones, you can receive refunds on sales tax for construction materials and services, up to $100,000 or 20% of the tax paid.

• Downtown Zoning & Design Standards: Auburn's streamlined DUC Zoning and Design Standards support smooth project planning with no Design Review Board required.
• Store Front Improvement and Art Programs: Enhance your storefront with city-funded facade improvements or partner with local artists to create visual appeal in vacant retail spaces.

• System Development Charges (SDC) and Utility Adjustments: Customize water service and meter sizes to save on upfront SDCs and ongoing utility costs.
• Stormwater Discharge Reductions: Use eco-friendly, low-impact development techniques to reduce stormwater costs, preserve green space, and enhance the development's aesthetics.

• Training Programs: Our team connects you with tailored workforce training and business development programs.
• Business Introductions: We facilitate connections with Auburn's extensive network—from material suppliers to educational institutions—to support your business's unique needs.
• Networking Events: Connect with business owners and operators at monthly events hosted by two of our Auburn-based non-profits, Business Connect and Mix n Mingle. 

The objective of the City of Auburn Lodging Tax Advisory Committee process is to support projects, which encourage eligible tourism and cultural activities and support tourism facilities in Auburn. The process is reviewed annually and the guidelines are updated in accordance with reported success of existing programs, potential for new programs, and changes in state law. A calendar for the application process will be established but will allow for emerging opportunities as they arise. 

Download the application here.