Council briefed on repeal of local eviction‑basis code to align with state law (ordinance 6966)

Senior staff attorney Taryn Jones briefed the Auburn City Council study session on draft ordinance 6966, which would repeal Auburn Municipal Code section 523‑070 (adopted in 2020) relating to the bases for eviction, to conform city code with state law after a court review identified a tension between them.

Jones told the council that eviction regulation is heavily governed by state law and that the 2020 city code largely mirrored state law at the time. She said a court examined the city provision and found “some tension between state law and city code.” Jones said repealing the city section would not remove protections found in state law, adding that repeal “brings us into compliance with state law” and directs residents to consult state eviction bases rather than the city code for up‑to‑date legal standards.

Council members asked whether landlords or tenants would be notified of the repeal and where either party should look for guidance. Jones said the state code is the primary resource and that other resources — for example the King County Housing Project — can help both residents and landlords navigate rights and timelines; she said the city does not typically send direct notices when this type of repeal occurs because the change will proceed through the public code adoption process.

No formal council vote occurred at the study session; Jones framed the repeal as a legal housekeeping action prompted by a court decision and offered to answer questions in subsequent proceedings.