Burien Council Approves Controversial High-Density Zoning

Burien’s Council approved high-density zoning in shoreline areas, sparking resident outrage over environmental risks, legal concerns, and equity claims—while rushing to meet a looming state housing deadline.

Housing Code & Zoning Map Amendments (Ordinance 868)

The Burien City Council met in front of a packed room on June 30 to make its final decision on whether to pass high-density zoning in several critical area shoreline neighborhoods. Much to the dismay of most attendees, the council voted to approve the controversial zoning.

Between concerned Burien residents with a keen awareness of the environmental peril, and a new state law (HB1110) that aims to create new housing by increasing density in residential neighborhoods, the council was squeezed to make a decision. The state deadline to align zoning with the 2044 Comp Plan was June 30.

By the end of the exhausting session, the “equity-heavy” Residential Zoning Ordinance 868 had passed 6-1. Councilmember Stephanie Mora was the lone dissenting vote.

Public Comment

Over 20 people testified on the zoning proposal—some in opposition, others in favor. A few voters also took the opportunity to note concerns about the vague language in the proposed Public Safety Levy Lift.

Residents opposed to the upzoning cited critical shoreline protections, runoff, congestion, infrastructure limitations, and potential legal conflicts. One particularly ticked Three Tree Point homeowner said he was shocked to learn his property had been zoned for high-density development without his knowledge or notification back in 2024, when his parcel was apparently under consideration.

Another resident delivered a petition with 80 signatures opposing the new zoning.

In contrast, many of the speakers in favor of the zoning used their time to lob insults at people who questioned the zoning map, referring to them as “privileged voices who promote modern segregation,” “the incumbents,” “NIMBYs,” and more.

To her credit, Councilmember Alex Andrade later suggested that attendees refrain from hurling insults at fellow residents during public comment.

One resident pointed out that the 2044 Comprehensive Plan and the Burien Housing and Zoning 2025 document contain language that is inconsistent with the Shoreline Master Plan (SMP), which violates Washington State law. She stated, “The City has the obligation to immediately correct the 2044 Comp Plan and Burien Housing and Zoning 2025 documents. This will require amendments to both plans.” She also criticized the poor readability of the maps provided by the city’s contractor, Makers, and urged the City not to use their services again.

Residents we spoke to are baffled why planners didn’t simply open the entire shoreline to high-density, especially if the city’s prime directive is “equity.” 

From the Council…

Councilmember Mora led the charge on behalf of concerned residents, particularly those in environmentally sensitive neighborhoods such as Three Tree Point, Seahurst, and Lake Burien. The meeting included several breaks as the council weighed the legalities of postponing the zoning vote, seeking an emergency exemption, or making last-minute changes to the Comprehensive Plan.

In an attempt to appease the visibly angry crowd, the council proposed and passed two conciliatory actions:

• First, they acknowledged communication failures and promised immediate outreach to the affected neighborhoods.
• Second, at Mora’s urging, the council agreed to initiate Comprehensive Plan amendments in July rather than waiting until September. The legal department confirmed this option, and the item will be reopened at the first meeting in July.

Throughout the meeting, several council members assured attendees that their voices had been heard and that the council was also striving to uphold the law and act in the city’s best interest.

Zoning Requirements

According to regional housing requirements, the city of Burien is required to show capacity for 7500 new residential housing units by 2044. Unfortunately, City planning staff have yet to successfully explain to concerned residents why the planning commission’s proposal exceeds the requirement by at least 4000 units, including high-density zoning of 55 parcels on Three Tree Point and more around Lake Burien. 

The planning team conceded that many of the R-3 (high-density zoned) parcels will not pass the development permitting process, which makes neighbors question the zoning intent even more.

Public Safety Levy Lift

The final segment of the extended meeting focused on the proposed Public Safety Levy Lift, slated for the November 2025 ballot.

The measure outlines three priorities: 

• expanding the local police force
• funding co-response teams, and 
• adding lighting and sidewalks for public safety 
  

If approved by Burien voters, the levy would increase public safety revenue to help the city keep up with increasing expenses. The average household would see a tax increase of approximately $39.50 monthly, or $474 annually.

Following some debate, the levy proposal was added to the July 14 consent agenda in a 5-2 vote. [edited to correct vote]

Masked, Armed, Unidentified Law Enforcement in Burien

During council reports, Councilmember Hugo Garcia reported on community concerns about unidentified, armed, and masked law enforcement officers seen at a local business. With fears swirling about immigration enforcement and ICE activity, Garcia proposed drafting a city ordinance to establish rules that could help de-escalate public anxiety. The city manager responded by suggesting a separate meeting with law enforcement to explore possible actions.

Is DESC a Good Neighbor?

In closing, Councilmember Jimmy Matta asked the city to invite DESC-Burien leaders to provide the council with an update on how the organization is fulfilling its promise to be “Good Neighbors” in the community. Matta cited observable activity outside the building as the reason behind his request.

DESC houses 95 formerly homeless individuals, and is approaching its one-year anniversary in Burien.

Next Council Meeting

The next Council meeting is set for Monday, July 14, 2025.

LINK TO June 30 MEETING VIDEO HERE. (PART 1)

LINK TO June 30 MEETING VIDEO HERE. (PART 2)