Burien residents are concerned about citywide zoning that may shift neighborhoods into high-density residential zones. Here is more info from the City of Burien.
This project brings us into compliance with state law in a way that reflects Burien’s unique needs as discovered during the two years of community, commission, and council feedback that shaped our 20-year Comprehensive Plan. (Housing Code & Zoning Map FAQs)
This proposal, carefully crafted over several months by staff and Planning Commission members, does not mandate anyone to change anything about their property. It does expand options for Burien property owners, options which must comply with applicable codes such as those protecting our trees and environmentally sensitive areas.
Read some frequently asked questions about this project:
How do I learn more about the Housing Code and Zoning Map amendments proposal?
Visit burienwa.gov/HousingCode to for more details, including a summary of proposed code amendments reflecting the Planning Commission recommendation. You can also attend the June 16 Burien City Council meeting to listen to a staff presentation.
Why are we doing this now?
There are two main reasons the City is proposing changes to the zoning map and development regulations by the end of June. Firstly, to implement the recently adopted Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for how the city will grow over the next 20 years. To support current residents and businesses and future growth, the Plan documents the vision for the future and provides goals, policies, and actions to realize that vision. See the Housing Chapter to learn more about the adopted policy direction regarding housing in Burien. Second to comply with state law. In 2023, Washington State passed House Bill 1110 (HB 1110) to address the state’s housing crisis by removing barriers and promoting the construction of “middle housing” in areas traditionally zoned for single-family housing. HB 1110 aims to increase housing supply, affordability, and density across the state while fostering more inclusive communities.
What are the existing regulations and how are they proposed to change?
Minimum Lot size: Burien’s existing single family residential zoning districts allow for minimum lot sizes of between 7,200 to 12,000 square feet.
| Zone | Minimum Lot Size |
| R-1 | 6,000 square feet |
| R-2 | 5,000 square feet |
| R-3 | 3,500 square feet |
The proposal recommends reduction in the minimum lot size to make infill development easier, promote homeownership opportunities, and provide more flexibility to existing and future property owners in Burien. It is important to note that the minimum lot size sets the floor to what is allowed, and just like there are many residentially developed lots in Burien exceeding the minimum lot size today, there is no proposed maximum lot size and property owners are only required to meet or exceed the minimum lot size.
Unit type: In Burien’s existing single family residential zoning districts, single family units and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are the only housing types allowed. The proposed Housing Code and Zoning Map amendments recommend middle housing including duplex, triplex, fourplex, fiveplex, townhouse, courtyard apartment, cottage housing, and stacked flats. It is important to note that no middle housing structure can exceed five attached units and not all future middle housing proposals will be feasible on lots that meet the minimum lot size.
Number of units: Burien has been a proponent of thoughtful development for many years with a goal of promoting housing choice and availability. Current development regulations allow for three housing units on every lot zoned for single family residences, including one primary single family unit, one attached ADU and one detached ADU.** The new regulations propose allowing for up to the following outright:
| R-1 | 3 units (** Total may be higher) |
| R-2 | 4 units (** Total may be higher) |
| R-3 | 4 units (** Total may be higher) |
Additional unit(s) may be allowed** when located within one quarter of a mile of a frequent transit stop or when income-restricted affordability requirements are satisfied. Only in R-2 and R-3 an additional unit is offered on lots that preserve an existing home.
How will open space be preserved?
Currently, there are limitations to where on a single family residentially zoned lot development may occur, for example, outside of required yard setbacks and may not exceed a maximum impervious surface coverage percentage. The proposed amendments retain these standards with minor modifications and introduces minimum open space requirements per unit on each lot.
How will middle housing impact critical areas and trees?
All development in the city must comply with the city’s adopted Critical Areas Ordinance in Chapter 19.40 of the Burien Municipal Code (BMC), the Shoreline Master Plan, BMC Title 20, and the Tree Retention regulations, BMC Chapter 19.26. Any calculations for the number of allowed units will be limited by onsite critical areas and/or proximity to any shoreline. The application of these codes will inform what is feasible on any given development site, including how many units are feasible. Nothing in this proposal removes the applicability of any of these codes protecting the environmental health and quality of Burien.
Burien’s commitment to preserving and expanding the urban tree canopy throughout the city are reflected by tree retention regulations that were adopted by the City Council in 2022. The existing code includes some of the most restrictive regulations for tree retention in South King County and will continue to be applied to new building permit applications.
What does this mean for my lot?
If you own a lot proposed to be zoned R-1 through R-3, housing options for your property will be expanded. You will have the ability to create different types of housing units on your lot and may be able to subdivide your property to provide more ownership and sale opportunities. If you prefer to keep your property as-is that is also allowed under the proposed regulations. There is nothing in the proposal that would require someone to change their property.
About Housing Code and Map Amendment
We are writing the next chapter of housing in Burien! By June 2025, the Burien City Council is scheduled adopt changes to the Burien Municipal Code and update the official zoning map of the City that aims to expand the number and type of housing units permitted and encourage housing development in residential areas across the city. The Housing Code and Map Amendment project is an essential step to implementing the housing goals and land use plan of the Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan. These amendments focus on achieving equitable housing growth, mitigating displacement, removing impediments to development, and meeting state legislative requirements.
About the Comprehensive Plan
The City of Burien is embarking on a major update to its Comprehensive Plan. This effort will help Burien plan and build for the next few decades. Planning for this growth helps us build a City with an equitable, sustainable, and healthy future. The Comprehensive Plan covers many topics including land use and zoning, economic development, public services, environmental protection, and infrastructure, meeting the community’s needs and reflecting the community’s vision.
About Shape Your City
The City of Burien worked with the community to re-imagine the long-term future of our city through a coordinated planning effort combining major updates to the Comprehensive Plan, a new Transportation Master Plan, an update to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, and new Economic Development Action Plan.
Project Contact
Email: planning@burienwa.gov
One Response
Who from the city of Burien worked with my community/neighbood on proposed zoning changes in my community/neighborhood, and who did they work with from my community?