[UPDATED. Original posting date Aug 14, 2025.]
Burien residents invited August 19 to learn and speak on 2026 Comprehensive Plan changes affecting growth in critical, shoreline areas.
Burien residents have raised thoughtful concerns about how the city’s comprehensive plan and recent zoning changes could affect environmentally sensitive places, including critical areas and our shoreline neighborhoods. If you care about how growth is directed, what gets built where, and how the public is notified and heard, this workshop is for you.
Event details
Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Public Workshop
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Burien City Hall Council Chambers, 400 SW 152nd St
On June 30, the Burien City Council adopted Ordinance 868 (Housing Code and Zoning Map Amendments), which updated parts of the housing code and zoning map. At the same time, the Council asked staff to strengthen how the City informs the public about the annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment process for 2026. The Community Development Department is now inviting residents to a focused, one-hour workshop to explain how the amendment process works and how you can participate effectively.
Shoreline Master Plan Appendices, Data Reports
To see what is permitted and not permitted on Burien shorelines regarding commercial development, look up Chapter 4 of Burien’s Shoreline Master Plan.
If you want to learn the best available science about the Burien shoreline, review SMP Appendices 5A-G in the following PDF.
City of Burien Comprehensive Plan 2013 Maps (including Critical Areas and Shoreline):
Why your voice matters
- Many areas identified for future growth overlap with environmentally delicate places. Good planning requires local knowledge and careful tradeoffs.
- Early input often shapes which proposals advance. Showing up now gives you more influence than commenting at the end.
- The City is evaluating ways to improve public notice and transparency. Your feedback can make these improvements stronger and more accessible.
What you’ll learn
- The step-by-step timeline for 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendment applications
- What materials applicants must submit and how proposals are evaluated
- How and when residents can comment, track proposals, and stay informed
Bring your questions
Consider asking about environmental review, stormwater and shoreline protections, infrastructure capacity, neighborhood compatibility, and how public notice will reach affected residents early and clearly.
Whether you are a homeowner, renter, business owner, or environmental advocate, your perspective is essential. Come learn the rules of the process, share what you see on the ground, and help Burien plan growth that protects our critical and shoreline areas while meeting community needs. See you on August 19.
