City of Burien targets homelessness with new ‘STEP’ Housing Initiative; holding Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 25

The City of Burien is revising its housing regulations in an effort to better accommodate individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and they’re holding an Open house on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

The proposed changes – known as “STEP” housing, with the acronym based on the words Shelters, Transitional Housing, Emergency Housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing.

Due to recent changes in state law, the City is required to update the Burien Municipal Code to expand housing types and ensure there is adequate capacity to accommodate the City’s share of need by 2044. 

The City of Burien’s projected housing needs for 2019-2044 as ratified by the King County Countywide Planning Policies is 7,500 total net new housing units. These housing units are broken down by affordability level. As illustrated in the bar graph below, Burien needs 1,433 emergency beds and 759 units of permanent supportive housing units by 2044. 

Open House will be Wednesday, Sept. 25

The City will be holding an Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. at Burien City Hall to gather feedback from the public.

The following Planning Commission meeting will offer insights from developers and housing operators who work within Burien.

“STEP housing is an essential part of our commitment to providing safe, accessible, and supportive housing options for all residents,” the city said in a statement.

Key Dates and Timeline

The city has outlined several upcoming opportunities for community members to engage in the regulatory process:

• August-September 2024: The city is engaging with stakeholders and conducting community outreach.
• Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024: An Open House will be held to provide details about the proposed regulations, followed by a Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. featuring a panel discussion with STEP housing developers and operators.
• October 2024: A review of the draft regulations will take place, including further public engagement.
• November 2024: The Burien City Council is expected to adopt the final regulations.

The city is inviting residents to attend the Open House on September 25 at 4:30 p.m., where City staff will be available to provide more information on STEP housing.

The initiative is part of Burien’s broader effort to increase affordable housing options while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive necessary services. Public participation is encouraged, as input from the community will shape the final regulations.

For more details about STEP housing and the city’s housing policy updates, visit:

burienwa.gov/step

Here’s more from the city:

Get Involved

“We encourage you to share your ideas on housing solutions and your thoughts on how Burien should regulate them,” the city said.

• Mark your calendars for one of their upcoming events.
• Send an email if you have questions or comments.

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Upcoming Events

• WHAT: STEP Community Open House and Panel Discussion at Planning Commission Meeting 
• WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024: 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Burien City Hall Council Chambers

Project Contact

• Chaney Skadsen, Senior Planner, planning@burienwa.gov, (206) 507-1970

Background Information

The STEP Housing Code amendments will: 

• Comply with the State’s Growth Management Act and regional planning requirements. 
• Define and regulate new housing types in the Burien Municipal Code designed to meet the needs of those experiencing or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
• Provide sufficient capacity to accommodate 759 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units and 1,433 emergency beds by 2044. 

Washington State passed House Bill 1220 (HB 1220) in 2021, amending the Growth Management Act and municipal code requirements (RCW 36.70A.070(2), RCW 35A.21.430 and RCW 35.21.683). The law requires local governments to plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all income levels by 2044. For more information and resources, the Washington State Department of Commerce has prepared the following STEP Housing informational handouts.  

• STEP 101 Fact Sheet
• STEP FAQ

The amendments to the Burien Municipal Code will address four new housing types. These housing types include indoor emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing, which together are commonly referred to as STEP Housing. Emergency shelter and emergency housing are required to be allowed in areas where hotels or motels are permitted, and permanent supportive housing and transitional housing must be allowed in any zones where residential dwellings and hotels are allowed.  

“Compliance with HB 1220 is not just a legal obligation—it’s an opportunity to address a gap in housing types necessary to create a safer and more supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness. While the City must meet state requirements, we are also exploring additional housing solutions that best serve our community and are interested in your ideas.”