A controversial zoning overhaul that could reshape some of Burien’s most established neighborhoods is set for a vote by the Burien City Council on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The proposal, part of the city’s 2044 Comprehensive Plan Housing Zoning Addendum, aims to increase residential density in compliance with state law — but not without some recent public pushback.
The city says the changes are designed to “implement the recently adopted Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan” and meet the requirements of House Bill 1110, a 2023 Washington law mandating that cities allow “middle housing” types, like duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard apartments, in formerly single-family-only zones.
“The goal is to plan for future growth while expanding housing options and complying with state law,” reads the city’s official FAQ web page.
Burien Residents’ Concerns
But some Burien residents, particularly those in neighborhoods like Seahurst, Lake Burien, Three Tree Point, Lake Burien Park, and Hurstwood, say the changes would significantly alter the character of their communities. Flyers circulated by residents warn of potential high-density developments in areas that have historically been single-family neighborhoods.
Under the proposed changes:
- R3 lots could allow up to seven units on 3,500-square-foot parcels.
- R2 lots could permit six units on 5,000-square-foot parcels.
- R1 waterfront lots could support up to three units on 6,000-square-foot parcels.
“I just became aware of this recently, and I don’t think the city has done a good job making sure its citizens are informed of this impending major change,” wrote one Seahurst resident named Susan in a flyer shared with The B-Town Blog last week:
One example offered by residents shows how eight existing homes on 21st Ave SW—currently zoned R1 or R2 — could be redeveloped into at least 90 units.
However, the city’s official FAQ does not confirm these specific unit counts or list which neighborhoods would be affected. Instead, it offers broad summaries of zoning types and states that detailed maps and policies are part of a comprehensive planning process currently underway.
“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,” the city said. “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.”
Timing and Transparency
Some flyers had originally stated that the City Council would vote on the proposal at its June 2 meeting. However, the City of Burien clarified in its June 2 agenda packet that the actual vote is scheduled for the June 16, 2025 meeting.
“There is no discussion on this topic during Monday’s (June 2) meeting,” Councilmember Sarah Moore wrote in her June 1 newsletter. “I’m hoping to base our decision on what is good for the entire city, so I encourage you all to bring your thoughts and concerns to our attention in the next couple weeks.”
Critics have questioned the city’s outreach efforts, while city officials maintain they are following all public engagement protocols, including open houses, public comment periods, and online updates.
Public records show that the city is seeking to strike a balance between preserving neighborhood character and complying with state mandates to allow more housing types.
Residents are encouraged to attend the June 16 council meeting, review the city’s zoning update FAQ at connect.burienwa.gov, and submit feedback to:
A group of residents organizing opposition to the changes can be contacted at upalsea@gmail.com.
There are still unresolved issues outside of the wealthier areas as well. This affects neighboorhoods West of the Ambaum corridor too. Rezoning will negatively impact those areas with the height and extended mixed use allowances, as well as increased property taxes that will be in effect before anything is built. Simply saying “it will need to maintain the character of the neighboorhood” is not an acceptable answer.
People should take note of the very solid op-ed in today’s Seattle Times calling for elimination of the MFTE as well. It has shown to be a failure for everyone except the developers.
With the Buriens’ existing density, combined with the new allowance for ADU and DADU for every lot, we will meet the state required housing levels as is. There is no need for the hyper density being proposed by the activist Planning Department. These Burien staffers do not even live in the city. Should we update zoning ? Yes. Should we create the ability for smaller lot sizes, townhomes etc? yes. Should we devastate our neighborhoods with existing dense tree canopies and shore lines ? NO. So the planning department should model “up zoning” with the proposed levels: R1 remaining at the existing 6,000, R2 5,000 and R3 at 5,000 with options for additional housing units, and for neighborhood stores WITH PARKING. The bulk of the zoning should be R1 and R2 with R3 used in limited highly analyzed locations. This will provide the housing required without gutting our city. The city had an earlier version that was much more reasonable and then the planning department all fo a sudden did a major pivot to this extreme model.
Neighbors,
I am grateful to the B Town Blog for giving me the opportunity to correct an error I made in preparing a flier recently reprinted in the Blog.
My intention in preparing the flier was to help make people aware, and better able to participate, in the upcoming City Council neighborhood rezoning discussion. In doing so I made an error in stating that in an example neighborhood a minimum of 90 new units would be allowed. The correct theoretical minimum number of new units allowed is 60. Although I was able to correct most of the fliers distributed, clearly the one included in the blog contains the mistake.
It continues to be my goal that all of us living in Burien will give some thought to what appropriate rezoning would look like, and I encourage you all to make your thoughts known to the Council. I hope that the math error included in some of my fliers does not serve as a temptation to dismiss the sincerity or validity of my effort to inform our neighbors about this important issue.
I’m encouraged to see that the Council’s final decision on this issue has been postponed until later this month, giving us more opportunity to let our opinions known.