Burien planning commission backs zoning and housing-code changes with tweaks on lot size, setbacks and neighborhood rules

The Burien Planning Commission voted May 20 to recommend the City Council approve proposed amendments to Title 19 of the Burien Municipal Code and a citywide rezoning that would replace existing single-family zones with three new residential zones and allow “middle housing” types and limited neighborhood commercial uses.

The changes, presented by senior planner Chaney Skatzin, would implement the city’s comprehensive plan and new state requirements for middle housing. “We are writing the next chapter of Housing in Burien,” Skatzin told the commission as she summarized the proposal’s goals and the state statutes shaping some provisions.

Under the draft code, R1, R2 and R3 would vary by minimum lot size, front-yard setback and the baseline number of dwelling units allowed. R1 would preserve the largest lot sizes and remain closest to existing single-family rules; R2 would reduce minimum lot sizes and allow more units; and R3 would allow the smallest lots and the greatest baseline unit counts, with bonuses available for proximity to qualifying transit stops or for permanent affordability. Skatzin said the baseline allowances and bonus rules reflect state law, including provisions from House Bill 1110.

During the public hearing, many residents from neighborhoods around Lake Burien, Seahurst and Shorewood urged the commission to limit changes in environmentally sensitive areas, to protect the tree canopy, and to retain neighborhood character. “I kinda feel like we're missing so many macro issues here,” said resident Terry Mudder, who argued the R3 designation goes beyond what the state requires and expressed concerns about infrastructure and tree…