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Burien commissioners give mixed response to possible limits on data centers in North-of-NERA
Summary
Commissioners gave a preliminary 'pulse check' on whether to restrict data centers in the North-of-NERA area, raising concerns about low jobs-per-square-foot and environmental impacts; staff said data centers are not defined in the code and would typically require a Type 2 review.
At the May 27 meeting, commissioners discussed whether Burien should exclude medium or large-scale data centers from certain industrial or redevelopment zones, particularly the North-of-NERA proposal.
Staff said the municipal code does not currently contain a defined "data center" use and that such proposals typically would proceed through a Type 2 review process (a hearing-examiner decision with appeal options). "To my knowledge, I don't think any of our existing uses as we understand a data center would fit in," staff said, noting a discretionary application pathway exists.
Commissioners expressed reservations about allowing large data centers where the community expects more job-dense uses. "Their jobs per square foot is incredibly low," one commissioner said, arguing the use does not align with comprehensive-plan goals for jobs and community benefit. Another commissioner suggested some heavily regulated or remote zones (near the airport runway) might be more appropriate for limited data-center development if the city allows them.
Commissioner comments reflected a range of views: some supported restricting data centers in North-of-NERA outright, others favored heavy regulation or evaluating potential sites that minimize people impacts while maximizing city revenue and safeguards. Staff noted an appeal mechanism exists to the council for hearing-examiner decisions and that any future proposals would require detailed compatibility and mitigation plans for noise, light and other impacts.
The discussion was a policy "pulse check" rather than a formal action; commissioners asked staff to track the issue and bring it back if Council or applicants advance proposals.
