We are writing the next chapter of housing in Burien! By June 2025, the Burien City Council is scheduled to adopt changes to the Burien Municipal Code, updating the city’s official zoning map to expand the number and types of housing units permitted and encourage housing development in residential areas throughout the city.
The Housing Code and Map Amendment Project is an essential step to implementing the housing goals and land use plan of the Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan. These amendments focus on achieving equitable housing growth, mitigating displacement, removing impediments to development, and meeting state legislative requirements.
Why is this important? Housing affordability and availability are pressing concerns for many residents. By updating zoning regulations and housing codes, Burien is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. These changes will allow Middle Housing within the fabric of existing neighborhoods to ensure more people can find a home that meets their needs.
Middle Housing
“Middle housing” is a term for residential developments that are more dense than single-family housing and less dense than a typical mid-rise apartment building but similar in scale to single-family homes. Middle housing types can be identified by the form of the structure and the number of units within it. Here are some examples:
These photos are curated by Sightline Institute Modest Middle Homes Library and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
To learn more about the proposed Housing Code and Map Amendments Project, visit burienwa.gov/HousingCode.
