Burien Down-Zoning Is “Off the Table”

Pushback from Burien residents against city ordinances increasing density have largely been put to rest following a review of city ordinances.

In 2025, the Burien City Council approved density increases that exceeded the minimum requirements of HB 1110 and included a reclassification of the exclusive single-family legacy neighborhoods of Seahurst, Lake Burien and Three Tree Point from low-density residential zoning (R1) to high-density residential zoning (R3).

Property owners in Seahurst, Lake Burien and Three Tree Point objected, and advocated aggressively for the city to down-zone to the minimum densities required under HB 1110, claiming the density increases were not aligned with the city’s Shoreline Master Program. They sought the assistance of State Senator Tina Orwell who arranged for a review of the matter by the Department of Commerce. State officials confirmed that although Burien’s ordinance exceeded the state minimums, the additional density allowed under the city ordinance did not violate HB 1110.

In the meantime, a new city council majority was elected, and they voted to reject a proposed down-zone on January 26, 2026. One Councilmember indicated the issue is now “off the table.”

Subsequently, city staff indicated they would prepare separate proposals to address any inconsistencies with shoreline regulations, which the City Council could consider. Under those proposals, density classifications remain largely the same with these additions:

• Several commercial lots in shoreline neighborhoods would be reclassified as residential.
• Only properties along the north shore of Three Tree Point would be down-zoned from R3 to R1, while the rest of Three Tree Point, Seahurst, and Lake Burien would remain zoned in the higher density category.