This code has been designed and written to make it as easy as possible for the user to determine all land use regulations that apply to a particular piece of property and to uses, structures, and activities on that property. Follow the step-by-step procedure laid out below to find applicable regulations. To assist in understanding the code, terms are defined and italicized. Definitions are listed alphabetically in Chapter 19.10 BMC.

1. Find your property on the zoning map. This map is not included with this code but is available for review at the city of Burien department of community development during regular business hours or on the city of Burien website.

2. Refer to the table of contents of this code and find the section in Chapter 19.15 BMC that corresponds to the zone in which the property is located. [Ord. 868 § 3, 2025; Ord. 849 § 1, 2024; Ord. 706 § 1, 2019; Ord. 533 §1, 2010, Ord. 529, 2009, Ord. 396 §1, 2003, Ord. 313 §1, 2000]

In addition to the regulations in the use zone charts (Chapter 19.15 BMC), this code contains a variety of provisions that may apply to your property or to a particular use or activity on the property. The following list of questions will help you determine what other chapters or sections of this code contain regulations that may be of interest. This list is provided as an aid to assist the reader in finding applicable regulations. However, you should review the table of contents of this code to find other chapters or sections that may be of interest to you. City staff are also available to assist you.

1. Residential Recreation Space. See BMC 19.17.013 for residential open and recreation space requirements.

2. Transition Standards. Is your property within 100 feet of a different zone? If so, see BMC 19.17.015 for additional height, setback, and landscaping requirements that may apply.

3. Special Review Processes. Are you interested in applying for or participating in a use or activity that requires a Burien Type 1, 2, or 3 decision? If so, see Chapter 19.65 BMC for the rules of procedure for these types of decisions.

4. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, or Zoning Map. Are you interested in requesting a change to the city’s comprehensive plan, zoning code, or zoning map? If so, see Chapter 19.65 BMC for the rules of procedure for these types of decisions. [Ord. 868 § 3, 2025; Ord. 706 § 1, 2019]

In addition to the regulations in this Code, other titles of the BMC contain provisions that may apply to your property or to a particular use or activity on the property. The following list of questions will help you determine what other titles contain regulations that may be of interest. This list is provided as an aid to assist the reader in finding applicable regulations. However, you should review the table of contents of the BMC to find other titles that may be of interest to you. City staff are also available to assist you.

1. Shoreline development activities. Are you considering a development activity within 200 feet of the Puget Sound or Lake Burien shoreline? If so, see Title 20 BMC, Shoreline Master Program. A user’s guide to the Shoreline Master Program can be found in Chapter 20.10 BMC. [Ord. 706 § 1, 2019]