Burien's first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in November 1997 following months of town meetings, workshops and public hearings. The plan has been amended several times since then, most recently in December 2007.

The plan is based on the Burien Vision, an expression by the community of what the community should be in 20 years. The plan also reflects the goals and guidelines of Washington's 1990 Growth Management Act.

The plan has several major concepts, summarized as follows:
Burien amends its Comprehensive Plan annually. Requests for amendments must be submitted to the Community Development Department by June 1. The list of amendments that will be considered is established by the City Council in July following a recommendation from the Planning Commission.