City of Burien

Reporting Complaints

You can file a complaint one of three ways:

• File a complaint online
• Download the fill out a Code Complaint Form and fax it to (206) 248-5539.
• Fill out the form and drop it off at Burien City Hall. Forms may also be picked up at Burien City Hall.

For additional information or questions on the code complaint process, please contact the Code Compliance Officer at (206) 248-5507.

When filling out the form, please include the specific violation, the exact street address where it is occurring, your name, and phone number in case the staff has any questions or needs further information. You may request that this information be anonymous if you wish. 

However, please be aware that your complaint is subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act and anonymity is not guaranteed. Additionally, please note that if the case is appealed or pursued in court, you will be expected to cooperate as a potential witness. 

By bringing violations to our attention, you are helping to protect your property values and the aesthetics of your neighborhood. If you are concerned about any of the preceding, we can help. If a violation has occurred, we will try to resolve it in several ways.

Code Compliance Process

1. Report of possible violation received.
2. Property is scheduled for inspection.
3. If violation exists, the violator is notified first by personal contact and/or a letter giving a reasonable period of time to correct the violation.
4. Property is re-inspected at expiration of provided time period.
5. If violation has not been corrected, a Notice of Civil Violation may be issued. Failure to correct a violation may be subject to fines.
6. When violation has been resolved, case is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common code compliance issues?

The most common code compliance issues handled by code compliance staff are:

• Junk vehicles: Vehicles on private property that are inoperable, wrecked or not parked on an approved impervious surface.
• Automotive parts: Engines, or any other parts, assemblies or components of automobiles and other motor vehicles.
• Trash or debris on private property constituting a nuisance as determined by the Code Compliance Officer, including refrigerators and freezers, neglected equipment and machinery. Any discarded, broken or disabled material including furniture, appliances, discarded lumber or other items that are not in functioning condition.
• Residential parking: No more than 4 vehicles may be parked on a residential lot unless there are more than four licensed drivers residing at the address. There may be an additional motor vehicle for each licensed driver over four parked at the specific address.  Each licensed driver must have the particular address on their driver’s license. All vehicles must be licensed and operable.         
• Graffiti on private property (commercial and residential)
• Zoning or land use violations
• Construction without a permit

Animal Issues 

Garbage/Trash/Waste 

Property Lines

Property Maintenance 

Public Spaces/Right of Way 

Vegetation 

Vehicle Issues 

Miscellaneous