Burien's Zoning Code (Title 19 of the Municipal Code) is designed to promote the general public health, safety, comfort and welfare of the residents of the city of Burien as well as implement the city of Burien comprehensive plan and the goals of the state Growth Management Act.
BMC 19.15 Zone Regulations includes tables that determine whether a use is allowed in a zone, the review process, and applicable special use regulations. Any use or activity of land or structures that is not permitted in the applicable use zone chart in BMC 19.15 is prohibited and shall not be established unless otherwise approved by the Director.
Use the Publicly Available Interactive Zoning Map to search for the property you are interested in and identify the applicable zone. Then, find the set of use zone charts in Zoning Code Chapter 19.15 that correspond with the zone in which you're interested.
Use Zone Charts
The
first page of each set of charts (Chapter 15 of Title 19 of the Municipal Code) provides any special regulations
applying to all properties in that zone, along with a brief description of
the purpose and intent of the zone. On each chart, listed in the
left column, are the uses allowed in that zone. Along the top
row are the regulations that apply to that use (such as height limit
and parking requirements).
Each row contains all of the basic
regulations and requirements for each use. More details for each
regulation can be found in the Zoning Code chapter referenced in the chart. The far-right column in each chart includes special regulations
applying to each use. Words in italics are defined in Zoning Code Chapter 19.10.
Updates
Periodically, the Zoning Code is updated or new sections are added. A list of ordinances, including ordinances amending the Zoning Code, can be found here.
Updated November 22, 2025