New Initiatives Help Burien Businesses

Policy Changes Allow More Outdoor Dining and Waives Fees; B&O Tax Deferred
Posted on 06/05/2020
Outdoor dining tables.

The City of Burien is announcing several new policies designed to help our business community during these uncertain economic times. The City will continue to listen to challenges identified by business owners, and respond with action where appropriate to mitigate COVID-19-related impacts.

Outdoor Dining Program

In accordance with King County’s COVID-19 Modified Phase 1 reopening plan, restaurants are permitted to operate with outdoor dining, at 50 percent of existing outdoor capacity, and indoor dining limited to 25 percent of building capacity. In order to make restaurants financially viable with these restrictions, some restaurant operators have requested to use outdoor parking spaces on private lots, and sidewalk public right-of-way, to maximize dining area seating while minimizing public health impacts.

In order to accommodate this need, the City has taken steps to relax requirements, expedite permitting, and waive permit fees. These include:

  1. Temporary outdoor dining on private property for existing restaurants: The City will work with business owners to allow use of existing parking lots for outdoor dining through a Temporary Use Permit application. The Temporary Use Permit application fee will be waived.
  2. Expansion of outdoor dining in public right-of-way: The City currently allows use of sidewalk right-of-way for outdoor restaurant seating via a right-of-way permit. The City will further permit use of sidewalk right-of-way in front of directly adjacent businesses with appropriate permissions. All outdoor patio permit fees will be waived for the remainder of the year. Restaurants are still required to obtain a right-of-way permit prior to establishment of outdoor seating.

Deferral of Second Quarter B&O Taxes

The City is deferring the second quarter 2020 Business and Occupation (B&O) tax filing and payment due date from July 31, 2020 to October 31, 2020. Additional information will be provided when the second quarter B&O tax notices are mailed in late June. Please continue to file your quarterly B&O tax return statements with the City.

“Our local businesses are a vital part of the life and character of Burien. Many of our small restaurants support multiple generations of a household. We want to do what we can to help reopen Burien’s ‘foodie paradise,’ says Brian J. Wilson, Burien City Manager. “The City of Burien is committed to moving forward together with our business community during these uncertain economic times.”

More information