Permit Center

In accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start Washington” order, Burien’s Permit Center is open for permit applications and issuance through remote drop-off and pick-up by appointment only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. each day. Inspections will also be performed for those functions that are consistent with the governor’s order. Applications for certain permits may be conducted online, as described below.

Contact the Building Division at permittech@burienwa.gov or (206) 241-4647.

Contact the Planning Division at planning@burienwa.gov or (206) 241-4647.

Contact Public Works at publicworks@burienwa.gov or (206) 241-4647.

CONTACT US

Permit Center Hours

Monday – Friday (except holidays)

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Planners not available on Thursdays.
Ph: (206) 241-4647

Online Resources for Permits

Right-of-Way permit applications may be submitted via email at rowpermits@burienwa.gov.

Use MyBuildingPermit.com for the following permits:

  • Building permits for new single family or commercial structures (including multifamily residential structures)
  • Commercial Tenant Improvement permits
  • Demolition—commercial and residential
  • Re-roof permits—commercial and residential
  • Mechanical permits
  • Plumbing permits
  • Electrical permits

The Permit Center is responsible for overseeing and managing permit intake, review, tracking and issuing a wide array of Land Use, Building and Construction Permits ranging from simple same day permits to complex development projects.

The type of permit you need to execute your project will depend on what type of project you are working on. The Permit Center has staff from Planning, Building, and Public Works available to answer questions and guide you through the application process.

Our purpose is to streamline the permit process for businesses, developers and residents, as well as preserve and enhance the quality of the natural and built environment, contributing to Burien's quality of life.

COVID-19 Temporary Policies

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 accommodate this need, the City has taken steps to relax requirements, expedite permitting, and waive permit fees related to outdoor dining seating areas. These include:

Temporary outdoor dining on private property for existing restaurants

We 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.

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.

General Information
Availability Certificates
Building (Residential)
Building (Commercial, Multi-Family, Non-Residential)
Building (Small Business Tenant Improvement)
Demolition
Electrical
Fire
Mechanical
Plumbing
Right-of-Way