The state Department of Ecology has approved Burien’s Shoreline Management Plan with some changes required.
The changes include requiring a maximum 50-foot buffer with a 15-foot setback for new development on marine shorelines. A smaller buffer is approved if neighboring houses are closer than the requirement.
Other changes are removing a ban on Lake Burien boats if public access is approved, clarifying commercial development requirements in shoreline areas and keeping a single-family home in conforming status if a variance is needed for expansion.
The city may accept the changes or request alternative changes. The state DOE must approve any changes for the required shoreline master plan to go into effect.
Burien’s controversial shoreline management plan was hotly debated during city planning commission and city council meetings.
Burien residents also are split on whether public access should be expanded in Burien’s waterfront areas.
In an instant poll held at Burien’s first visioning meeting, 39 percent agreed strongly that public access should be limited to existing parks while 37 percent strongly believed access to the city’s shorelines should be open to all residents.