According to a notice sent out Wednesday morning, Feb. 1:

Amendments to Burien Zoning Code to revise definitions relating to impervious surface and schools; change review process for quasi-judicial land use decisions from Type 3 to Type 2; change review process for certain park and recreation facilities from Type 2 to Type 1; eliminate Type 1 review for auto repair in the CC zone; add minimum floor area requirement for mixed use in the CI zone; eliminate outdated and redundant references; establishing a process and requirements for legalization of non-conforming accessory dwelling units; eliminating requirement to maintain a database of significant trees; changing “wetland” to “stream” in a stream regulation; clarifying the location of stream buffers on property; establishing standards for increasing impervious surface coverage on sites where impervious surface coverage is already non-conforming; revising road capacity levels of service; establishing standards for community gardens; and, allowing options to preparing a parking study to determine parking requirements.

The specific proposed 2012 Zoning Code Amendments and project file is available for viewing at Burien City Hall during regular business hours.

Any person may submit written or oral comments or testimony at the public hearing, or may submit written comments prior to the hearing. Written comments may be submitted in person, via mail, e-mail or by facsimile. All documents submitted or requested as part of this application, including the City staff report are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours.

Scott Greenberg, AICP
Community Development Director
City of Burien
400 SW 152nd St, Suite 300
Burien, WA 98166

Phone: (206) 248-5519
E-Mail: scottg@burienwa.gov

REMINDER: The Washington State Boundary Review Board’s public hearing on the City of Burien’s proposed annexation of North Highline will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9th at Cascade Middle School, located at 11212 10th Ave SW.

This is an open forum, meant to solicit input from residents in both Burien and the unincorporated North Highline area (aka “Area Y”) up for annexation.

From what we’ve heard, it’s very likely that a second public hearing will be held the following night – Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. – at the same location.

“The Boundary Review Board will determine whether to accept the proposal, modify the boundaries, or reject it,” reads an announcement.

Citizens who want to share their thoughts on annexation – pro or con – are encouraged to attend.

As we’re previously reported, written comments were accepted up until Dec. 23rd.

The annexation would increase the population of Burien by about 17,300 and add about 3.2 square miles to the City including the White Center area, Top Hat, Beverly Park, Glendale, and portions of Boulevard Park, Riverton Heights and Shorewood.

As many of our Readers probably already know:

• The City of Burien is currently moving forward with the annexation process of the rest of unincorporated North Highline/White Center (aka ‘Area Y’).
• Gov. Gregoire has proposed eliminating the $5 million annual sales tax credit that Burien would receive for annexing the area; this will be voted on in a special legislative session to be held in late November (read our coverage here).
• The annexation process will continue until the city council decides to halt it.

From what we understand, according to state law RCW 36.93.170 (actual text below) there are three standards that an application for annexation is judged on. A city or unincorporated area that wishes to become a city has to provide adequate proof that it can meet these standards. Additionally, it has to provide proof that it can provide services at the current level they exist at should the annexation occur and those services must be in place on the first day of the official annexation. Also, there is a burden of proof that there is adequate monies to support the area and its services for a minimum  of 10 years.

Citizens are encouraged to speak only to these standards and any documents that provide proof that these standards can or cannot be met. These standards will be handed out at the start of the hearing and will be briefly explained.

Here’s the exact wording of RCW 36.93.170:

Factors to be considered by board — Incorporation proceedings exempt from state environmental policy act.

In reaching a decision on a proposal or an alternative, the board shall consider the factors affecting such proposal, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(1) Population and territory; population density; land area and land uses; comprehensive plans and zoning, as adopted under chapter 35.63, 35A.63, or 36.70 RCW; comprehensive plans and development regulations adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW; applicable service agreements entered into under chapter 36.115 or 39.34 RCW; applicable interlocal annexation agreements between a county and its cities; per capita assessed valuation; topography, natural boundaries and drainage basins, proximity to other populated areas; the existence and preservation of prime agricultural soils and productive agricultural uses; the likelihood of significant growth in the area and in adjacent incorporated and unincorporated areas during the next ten years; location and most desirable future location of community facilities;

(2) Municipal services; need for municipal services; effect of ordinances, governmental codes, regulations and resolutions on existing uses; present cost and adequacy of governmental services and controls in area; prospects of governmental services from other sources; probable future needs for such services and controls; probable effect of proposal or alternative on cost and adequacy of services and controls in area and adjacent area; the effect on the finances, debt structure, and contractual obligations and rights of all affected governmental units; and

(3) The effect of the proposal or alternative on adjacent areas, on mutual economic and social interests, and on the local governmental structure of the county.

The provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW, State Environmental Policy, shall not apply to incorporation proceedings covered by chapter 35.02 RCW.

[1997 c 429 § 39; 1989 c 84 § 5; 1986 c 234 § 33; 1982 c 220 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 142 § 1; 1967 c 189 § 17.]

Notes:

• Severability — 1997 c 429: See note following RCW 36.70A.3201.
• Severability — 1982 c 220: See note following RCW 36.93.100.
• Incorporation proceedings exempt from state environmental policy act: RCW 43.21C.220.

The annexation would increase the population of Burien by about 17,300 and add about 3.2 square miles to the City including the White Center area, Top Hat, Beverly Park, Glendale, and portions of Boulevard Park, Riverton Heights and Shorewood.

We’ve been following this story very closely, so if you need more in-depth information, read our previous coverage here.

On the agenda for Monday night’s (Nov. 28) Burien City Council meeting (download the PDF packet here) is a second public hearing on revenue sources and expenditures for the 2011-12 mid-biennial budget, as well as transportation improvement, the comprehensive plan, SMP, re-visiting the King County Library System’s proposed consolidation of two libraries in White Center and much more.

The city will also introduce its new Economic Development Manager, Dan Trimble.

The meeting, which is free and open to the public, starts at 7 p.m. Monday night, Nov. 28th at the Burien City Hall at 400 SW 152nd Street.

Comments from the public are allowed so if you have thoughts on any of the city’s business, this would be the time and place to speak up.

Here’s the city’s public notice about the hearing:

The City of Burien will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 28, 2011, at approximately 7 p.m. for the purpose of: Receiving the publics’ comments on the 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget review and amendments.

Here’s an abridged agenda (we left out some “typical” business items) – you can download the packet for Monday here (PDF file)

• Second Public Hearing on Revenue Sources and Expenditures for 2011-2012 Mid-Biennial Budget Review and Update.
• Presentation on Online Permitting.
• Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 325, Approving the 2012 through 2017 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.
• Adopting the 2012 Property Tax Levy.
• Follow-Up to Council Questions Regarding 2011-12 Mid-Biennial Budget Modifications.
• Adoption of Ordinance No. 558, Amending the 2011-2012 Biennial Budget.
• Discussion Regarding 2011 Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments.
• Discussion Regarding Forming a Working Group for the Burien Shoreline Master Program.
• Letter to the King County Library System Board of Trustees.
• Review of Council Proposed Agenda Schedule.
• City Business.

For more information, visit the Burien City Council website here.

The Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County announced this week that it has set the public hearing date for Burien’s proposed annexation of North Highline – the initial public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9th at Cascade Middle School, located at 11212 10th Ave SW (map below).

If necessary, a second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., at the same location.

“The Boundary Review Board will determine whether to accept the proposal, modify the boundaries, or reject it,” reads an announcement.

Citizens who want to share their thoughts on annexation – pro or con – are encouraged to attend. We also understand that written comments will be accepted prior to the hearing(s), and will post more info on that as we receive it.

The annexation would increase the population of Burien by about 17,300 and add about 3.2 square miles to the City including the White Center area, Top Hat, Beverly Park, Glendale, and portions of Boulevard Park, Riverton Heights and Shorewood.

As many of our Readers probably already know:

• The City of Burien is currently moving forward with the annexation process of the rest of unincorporated North Highline/White Center (aka ‘Area Y’).
• Gov. Gregoire has proposed eliminating the $5 million annual sales tax credit that Burien would receive for annexing the area; this will be voted on in a special legislative session to be held in late November (read our coverage here).
• The annexation process will continue until the city council decides to halt it.

We’ve been following this story very closely, so if you need more in-depth information, read our previous coverage here.

King County’s Metro Transit said that last Thursday’s public hearing in Burien (read our coverage here) would be its ‘last,’ but apparently they’ve changed their mind – another hearing will be held in downtown Seattle beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 25th, at the King County Courthouse.

The meeting will be held on the 10th floor of the courthouse, which is located at 516 Third Ave in downtown Seattle (directions & info on parking available here).

If you’re interested in speaking up at this “final’ hearing, you can sign up beginning at 1 p.m.

The county is proposing a two-year, $20 car tab fee hike, as well as possible cuts to its transit service, which is facing a $60 million budget shortfall.

Cuts to bus service across the county – some of which could begin as soon as February, including cuts to several routes in the Burien area – were discussed at Thursday’s hearing at Burien City Hall, which was attended by an overflowing crowd.

For more information on Metro’s budget issues, click here.

by Ralph Nichols

Scores of Metro bus riders urged King County Council members at a July 21 public hearing in Burien to impose a “temporary” $20 fee to avoid sharp cuts in their transit service.

All but a handful of those in the standing-room-only crowd who testified supported the proposed two-year car-tab fee, which Metro officials say is needed to avoid reducing service by 17 percent.

This was the last of three public hearings on the “congestion reduction charge” and the only one held in South King County. Most speakers, however, came from Seattle or were University of Washington students.

The King County Council is scheduled receive additional testimony starting at 3 p.m. Monday, July 25, after which they are expected to debate and vote on the proposed tab-fee increase. Those wishing to speak may sign up beginning at 1 p.m. at the courthouse downtown.

Six council members – a “supermajority” of the nine lawmakers – are needed to approve the new fee. But if, as some expect, the measure receives only five votes, then a simple majority can submit it to county voters on the November ballot.

King County Council President Larry Phillips began the hearing by saying “King County’s nationally acclaimed bus service is in a financial crisis.”

A sharp decrease in county sales tax revenue has resulted in a projected $1.2 billion revenue loss for Metro Transit between 2009 and 2015, Phillips said.

Despite the fact that Metro has implemented 34 audit recommendations “for a more efficient service,” including raising rider fares four times in four years, system-wide cuts of 17 percent will be necessary without additional revenue from this fee.

“This is the stark reality we are facing,” he added.

Victor Obeso, Metro Transit’s service development manager, said the proposed cuts would impact 80 percent of current bus riders, and displace nine million riders annually.

Without the new revenue, Metro, which is operating with a $60 million shortfall a year, will begin cutting bus routes and service hours in February, Obeso said.

Since most Metro planners ride buses to work, so “we understand how the difficult choices we make will affect our riders.”

Most of those favoring the fee increase were riders who rely on bus service for a variety of reasons, including car owners who save commute time and avoid parking problems with transit, persons who don’t drive, and handicapped individuals who depend on Metro Access vans.

Des Moines City Councilman Dave Kaplan and King County Councilman Joe McDermott, whose 8th District includes Burien and North Highline, both endorsed the proposal.

It was standing-room only at Metro's final public forum at Burien City Hall July 21st.

Microsoft supports the $20 car-tab fee, as do the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the South King County Chamber.

Rochelle Flynn was one of two Burien residents who, in supporting the fee increase, urged that Route 139 – the only bus from the Burien Transit Center to Highline Medical Center – be spared.

UW students said current levels of bus service are essential for the majority of students who commute from off-campus to attend class, noting that parking in the U-District is already scarce.

Similar views were voiced by students from Seattle University and Highline and South Seattle community colleges.

“We need public transportation. Without it we are stuck,” said a blind person who relies on Metro. Others with disabilities, including one with epilepsy and another who suffered a stroke, said buses are essential for their mobility.

“Please don’t cut service to those of us who need it,” said another, making a special plea to maintain current Access van service.

A West Seattle resident who owns a car said he doesn’t object to the $20 fee, saying “it is a basic right to have public transportation in a metropolitan region of this kind.”

But SeaTac City Councilwoman Pam Fernald, who said she understands “the necessity for Metro bus service to continue,” challenged “Metro to try harder before imposing more taxes or using fear tactics to threaten cuts in service.”

Noting buses are “the only means of transportation for many,” Fernald said “we should see more fiscal responsibility from the county,” especially in a recession, and asked for “figures and documentation on all of those cuts.”

“What will you come back and ask for” in two years if the economy has not improved by the time the “temporary” $20 fee expires, Patrick Robbins of Burien asked county councilmembers.

Robbins also challenged Metro to collect fares from the sizable number of daily riders who now get off buses without paying, and to operate fewer buses that carry more commuters – noting that he and his wife recently observed seven Route 120 articulated buses along Ambaum Blvd. and SW 148th St. in about 15 minutes, all of which were almost empty.

A sizable number of speakers, who identified themselves as members of the Freedom Socialist Party, other socialist groups and affiliated social-justice organizations, called for taxing the wealthy, big business and commercial property to avoid service cuts.

One called public transit “a right.” Another told council members “part of your job is to adequately fund public transit.”

And a speaker from Seattle Radical Women said “around the world people are fighting back against austerity measures,” including violent protests in Greece and Spain. “Break a law if you have to,” she said, calling “for more social services, not less.”

Brock Howell of Transportation for Washington, which he said has joined with Futurewise, a liberal activist Washington environmental group, submitted petitions with 13,000 signatures supporting the fee increase.

To see our photos from the event, click here.

The meeting started just after 6 p.m. when King County Councilmember Larry Phillips began the public forum, meant to discuss a proposed two-year, $20 car tab fee hike, as well as possible cuts to its transit service, which is facing a $60 million budget shortfall.

Cuts to bus service across the county – some of which could begin as soon as February, including cuts to several routes in the Burien area – were discussed at this third and final hearing, which continued on several hours after it began.

An overflow crowd of speakers waited outside the chambers in the hallway, and according to Rochelle Flynn, who was signed up, they were told it’d be at least a “two and half-hour wait.”

More information about the budget proposal is available online at: www.kingcounty.gov/metro/future.

BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer dropped by and captured these pics of the beginning portion of the event:

Metro Transit's final hearing on budget cuts was held at Burien City Hall on Thursday, July 21st.

Numerous TV stations were on hand, broadcasting live for their 6pm newscasts.

A Reporter from KIRO-TV does a live 'cut-in' to a newscast from the scene.

Numerous people showed their support outside city hall before the meeting.

Many supporters got to the forum by – what else – a bus...

Some more creative supporters even dressed up as Robots.

Two supporters in Robot costume attempt to high-five. They missed.

King County Councilmember Larry Phillips hangs out with some Robots before the meeting.

The forum played to a packed house at city hall.

Burien City Councilmember Brian Bennett waits for his cue to speak.

We’ll be posting a full story on the hearing soon, so check back to The B-Town Blog often.

REMINDER: TONIGHT (Thursday, July 21st) is Metro Transit’s final public meeting on possible cutbacks, to be held at Burien City Hall starting at 6 p.m.

Metro has proposed a two-year, $20 car tab fee hike to try and avoid cuts to its transit service, which is facing a $60 million budget shortfall.

“The recession-driven decline in the sales-tax revenues that supports public transit leaves the Council with two choices – ensure interim funding to continue service at current levels, or face the reality of cutting 17 percent of bus service by the end of 2013,” reads a press release. “As a result, four out of five bus riders would walk further, wait longer, stand on the bus—or at the curb as fully loaded buses pass them by.”

Staff from King County Metro Transit will outline possible cutbacks to bus service across the county – some of which could begin as soon as February, and several of which would cut bus routes in the Burien area – at this third and final hearing.

More information about the proposal is available online at: www.kingcounty.gov/metro/future.

NOTE: The City of Burien wants our Readers to know that people attending this hearing should NOT park in the City Hall/Library lot. “Parking is available on nearby vacant lots and streets,” reads a note on their website (and yes, we see the irony in this as well…).

Here’s more from a Metro press release:

If Metro must cut service by 600,000 annual hours over the next two years, there could be many impacts countywide. Not only would bus riders have less service, but more people are likely to return to driving in the absence of frequent and convenient service, leading to increased traffic congestion for all commuters.

Thursday’s hearing is expected to attract residents, employees, and business owners from across South King County. More than 700 people attended the Seattle hearing on July 12.

Many of the service cuts being considered for neighborhoods and bus service in South King County would involve deleting entire routes or reducing the frequency of service. Some examples are:

• Eliminate routes: 110 (Renton), 129 (Tukwila), 133 (Burien), 134 (Burien), 139 (Burien), 152 (Auburn), 157 (Kent), 158 (Kent), 159 (Kent), 161 (East Kent), 162 (Kent), 173 (Federal Way), 175 (Federal Way), 179 (Federal Way), 196 (Federal Way), 901 (Federal Way), 908 (Renton), 910 (Auburn), 912 (Enumclaw), 913 (Kent), 914 (Kent), 916 (Kent), 918 (Kent), and 919 (Auburn);
• Reduced frequency: 101 (Renton), 107 (Renton), 111 (Renton Highlands), 125 (White Center), 148 (Fairwood), 150 (Kent), 156 (SeaTac), 166 (Des Moines), 169 (Kent/Renton), 903 (Federal Way), and 917 (Auburn);
• Eliminate weekend service: 155 (Fairwood/Southcenter) and 186 (Auburn);
• Eliminate evening service: 187 (Federal Way) and 903 (Federal Way).

There are other routes countywide under consideration for elimination, reduction or revision. While they may not travel through South King County, many of those other routes are important connections for bus riders and do affect the overall traffic congestion at both the neighborhood and regional level.

The service change legislation that has been submitted to the King County Council includes some specific actions to take effect next February, such as: elimination of routes 129 (Tukwila), 134 (Burien), 175 (Federal Way), 196 (Federal Way), and 912 (Enumclaw); and reduced service on 139 (Burien).

For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/metro/future.

UPDATE 4/8/11: The City of Normandy Park announced that it is moving its Public Hearing on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to 7pm on April 19th.

As we reported on March 21st, the city council voted to impose a six-month moratorium on allowing a medical marijuana dispensary within city limits.

The moratorium prohibits “the licensing, establishment, maintenance or continuation of … the sale of medical marijuana” in Normandy Park, and refers the issue to the Planning Board for review and recommendation.

“The City Council of the City of Normandy Park invites all interested parties to attend a Public Hearing on April 12, 2011 at 7:30 PM to discuss a proposed ordinance to adopt the findings of fact on a moratorium prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries,” reads the official public hearing notice, which continues:

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available at the City Clerk’s Office at the City Hall address or by calling 206-248-7603 and can be mailed or emailed upon request. Questions may be directed to City Manager Doug Schulze at 206-248-8246, email dougs@ci.normandy-park.wa.us.

Interested persons may provide testimony either in writing or by appearing at the Public Hearing. Please submit written comments to the City Council, Attn: City Clerk, City Hall, 801 SW 174th Street, Normandy Park, Washington 98166.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Public Hearing on the city’s recent moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 12th 19th at 7pm.

WHERE: Normandy Park City Hall, located at 801 SW 174th Street.

INFO: Here’s the official public hearing notice sent out by the city:

NORMANDY PARK – PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT REGARDING THE MORATORIUM, ADOPTED AS ORDINANCE 867, PROHIBITING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES.

April 12, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL, 801 SW 174th Street Normandy Park, Washington 98166

The City Council of the City of Normandy Park invites all interested parties to attend a Public Hearing on April 12, 2011 at 7:30 PM to discuss a proposed ordinance to adopt the findings of fact on a moratorium prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available at the City Clerk’s Office at the City Hall address or by calling 206-248-7603 and can be mailed or emailed upon request. Questions may be directed to City Manager Doug Schulze at 206-248-8246, email dougs@ci.normandy-park.wa.us.

Interested persons may provide testimony either in writing or by appearing at the Public Hearing. Please submit written comments to the City Council, Attn: City Clerk, City Hall, 801 SW 174th Street, Normandy Park, Washington 98166.

The City of Burien announced Thursday (Jan. 6th) that it has re-scheduled the public hearing on the proposed Highline School District Proposition #1 Levy to Jan. 24th at 7pm.

Originally scheduled to take place Jan. 10th (read our original post here), the hearing has been re-scheduled to 7pm on Monday, Jan. 24th, during the usual City Council meeting at City Hall, located at 400 SW 152nd Street.

Here’s the full text of the announcement:

CITIZENS INVITED TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST PROPOSED HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 401 PROPOSITION 1 REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY

All interested parties that are for or against the proposed Highline School District No. 401 Proposition 1 Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy are invited to speak at the January 10, 2011 January 24, 2011 Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m..

The Burien City Council will be considering a resolution supporting the proposed levy at the same meeting (Monday, January 24, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.). The meeting will be held at Burien City Hall Council Chambers, 400 SW 152nd Street.

The City of Burien strives to provide alternate communication opportunities. Please contact the City Clerk’s office, 206/248-5517, twenty-four hours prior to the meeting, for assistance.