Burien, WA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Burien's blight rules are three of the named nuisance conditions in § 8.45.020(5)(c), enforced through Chapter 1.15 BMC. Clause (i), trash covered premises, reaches any premises containing trash or abandoned materials, except material kept in garbage cans or containers maintained for regular collection. Clause (ii), dangerous structures, reaches any dangerous, decaying, unkempt, falling or damaged dwelling, fence or other structure. Clause (iii), potential vermin habitat or fire hazard, reaches any accumulation of material on a property that endangers property or public safety or is a fire hazard or vermin habitat, and the printed list runs from animal matter, ashes and bottles to mattresses, old appliances, scrap metal, rags, wire and yard waste. Building materials count only when they are not properly stored or neatly piled. The one carve-out is the temporary retention of waste in approved, covered receptacles.

Abatement follows § 1.15.210. After an unappealed notice of violation, a broken voluntary correction agreement or a final hearing examiner order, the city can send employees or a private contractor onto the property to do the work. When a condition is an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare, the city can abate it summarily and without prior notice, and must give notice afterward. Costs, including hauling, storage, disposal and attorneys' fees, are billed to the responsible person or the property and come due 30 days after the bill. If penalties or costs are unpaid after 30 days, the city clerk certifies the amount to the county treasurer for the tax rolls, and the lien ranks equal with state, county and municipal taxes.

Section 1.15.220 lets a code enforcement officer enter a building or premises at reasonable times on reasonable cause, with credentials shown to an occupant. Posted or gated private property cannot be entered beyond areas open to the public without the owner's permission or a court order.