ADU Design Resource · Burien, WA
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Burien, WA
Everything Burien homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Burien, WA ADUs
Market Context
Burien has a median home value of $440,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 28% — approximately $123,200 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Burien rents for approximately $1,595/month in the King County rental market , yielding a 6.8% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 96% in this market.
Top Burien neighborhoods for ADU investment include Northeast Burien, Sunnydale, Cedarhurst, Five Corners, Gregory Heights. High single-family density, affordable median price, and good transit access to SeaTac/Seattle make this ideal for ADUs. Close to SeaTac and transit with many single-family lots suitable for detached ADUs.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Department of Community Development , with a plan check timeline of approximately 9.3 weeks. Permit fees in Burien range from $3,601 to $4,261 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in Old Burien overlay and in R-4/R-5/Mixed-Use zones (administrative design review); otherwise No (ministerial building permit)
Burien properties within the Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. CDPs add 2–6 months to the permit timeline and require compliance with both local ordinances and applicable state coastal zone management standards.
Because Burien sits within the Puget Sound coastal overlay, any lot near the shoreline jurisdiction will need a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit reviewed alongside your building permit — this typically tacks on 6-8 extra weeks beyond the standard timeline, since King County's shoreline staff review on a separate cycle from Burien's own Department of Community Development. On top of that, because the city sits in Seismic Design Category D2, plan reviewers routinely kick back ADU foundation designs that don't include a stamped lateral load analysis, which catches a lot of homeowners who assumed a standard slab-on-grade would pass. If your lot was platted before King County's 1990s sewer expansion, you'll also want to confirm your side sewer stub can handle a second unit — several older Burien neighborhoods still run on shared laterals that require a side sewer availability letter before the county will sign off on utility permits.
"In my experience with Burien ADU projects, that $450/sqft figure is a Burien state-level estimate, so I'd get at least two local contractor quotes before penciling out your budget — and since this parcel falls under coastal overlay, expect the CDP review to tack on real time beyond that tidy 9.3-week permit window. What the data doesn't show is that shoreline-adjacent submittals almost always draw extra scrutiny, so I'd call the Department of Community Development directly to ask about current CDP queue times before committing to a schedule."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Burien's building department records and current 2026 Washington's HB 1337 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Burien, WA Property Eligible for an ADU?
Burien homeowners are governed by Washington's HB 1337 (2023). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Burien under Washington's HB 1337 (2023). No owner-occupancy requirement in Burien — you can rent both units as investment properties. The state requires administrative (non-discretionary) review, though it doesn't set a fixed statutory day-count the way California's law does — confirm the current timeline with the Department of Community Development.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Washington's HB 1337 (2023) — the exact number and type allowed depends on Burien's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 15% of Burien homes are in an HOA. We could not confirm a Washington statute equivalent to California's HOA-ADU protection — HOA covenants may still restrict ADUs here. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Coastal Zone Properties
Properties within Burien's Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. This adds 2–6 months to the timeline. Our drawings flag coastal requirements and meet both local and applicable state coastal zone management standards.
Always verify eligibility with Department of Community Development before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Burien Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Burien’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Burien code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
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Burien ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Burien construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 28% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Department of Community Development (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Burien Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Northeast Burien
High single-family density, affordable median price, and good transit access to SeaTac/Seattle make this ideal for ADUs.
Sunnydale
Close to SeaTac and transit with many single-family lots suitable for detached ADUs.
Cedarhurst
Affordable homes near the airport and strong commuter rental demand favor ADU rentals.
Five Corners
Central location with many single-family parcels and proximity to downtown Burien amenities.
Gregory Heights
Predominantly single-family lots and larger yards that can accommodate detached ADUs.
Lake Burien
Larger lots and high local rental appeal near the lake support ADU income potential.
Seahurst
Strong demand for housing near parks and shoreline plus sizable lots for detached ADUs.
Salmon Creek
Scenic, single-family neighborhood with ample lot space for detached ADUs and rental demand.
Maplewild
Large properties and desirable location near Seahurst Park make ADUs attractive for owners/renters.
Three Tree Point
High-value waterfront lots are large enough for detached ADUs and command strong rental interest.
Burien ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Burien ADU Rules
Burien's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,000 sq ft and 35 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run 5 ft side and 5 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Because of Burien's Seismic Design Category D2 classification, structural drawings for a detached ADU here need a licensed engineer's stamp — architectural sheets for a code-compliant unit under the size cap generally don't.
Permit fees run $3,601–$4,261 — in line with what most homeowners budget for permitting, and plan check takes about 9.3 weeks at Department of Community Development. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Burien Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Max Height | 35 ft |
| Side Setback | 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 5 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Required for structural — Burien's Seismic Design Category D2 classification |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | Yes — CDP may be required |
| Design Review | Yes - in Old Burien overlay and in R-4/R-5/Mixed-Use zones (administrative design review); otherwise No (ministerial building permit) |
| HOA Prevalence | 15% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $3,601–$4,261 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-07-12T23:00:00.000Z. Always confirm with the Department of Community Development before designing.
Burien Permit Process
Burien ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Burien
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in King County. Compare terms before committing.
Offers construction-to-permanent loans up to $3 million and HELOCs with variable APRs, with a dedicated advisor for the Burien area.
Visit Lender ↗Provides two-time-close construction financing for major renovations and HELOCs with a maximum LTV of 70% for non-owner occupied properties.
Visit Lender ↗Offers HELOCs with a 10-year draw period and revolving credit lines suitable for phased ADU renovation projects.
Visit Lender ↗A community bank with a Burien branch offering specialized home construction loans for building from the ground up or major remodels.
Visit Lender ↗A specialty fintech platform that partners with credit unions to offer renovation-specific loans based on the home's after-renovation value.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Burien
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Burien ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Department of Community Development.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Department of Community Development. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Burien ADU Package
Engineered for WA Permit Approvals
What You Get
Burien ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Burien:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓WA energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓Coastal Zone supplement
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Burien ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,595/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Burien's building department requirements and WA code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Department of Community Development. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Washington cities with similar market conditions to Burien.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Burien. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"Permit approved on the first submittal. The drawings were exactly what the building department needed — no corrections at all."
"We converted our two-car garage in under 6 months. Drawings were ready in 10 days — faster than any local firm we contacted."
"The JADU drawings included everything the city required. Submitted day 11, approved six weeks later. Tenant moved in two months after that."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Burien construction data (city-verified data) and Department of Community Development. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Burien Climate Zone & Energy Code
Washington State Energy Code (WSEC): ADUs must comply with the residential WSEC requirements using the prescriptive or performance compliance paths as they are treated as residential units under the state energy code.
Compare Cities
Burien vs. Nearby Washington Cities
Frequently Asked
Burien ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Burien? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Burien? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Burien? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Burien? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Burien? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Burien? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Burien? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Burien? +
Does Burien have a coastal overlay for ADUs? +
What neighborhoods in Burien are best for ADU investment? +
Is Burien ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Burien? +
Can I use my Burien ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Burien's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Burien? +
More Services in Burien
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