Chapter 7.10
GENERAL

Sections:

7.10.010    Parks authority – Appointment.

7.10.020    Definitions.

7.10.030    Facilities and programs – Purpose.

7.10.040    Parks of local or regional significance.

7.10.010 Parks authority – Appointment.

The parks director is designated as the parks authority of the city of Burien. The parks director shall have authority to and be responsible for the management, maintenance and operation of all parks located in the city of Burien. Such authority shall include, but not be limited to, establishment of reasonable rules and regulations governing the management, use and operation of parks that are not inconsistent with this title, setting hours of operations, collecting fees for use of parks and park facilities, and entering into agreements on behalf of the city for parks purposes and within the limits and authority otherwise set by the city council. [Ord. 475 § 2, 2007]

7.10.020 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly requires otherwise; when not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, words in the singular number include the plural number, and the use of any gender shall be applicable to all genders whenever the sense requires:

(1) “Alcoholic beverages” or “liquor” shall be defined as set forth in RCW 66.04.010 and shall include alcohol, spirits, wine and beer.

(2) “Camping” means erecting a tent or shelter or arranging bedding or both for the purpose of, or in such a way as will permit, remaining overnight; or, parking a trailer, van, recreational vehicle, bus, camper, or other vehicle for the purpose of remaining overnight.

(3) “City employee” means any duly appointed city of Burien employee or certain contractors who are contracted to provide city services.

(4) “City” means the city of Burien, Washington.

(5) “City park” or “park” means and includes any area of land, with or without water, and appurtenances, structures, and other improvements located thereupon and any recreational facility, that is designated by the governing body of the city as a city park; that is designated by the city manager in writing as a city park; provided, that such designation is on file with the city clerk; or that is otherwise under the management and control of the parks, recreation and cultural services department.

(6) “Department” means the city of Burien parks, recreation and cultural services department.

(7) “Facility” or “facilities” means any building, equipment, sign, material, shelter, swimming pool, or other physical property including but not limited to trees, shrubs, plants, lawns, play equipment, picnic areas, athletic fields, parking lots, trails or structures, administered, operated, managed or maintained by the parks director, pursuant to his or her authority under this title.

(8) “Marine area” or “associated marine area” means any salt or fresh water area within 100 feet of any city of Burien trail, open space, marine reserve, park area or marine facility such as a dock, pier, float, buoy, log boom, or other object which is part of a city of Burien park area; provided, that such area does not include private property.

(9) “Marine reserve” is a nonterrestrial marine or estuarine area that is designated so the city may achieve one or more of the following: protect or restore rare, threatened or endangered native plants, animals or habitats in marine areas; protect or restore outstanding, representative or imperiled marine species, communities, habitats and ecosystems; protect or restore diverse marine gene pools; or contribute to the understanding and management of marine resources and ecosystems by providing the opportunity for scientific research in outstanding, representative or imperiled marine habitats or ecosystems.

(10) “Motorized vehicle” means any self-propelled device capable of being moved upon a road, and in, upon, or by which any persons or property may be transported or drawn, and shall include, but not be limited to, automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor scooters, golf carts, mopeds and all-terrain vehicles, jeeps or similar type two- or four-wheel-drive vehicles, and snowmobiles, whether or not they can be legally operated upon the public highways. This does not include personal mobility devices such as non-motorized wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or authorized maintenance, police or emergency vehicles or other vehicles authorized by the city.

(11) “Parks director” means the director of the parks, recreation and cultural services department of the city, or his or her designee.

(12) “Person” means any individual, group, firm, partnership, association, company, corporation or club.

(13) “Facility use permit” means a document that is issued by the parks department to individuals, groups or organizations permitting use of a certain city park or facility for a special or private event.

(14) “Special event permit” means a permit issued pursuant to Chapter 12.15 BMC.1

(15) “Trail” means any path, track, or right-of-way designed for use by pedestrians, bicycles, or other non-motorized modes of transportation or which are otherwise defined in the Burien comprehensive plan. [Ord. 475 § 2, 2007]

7.10.030 Facilities and programs – Purpose.

The facilities and programs of the department are established by the city to enhance the community by providing and promoting diverse, safe, well-maintained parks, facilities, recreation and cultural opportunities for all. [Ord. 475 § 2, 2007]

7.10.040 Parks of local or regional significance.

The city manager shall have the authority to establish and update as necessary a list of parks that are deemed to be of local or regional significance. A park may be deemed to be of local or regional significance if the city manager determines that the park meets one or more of the following criteria:

(1) The park contains significant recreation or cultural opportunities or facilities, such as outdoor amphitheaters and music shells, auditoriums and concert halls, museums, community centers, sports complexes, regional trails, marinas, etc.;

(2) The location, geography, configuration or facilities of the park is especially appropriate for use by particular population groups (e.g., the elderly, pre-school children, the disabled);

(3) Because of its location, age, or scale, it is an easily identifiable visual feature and contributes to the distinctive quality or identity of the city;

(4) The park area contains unusual or special botanical resources;

(5) The park contains environmentally sensitive areas that serve a significant role or provide a significant function in the natural systems within the city of Burien planning area;

(6) The park is associated in a significant way with an historic event, structure, or person with a significant effect upon the city, state, or nation; or

(7) The park is associated in a significant way with a significant aspect of cultural heritage of the city, state, or nation. [Ord. 475 § 2, 2007]


1

Code reviser’s note: Chapter 12.15 BMC was repealed by Ord. 395. Special event permits are covered in Chapter 12.18 BMC and the city will be enacting new temporary use permit provisions in the near future.