Bill > HB1212

This bill requires cities and towns in Washington state to allow child care centers as an outright permitted use in all zones except industrial zones, which means these facilities can be established without additional conditional approvals. The legislation applies to both standard cities and towns (chapter 35.21 RCW) and code cities (chapter 35A.21 RCW), ensuring consistent zoning treatment across different municipal types. Cities may impose reasonable restrictions on permits, such as regulating pickup and drop-off areas. The bill provides different implementation timelines based on comprehensive plan update schedules: cities required to update their comprehensive plans in 2027 must incorporate these child care center zoning requirements in their next update, while other cities must implement the new regulations within two years of the bill's effective date. The goal appears to be streamlining the process of establishing child care centers by removing zoning barriers and making it easier to convert existing buildings into child care facilities, potentially increasing access to child care services across Washington state.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1212&Year=2025&Initiative=false