Bill > SB5509

This bill requires cities and code cities (a specific type of municipal government in Washington state) to allow child care centers as an outright permitted use in most zones, excluding only industrial, light industrial, and open space zones. Cities can impose reasonable restrictions on permits, such as regulating pickup and drop-off areas. Cities that are required to submit a comprehensive plan update in 2027 must incorporate these requirements into their development and zoning regulations during that update, while other cities must implement the requirements within two years of the bill's effective date. The bill also stipulates that cities can still allow child care centers in additional zones and must provide a conditional use approval for on-site child care centers in industrial or light industrial zones, except near high-hazard facilities. The term "child care centers" is defined according to RCW 43.216.010, which is a reference to the existing state law defining such centers. The bill applies to both regular cities and towns and code cities, ensuring a consistent approach to child care center zoning across different types of municipal governments in Washington state.