Bill > SB5655

This bill aims to facilitate the establishment of child care centers in existing buildings, particularly in spaces like churches, by modifying building code and fire protection regulations. The legislature recognizes the need for more child care services and sees a public benefit in utilizing existing spaces instead of constructing new buildings. Specifically, the bill requires building officials to calculate the occupancy load of a child care center only in the dedicated area where child care services are provided, rather than considering the entire multi-use building. This means that if a child care center is located in a specific section of a building (such as a church classroom), the occupancy and safety requirements will be based solely on that designated space. The bill also gives the Washington State Patrol's director of fire protection the authority to implement these new occupancy load calculation methods when inspecting and licensing child care facilities. By reducing potential regulatory barriers, the legislation seeks to encourage building owners, especially churches, to make their existing spaces available for child care services, thereby addressing the community's need for more affordable and accessible child care options.