Washington § 35.21.996 Child care centers—Zoning.

Washington Statutes

§ 35.21.996 — Child care centers—Zoning.

Washington § 35.21.996

Title 35CITIES AND TOWNS

Ch. 35.21MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

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Bluebook

Wash. Rev. Code § 35.21.996 (2026).

Text

(1)Cities and towns must allow child care centers, and the conversion of existing buildings for use as child care centers, as an outright permitted use in all zones except industrial zones, light industrial zones, and open space zones.

(2)Cities may impose reasonable restrictions on the permit, including pickup and drop-off areas.

(3)Cities that plan under the growth management act and that are required to submit their next comprehensive plan update in 2027 pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130 must adopt or amend by ordinance, and incorporate into their development regulations, zoning regulations, and other official controls, the requirements of this section in their next comprehensive plan update. All other cities must implement the requirements of this section within two years of July 27, 202

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(1) Cities and towns must allow child care centers, and the conversion of existing buildings for use as child care centers, as an outright permitted use in all zones except industrial zones, light industrial zones, and open space zones.

(2) Cities may impose reasonable restrictions on the permit, including pickup and drop-off areas.

(3) Cities that plan under the growth management act and that are required to submit their next comprehensive plan update in 2027 pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130 must adopt or amend by ordinance, and incorporate into their development regulations, zoning regulations, and other official controls, the requirements of this section in their next comprehensive plan update. All other cities must implement the requirements of this section within two years of July 27, 2025.

(4) Nothing in this section limits a city from allowing child care centers in other zones, including industrial zones or light industrial zones. A city must provide for a conditional use approval of an on-site child care center in industrial or light industrial zones, except in or around high hazard facilities.

(5) For the purposes of this section, "child care centers" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.216.010 .