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Council OKs first reading to add childcare uses to Commercial Office zoning
Summary
City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to add child daycare business and family home child care to the Commercial Office (CO) zoning district, with staff saying the change aligns with strategic and comprehensive plans to increase childcare access and affordability.
City Council approved first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning code to allow licensed child daycare businesses and family home child care uses in the Commercial Office (CO) zoning district.
Mary Lovell, senior planner with Planning and Development Services, told council the change is intended to increase the supply of licensed childcare near residential neighborhoods and workplaces, improve walkable access to childcare, and support affordability and workforce needs consistent with the city’s strategic plan and comprehensive plan. Lovell described two forms: a child care daycare business (a standalone facility sized according to state rules) and family home child care (small in-home care allowing up to six unrelated children plus up to six related children depending on state rules).
Lovell said CO is a mixed-use district along neighborhood edges where allowing these childcare uses would permit parents to walk to drop-off points or shorten car trips, expanding options for the workforce. She recommended approval on the basis that the amendment meets adopted policy goals for child-care access and affordability.
The ordinance received no public comment at the public hearing. Council member Edwards moved for approval; Council member Lebowski seconded. The council voted unanimously in favor on first reading.
Next steps: staff will continue processing ordinance language and prepare the second reading and final adoption for a future council meeting.
