Bill would require cities to allow childcare centers as an outright use in most zones, sponsors say

Senator Emily Alvarado told the committee at a public hearing that Senate Bill 5509 would require cities and towns that plan under the Growth Management Act to allow childcare centers as an outright permitted use in nearly all zones except industrial, light-industrial and open-space zones, while allowing municipalities to impose reasonable conditions on those permits.

The bill aims to address what Alvarado described as a statewide shortage: "63% of Washingtonians are living in a childcare desert, which means that there are 3 children for every 1 licensed childcare slot," she said, arguing that zoning reform would make facilities easier to open and allow adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

Supporters said zoning limits are a major barrier to adding capacity. Alex Galena, executive director of the Children’s Campaign Fund Action, told lawmakers that lack of nearby childcare forces parents out of…