King County council adopts one-year moratorium on new or expanded detention facilities

The King County Council on March 3 adopted an emergency one-year moratorium that blocks the county from accepting applications for new or expanded detention facilities in unincorporated King County while staff prepare a work plan and recommendations for permanent regulations.

Councilmember Jeanne Mosqueda, the ordinance sponsor, told colleagues the moratorium is designed to close regulatory gaps that could allow private or publicly operated detention centers to move forward without proper safeguards. "This moratorium ensures that King County land use regulations can continue to focus on strengthening the public's health and community resilience while we study the implications of potential detention facilities," Mosqueda said.

Jake Tracy of council central staff briefed the council that the ordinance would adopt the definition of "detention facility" from state law (RCW 70.95.020) and apply it broadly to government-operated and private facilities, while carving out exemptions that mirror state law and a few additions. Tracy said Echo Glen Children's Center, a rehabilitative juvenile facility currently operating in unincorporated King County, fits an exemption and would not be covered by the moratorium. The ordinance would apply to building permits, occupancy permits, temporary use permits and public-health approvals; vested and lawfully established uses may continue but expansions would be restricted except for necessary security improvements.

During public comment, Kendrick Washington of the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington urged the council to adopt the pause to "create space to study, space to engage the public, and space to evaluate the human and environmental impacts" of large detention facilities. Educator and advocate Maribel Garcia and constituent Henry Jang also spoke in favor of the ordinance, telling the council a moratorium would protect community health and avoid the rapid siting of large detention facilities without adequate planning.

Some council members warned that moratoria are a blunt tool. Vice Chair Dunne said he was concerned the ordinance declares an emergency where none exists and could ``tie the hands'' of jurisdictions in true emergencies; he announced he would vote no. Supporters, including Councilmembers Dembowski, Fane, Lewis and Balducci, said a temporary pause is appropriate to develop clear land-use rules and mitigation measures, citing examples elsewhere where rapid facility construction led to environmental and humanitarian harms.

On roll call the ordinance passed with seven ayes; Councilmembers Dunne and Von Reichbauer voted no. The council directed the executive to produce a study and recommendations for permanent regulations and mitigation measures, with a draft ordinance and findings due to the council nine months after the ordinance's effective date. The moratorium takes effect immediately as an emergency ordinance and requires a public hearing within 60 days if adopted.

The council's action does not change existing law in incorporated cities; Tracy reiterated that county land-use authority applies only to unincorporated areas. The staff study will include analysis of facility impacts, public-safety and service needs, regulatory options, and public engagement, and will require consultation with the Department of Children, Youth and Families where applicable.

By vote, the council adopted Ordinance 2026-0048 and directed staff to proceed with the work plan and public engagement required for any extension or permanent code changes.