WA SB5509

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

Cities may impose reasonable restrictions on permits, such as requirements for pickup and drop-off areas

Cities planning under the Growth Management Act with comprehensive plan updates due in 2027 must incorporate these requirements in that update; all other cities have two years from the effective date (July 27, 2025) to implement

Conditional use approval must be available for on-site child care centers in industrial and light industrial zones, except near high hazard facilities

Passed Senate 42-7 on March 6, 2025 and House 95-0 on April 10, 2025; signed by Governor Ferguson on May 13, 2025