Snohomish County changes zoning rules to accommodate more child care centers
During the pandemic, Jason Turner and his wife, Ivonne, were able to grow their at-home day care business, ABC Care Co., to accommodate 27 kids due to the Family Child Care Capacity Waiver. However, that waiver will expire in June, forcing them to limit enrollment to as few as 12 children.
“How do we select what kids leave? That’s rude to tell families ‘you have to leave because the state said so,’” Jason said.
That conversation may not be necessary after the Snohomish County Council unanimously approved a zoning ordinance that expands areas where child care centers can operate and streamlines the permit process.
The ordinance allows day care centers in more commercial zones where single-family residences exist. The rules, which apply to unincorporated Snohomish County and take effect March 30, also allow centers up to 8,000 square feet to have conditional use permits approved by the planning and development services, rather than waiting for a hearing.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/03/26/snohomish-county-passes-childcare-ordinance.html