Snohomish council members push to improve child care access
EVERETT — Two county council members are hoping to expedite the process of approving child care centers in Snohomish County amid an ongoing shortage of providers.
In an ordinance introduced Wednesday, the council members, Democrat Jared Mead and Republican Nate Nehring, proposed allowing child care centers in certain residential zones. The ordinance would also amend zoning regulations to define day care centers as “permitted uses” in some areas, shortening the application process for new centers.
The ordinance would only affect unincorporated areas of Snohomish County. Cities in the county have jurisdiction over their zoning.
It’s part of an effort to “remove as many barriers as possible” to building new child care facilities, Mead said in an interview Friday. He hopes the new ordinance could entice facilities to open to meet the growing need for child care throughout the county, while bringing down costs.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-council-members-push-to-improve-child-care-access/