Issaquah, WA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Section 18.522.010 of the Issaquah Land Use Code adds City standards to the state laws on day care operations and adult family homes. Its intent clause says the rules encourage day care throughout the City while keeping the use compatible with adjoining properties, and protect the health, safety and welfare of children, disabled adults, employees and the community. The section covers day care centers, family day care centers and adult day care centers.

Licensing and review come first. Every operation is subject to State licensing under Chapter 43.216 RCW and is reviewed against the Table of permitted uses in IMC 18.402.020 and the review levels in IMC 18.204.020. The operator must provide proof of State licensing before receiving a City of Issaquah business license.

Subsection D sets the approval criteria. For every day care operation, all outdoor play areas must be entirely enclosed with a solid wall or fence a minimum of six feet in height, with gated openings only. A day care center must also provide an on-site vehicle turnaround or separate entrance and exit points, plus a passenger loading area, and the City reviews the turnaround or access location so it does not create conflicts with surrounding uses and meets the street standards in Chapter 12.04 IMC. Day care centers are allowed as accessory uses within new or existing religious or community buildings, such as a community center or library, when all approval criteria are met. A center that joins the 100 percent traffic impact fee waiver for early learning facilities under IMC 3.71.040(I) must record the covenant with the City after building permit approval but before any certificate of occupancy is issued. A family child care center must be located in the provider's family living quarters, not a separate building, in accordance with State law.

Where conflicting rules apply to a proposed operation, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services rules apply. Temporary day care at a festival or concert can be permitted through a special events permit under Chapter 5.14 IMC, and the City can set conditions such as hours of operation.