Shoreline, WA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Section 20.40.320 of the Development Code splits daycare uses into two tiers with different zoning treatment, and subsection A covers the smaller, home-scale tier known as Daycare I. These facilities are permitted outright, without a conditional use permit, in the NR3 and NR2 neighborhood residential zoning designations, but only as an accessory use to a residence, a house of worship, or a school facility already on the site; a standalone commercial daycare in a residential zone does not qualify under this subsection. Two standards apply directly to the outdoor play area: it must be completely enclosed with no openings other than gates, and the enclosure must stand at least 42 inches tall, a lower bar than the six-foot fence required for the larger Daycare II tier in subsection B.

The City also retains authority under subsection A(2) to restrict hours of operation where needed to keep the use compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood, giving Planning staff a tool to address noise or traffic complaints during permit review. Home daycares still need a City business license under Chapter 5.05 SMC, consistent with the licensing requirement that applies to other accessory home occupations in Chapter 20.40 SMC, and note language at the end of § 20.40.400 confirms that daycares are regulated separately from the general home-occupation standards, not folded into them.