HB 3560
Expands areas where a child care facility may be sited.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
88%
Oppose
12%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands the locations where child care facilities, specifically family child care homes and child care centers, can be situated. It allows family child care homes to be considered residential uses in all residential and commercial zones, and child care centers to be permitted in areas zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use, with some exceptions. Local governments are required to update their land use regulations to comply with these changes within a year.
Key provisions
- Family child care homes can be permitted in all residential and commercial zones.
- Child care centers are permitted in areas zoned for 12 or more residential units per acre.
- Child care centers are permitted in urban unincorporated zones and alongside institutional uses.
- Child care centers are permitted in commercial or industrial zones, subject to reasonable conditions.
- Local governments must update land use regulations within one year of the bill's effective date.
- Reasonable conditions for child care centers in industrial zones are permitted.
- Siting restrictions may apply to child care centers on properties listed as contaminated by the Department of Environmental Quality.
- The bill amends the Public Employees’ Benefit Board’s expense reimbursement plan rules.
Who is affected
- Child care providers
- Parents of young children
- Local governments
- Developers
- School districts
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3560 emphasize the need for clearer regulations to support early childhood education, citing personal experiences with navigating land use and zoning laws. They argue that child care is essential community infrastructure, addressing Oregon's severe shortages of child care options and aligning with a recommendation to permit child care centers in residential zones. Proponents highlight the importance of affordable, high-quality childcare for families' economic security, workforce participation, and children's development, as well as its impact on educators' well-being. By removing zoning barriers, supporters believe HB 3560 will address the state's childcare crisis, enabling more families to work and children to receive early education, ultimately benefiting the economy and society as a whole.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3560 express concerns about the potential impact on property values and tortuous harms, with some testifiers citing lawsuits as a significant risk. Additionally, several witnesses argue that allowing child care centers in apartments could pose safety risks for children due to inadequate square footage, particularly in multi-dwelling zoned areas, where the current bill would permit such establishments. These concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences and necessary amendments to ensure the well-being of both families and children.