Council approves first reading to allow car washes as conditional use, sets separation and operating conditions

The City Council voted on first reading Nov. 5 to add car washes as a conditional use in Chapter 30 of the city’s land‑development code (Ordinance 12‑76). The ordinance sets location and operating requirements and, as drafted, includes a 4,000‑foot separation requirement and a limit of no more than four 'core' car washes in the commercial corridor, including two existing businesses.

During public comment, resident Greg Welch said he supports businesses generally but objected to models that do not employ many local workers; he said he prefers businesses that provide local employment. Applicant representative Kelly Delanco described the proposal as a modern lane‑style operation similar to a Caliber Car Wash model, saying staffing on busy days would be about five to six employees and lower at slow times. Delanco said the proposed operation would include contemporary noise‑reduction equipment and landscaping.

Council discussion focused on the separation requirement and on whether such a limit is consistent with the city’s approach to other commercial uses. One council member questioned whether separation standards were appropriate for a market‑driven use like car washes, noting that restaurants and other businesses commonly cluster. Planning staff said the separation standard was intended to prevent clustering inside the commercial district and to avoid impacts on nearby residential areas; staff said the ordinance also includes other location constraints (for example, east of A1A restrictions discussed during code cleanup).

Council members asked how the ordinance would affect the two existing car washes. Staff said existing nonconforming car washes would remain but could not expand without meeting current code; if damaged above a threshold they could rebuild as nonconforming structures unless the ordinance is changed. The council also discussed the ability to seek variances and noted the Board of Adjustment’s limited variance authority for distance requirements.

After discussion and public comment, a council member moved to approve Ordinance 12‑76 on first reading; the motion was seconded and passed on a recorded vote. The final ordinance language and any adjustments to separation distances or other conditions will be enforced through the conditional‑use process and by staff during site plan review.