Council narrows overnight car‑wash hours near homes to protect sleep and livability

Manassas — The Manassas City Council on Jan. 12 approved the first reading of an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance that will restrict commercial car-wash operations near residences during overnight hours.

Staff recommended, and council approved, a change to Chapter 58 that prohibits operation of staffed or unstaffed commercial car washes located within 100 feet of the nearest residential property between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., aligning those hours with existing overnight noise restrictions. The change followed public work sessions in 2025 and a December public hearing.

Councilman Ocina, who sponsored the ordinance, described it as a narrowly targeted quality‑of‑life measure for areas such as Bristow Station where late‑night operations had generated repeated complaints. "Limiting overnight hours near residential areas helps ensure neighbors can sleep without disruption," Ocina said, adding that the ordinance balances business activity with neighborhood livability.

Council voiced support and commended outreach in affected neighborhoods. The motion passed on first reading with unanimous support; the ordinance will return for the subsequent reading before final adoption.

The amendment applies only to car washes within the 100‑foot buffer and to the 10 p.m.–7 a.m. window; operators outside that buffer or outside the restricted hours are unaffected. The council did not adopt exemptions during the first reading; staff will prepare the final ordinance language for the next meeting.