Riverside asks planning commission to study zoning and regulations for car washes

The Village Board on May 7 adopted a resolution directing the Planning & Zoning Commission to study zoning classifications and recommend regulations for car washes, including whether car washes should be permitted by right or require special use approval and what operating hours and noise mitigation standards should apply.

Director Siren told the board staff and the village attorney recommended initiating a formal review because the village’s zoning ordinance currently does not list car washes as a defined use. The issue arose after a real estate company asked the village which locations might be suitable for a new car wash.

Siren said the commission will evaluate appropriate districts, conditions (such as regulated operating hours and noise mitigation), and potential building permit requirements (including demonstrating wastewater and plumbing adequacy). The Planning & Zoning Commission is expected to discuss the matter this spring and return recommendations for board consideration later this summer, followed by public hearings.

Trustees approved the resolution to give notice to interested parties and to start the commission review process.