By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
A growing trend across the United States has reached Brentwood, California, where the city council has enacted a ban on the development of new car washes. This East Bay city, with a population of over 65,000, is also considering a similar restriction on new gas stations.
The Brentwood Ban: What’s Behind It?
Earlier this month, the Brentwood City Council approved legislation halting the construction of new car washes and short-term rental properties. According to KTVU Fox 2, the council cited concerns over excessive numbers of these facilities, environmental impact, and public safety as key factors in its decision.
Council member Pa’tanisha Pierson, representing District 2, stated the city was “heavily inundated” with gas stations and had “too many” car washes. Currently, Brentwood has:
- 18 gas stations
- 14 car washes
Environmental Concerns Drive the Decision
The planning commission highlighted the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, aligning with Brentwood’s broader environmental goals.
Zoning Changes Across the Nation
Brentwood joins a growing list of cities leveraging zoning laws to restrict car wash developments. The trend reflects increasing concerns about urban planning, land use, and environmental impact.
Examples of Similar Actions Nationwide
- Streetsboro, Ohio (2023): A moratorium on new car washes was enacted due to concerns about job creation and space utilization.
- Brook Park, Ohio: Legislation capped the number of car washes at one per 10,000 residents, allowing only two in the city of approximately 18,000.
- Toledo, Ohio: A temporary moratorium on car wash developments is in place until January 31, 2025.
- Elizabethton, Tennessee: Discussions are underway to amend zoning laws after the approval of a RipTide Car Wash location.
The Broader Car Wash Industry
Despite these restrictions, the car wash industry remains a thriving sector. According to a 2020 study by the International Carwash Association, there are approximately:
- 17,500 conveyor car washes
- 29,000 in-bay automatic car washes
- 16,250 self-service car washes
Demand continues to rise due to improvements in speed, convenience, and value, with subscription plans and high profit margins fueling new investments.
The Debate Over New Developments
Critics of new car wash projects often argue that these facilities:
- Provide limited job opportunities
- Require large amounts of land
- Contribute to environmental concerns
Proponents, however, emphasize their economic benefits, modernized technology, and alignment with consumer demand for convenience.
What’s Next?
The Brentwood ban reflects a growing trend of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and urban planning. With other municipalities across the U.S. adopting similar measures, the future of car wash development may hinge on finding innovative solutions that address both community concerns and consumer demand.
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