Ohio Towns Move to Ban New Car Washes

Some communities in northeast Ohio are making changes to their zoning codes that effectively ban new car wash facilities in their jurisdictions, reports Michelle Jarboe for News 5 Cleveland.

According to Jarboe, “Changes in technology, profitability and customer habits are driving huge growth in the once-grubby business,” prompting a boom in proposed facilities. A new subscription-based business model is also driving growth.  “From 2012 to 2022, car-wash revenues more than doubled, from $7 billion to upwards of $16 billion, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.”

Now, new rules in towns including Brook Park and Parma Heights will block new car washes from opening. City officials say they want to ensure a broad mix of businesses. “Northeast Ohio cities are looking to put limits on other types of businesses, from dollar stores and self-storage facilities to short-term rentals and dispensaries.”