Ohio Towns Move to Ban New Car Washes

City officials in northeast Ohio are putting limits on how many car wash facilities can open in their towns.

1 minute read

May 16, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Entrance to a drive-through car wash at night with green 'Enter' sign.

Alexey Stiop / Adobe Stock

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.”

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in News 5 Cleveland

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

June 12 - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

June 12 - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

June 12 - Ohio Capital Journal