In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a proposed specific use permit for a car wash facility on a 1.95-acre site located at 7659 North A 129th East Avenue. The application, identified as SUP 24-01, seeks to establish a car wash within a commercial shopping zoning district, which was annexed into the city limits of Owasso in June 2020.

The proposed development includes six car wash bays, with four to be constructed in the first phase and two additional bays in a second phase. The site plan incorporates measures to mitigate potential impacts on neighboring residential areas, including an 8-foot privacy fence along the northern property line and a 6-foot fence on the eastern side. The facility is designed to be set back significantly from property lines, with landscaping planned to further buffer the site.

Despite these precautions, residents expressed significant concerns during the meeting. Many voiced apprehensions about noise pollution, citing that car wash operations can generate sound levels exceeding 85 decibels, which could disrupt the nearby residential community. Residents argued that the proximity of the car wash to homes could lead to diminished property values and increased crime, as the facility could provide cover for illicit activities.

Several residents presented data and personal anecdotes to support their claims, highlighting that most existing car washes in the area are not located near residential neighborhoods. They urged the council to consider the long-term implications of approving the permit, including potential declines in property values and the risk of the facility becoming an eyesore if it fails.

In response to the residents' concerns, city officials reiterated that the proposed car wash meets zoning requirements and that noise levels would be monitored to ensure compliance with local ordinances. The council acknowledged the residents' input but emphasized that the decision must be based on established zoning laws rather than subjective assessments of business necessity.

Ultimately, the planning commission had previously voted to recommend approval of the permit, and the council moved forward with a vote to approve the application, despite the vocal opposition from the community. The decision reflects the ongoing tension between business development and residential quality of life in rapidly growing urban areas.