Council approves car-wash variance with conditions: unpermitted canopy to be removed and security conditions added

The City Council approved a land-use action allowing a manual car wash at 5350 West Twelfth Avenue to continue under specified conditions and granted a variance to accommodate existing constraints, but required the immediate removal of an unpermitted large canopy.

Applicants and property representatives explained the site has hosted a car wash for decades; a smaller permitted canopy exists and a larger unpermitted canopy had been in place for many years. At Planning & Zoning the applicant previously agreed to remove the larger unpermitted canopy and either retain the existing permitted cover or build a new permitted canopy sized to the zoning allowance. During the council hearing the new operator asked for time to raise the capital to construct a new permitted canopy; he said cost estimates for a compliant canopy were in the tens of thousands.

After public input and questions about safety, the council approved the variance and special use with conditions: the unpermitted larger canopy is to be removed immediately; the smaller permitted roof may remain while the operator pursues a permanent permitted structure; the council required a three-month compliance review and added that if reported violations (for example, criminal activity, public drinking or other calls for police service) continue then the council or city would require the operator/property manager to hire a security guard and the city reserves the right to initiate license/permit revocation proceedings.

The vote carried as amended; the matter will return for second reading of the ordinance where applicable.

Ending: The council’s conditions combined a short compliance window with heightened enforcement options if neighborhood issues persist.