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Council advances mobile car-wash ordinance after debate on enforcement and parity
Summary
Paterson voted in favor on first reading of an ordinance to regulate mobile car-wash operators, imposing permit, equipment and location rules; council members argued over enforcement parity and disposal arrangements.
On Feb. 18 the Paterson Municipal Council approved on first reading an ordinance to regulate mobile car-wash operations, a measure designed to require permits, set limits on where operators may work and obligate operators to capture and dispose of wastewater in accordance with environmental rules.
The ordinance would require a city permit (application fee discussed during debate), mandate containment mats and water-recovery systems on vehicles and restrict operations to specified industrial or light-industrial areas — prohibiting washes in front of residences, parks and other sensitive spots. Council members described frequent complaints from residents about people washing cars on sidewalks, opening hydrants and leaving soapy runoff and trash in residential neighborhoods.
Debate centered on enforcement and parity: some council members asked whether fixed-location car washes are subject to the same capture and disposal rules and where operators will be able to legally discharge recovered wastewater. Administration representatives said permitted vendors will be required to use approved disposal vendors or facilities and that the police and municipal enforcement offices will be authorized to cite operators who do not comply. Supporters said the ordinance gives the city teeth to curb nuisance activity; critics warned about unequal enforcement if stationary facilities are not held to the same standard.
The ordinance passed first reading and will return for a second reading on March 18.
