Manassas staff propose ordinance to bar commercial car washes within 100 feet of homes from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; residents press council

City staff proposed an amendment to the city noise code (Code section 58‑4) that would prohibit operation of any commercial car wash within 100 feet of a residentially zoned property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Council member Ocina introduced the topic and said staff drafted the amendment in response to complaints from residents, particularly in the Bristow Station neighborhood, about a car wash that operates at night and generates noise and light impacts. Staff described the ordinance language as aligned with the city’s existing noise‑prohibition hours and said the 10 p.m.–7 a.m. window would mirror current city noise restrictions to make enforcement simpler.

Residents spoke at the town hall. A resident who lives at 946 McDowell said the car wash’s blowers and an added automatic bay have increased noise and light late at night; neighbors have erected tall fences to block light and noise, the speaker said, and submitted a petition supporting the ordinance. Another resident said most Manassas‑area car washes open around 8 a.m. and the targeted facility’s late‑night operations are unusual.

Council direction and next step: council members expressed support for city staff drafting the ordinance and for sending it to public hearing so residents across the city can weigh in. Staff confirmed that making the hours consistent with existing noise provisions (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) would simplify enforcement. The city attorney will prepare an ordinance for a public hearing.

Ending: Council did not vote to adopt an ordinance at the work session. Staff will prepare proposed code language and schedule a public hearing so the full council and the public can consider the amendment.