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ZBA approves Rising Tide car wash in NW CRA; applicant says project will create jobs for people with autism
Summary
The board approved a special exception to allow a Rising Tide express car wash on West Atlantic Boulevard. Supporters emphasized the operator's model of training and employing people with autism; staff required conditions including design, site plan and landscaping compliance.
The Pompano Beach Zoning Board of Appeals on May 15 granted a special exception to allow a 3,500‑square‑foot Rising Tide express car wash on a vacant 1.2‑acre parcel on West Atlantic Boulevard (P&Z case 2517000004). The applicant said the business model intentionally hires and trains people on the autism spectrum and expects to create at least 25 jobs for neurodiverse employees.
Matthew Scott, zoning counsel for the applicant, and Thomas Derry, a Rising Tide principal, presented site plans, a traffic study and a noise analysis. Derry described Rising Tide's history and mission: "We decided to buy our first car wash... with the mission of employing Andrew and 80 percent of our staff being on the autism spectrum," he said. Derry and staff said the proposed design includes enhanced landscaping, a six‑foot wall and extensive on‑site vehicle queuing to avoid street backups.
Supporters from the autism advocacy and education community spoke in favor. Margie Hedlund of the Autism Society and Stacy Wolf of Broward County Public Schools's transition services described the company as a national model for autism employment and urged approval. Several current and former Rising Tide employees also gave testimony about job opportunities and training.
Staff recommended approval with conditions requiring building and design approvals, a zoning use certificate, business tax receipt and substantial conformance to the conceptual site plan with superior landscaping consistent with comprehensive plan policies. One letter of opposition was submitted, which staff said referenced a gas station (the proposal is a car wash); staff also noted six letters of support including the local CRA.
The board voted unanimously to grant the special exception. Members commented positively on the project's employment mission and design; one board member requested a signed copy of the applicant's book as a lighthearted condition. Approval allows the project to proceed to site plan and building design review and to the licensing steps required before operation.
