Zoning Commission denies proposed car wash at former Pizza Hut on Jones Malzberger

The Zoning Commission voted to deny a request to rezone 15015 Jones Malzberger Road to add a specific use for a car wash, citing likely adverse impacts on adjacent single-family homes and inadequate site buffering.

Staff recommended denial, saying the proposed C2-S Commercial District with a specific use for a car wash was not appropriate where it would abut established single-family residential lots. The applicant, Russell Nelson of Lone Star Builders, said the proposal had been modified to address neighborhood concerns, including an eight-foot block wall, shielded lighting, improved stacking for the wash tunnel and a noise study. He said his firm uses water reclamation and that modeled noise levels would be within city standards.

Neighbors and dozens of callers who live behind or near the site described persistent traffic, u-turning drivers, lighting and privacy concerns, and expressed doubts about the site's size and ability to contain queueing and noise. A resident who lives adjacent to the property said the proposed drive would run along backyard fences and described an existing drainage ditch that already affects yards. Another neighbor said there are already many car washes nearby.

Commission discussion focused on site size, required landscape buffers and tree mitigation. Commissioners noted the staff report and said the proposed layout appeared to place operations too close to residences and might require reduction of required buffers through a Board of Adjustment process. Commissioner Woodsett moved for denial, Commissioner Taylor Watson seconded, and the motion passed on a roll-call vote. The commission will forward a recommendation of denial to city council.