Commission approves conditional use permit for automatic drive‑through car wash at Sterling Way

The Baldwin Park Planning Commission on Jan. 22 approved a conditional use permit (CP 24-02) to allow an automatic drive‑through car wash as an added operation at an existing car‑wash and service site at 4060 Sterling Way. The commission found the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines §15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures used for commercial purposes) and adopted resolution PC 25-02 approving the permit.

Staff said the site (approximately 0.39 acres) currently operates as a hand-wash car-wash, oil‑change bay and small convenience market; those uses would remain. The applicant, Smart Engineering Inc., proposed adding an automatic car-wash lane and modifying vacuum stalls with covered awnings and security fencing. Operations were described in the applicant’s operations plan as two modes: manual hand wash (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) with up to five employees on-site and automatic car wash (6 p.m.–10 p.m.) with up to two employees; during automatic operation other services would be closed.

Staff included conditions of approval limiting allowable nighttime noise and requiring maintenance of the new fabric awnings; violations could lead to revocation of the permit. Applicant representatives said owners Joe and Coco have operated the business for more than 20 years and intend to retain current staff. No public speakers opposed the project. The commission voted to approve; roll-call recorded Chair Escobosa, Vice Chair Pena, Commissioner Roman Rodriguez and Commissioner Gonzales voting yes.