Wheat Ridge neighbors press council over noise from new Auto Wash; city and business agree to meet

Dozens of Wheat Ridge residents told the City Council on Nov. 10 that a newly opened Auto Wash at 44th Avenue and Grama Street is producing continuous, disruptive noise and that the company's self-conducted sound testing does not reflect everyday operations.

"We ask for the city to implement closure of auto wash until they are in compliance with their outstanding noncompliance issue," said Gretchen Joesten, a neighbor, urging the council to require the business to change door and dryer operations so noise does not spill into nearby homes.

Other speakers described similar impacts. "I should not have to be standing here in front of you guys today," said Austin Caldwell, who told the council the business's opening in 2022 has generated noise day and night. Resident Chris Nitzel noted the dryer cycle lasts "2 minutes," adding that when multiple bays and vacuums run simultaneously noise levels are higher than neighbors expected.

Neighbors suggested practical fixes such as closing the north-facing bay doors during dryer cycles, automating door closure for the two-minute dryer process, or offering only no-dry packages at this site. Several residents and local business owners said the fence installed by the car wash does not function as a sound barrier.

Councilors said staff and elected officials are working with neighbors and the car wash. "They have been in communication with Councilor Ohm, myself, and city staff, and we are working with them to set a meeting to address some of these outstanding concerns," Councilor Haldim said, adding that the car wash has "volunteered to close between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., so it is not a 24-hour business." The council did not take formal regulatory action at the meeting.

City officials said the next steps will include a staff-led meeting with neighbors and the business to review the sound test methodology, operational options and possible code enforcement steps. Residents also asked why the business's sound testing was not supervised by the city and whether the measurements represent busy, full-capacity conditions.

The public comments followed the council's ceremonial items and consent agenda. Councilors and staff declined to promise immediate sanctions, and said they would pursue a collaborative path that could include operational limits, revised testing, or other remedies if the business fails to meet code requirements.

The council accepted public comments and said staff will report back after the neighborhood meeting; no formal vote or enforcement action on the car wash was adopted at the Nov. 10 meeting.