Council directs staff to overturn planning denial and advance Lake Elsinore Travel Center car wash amendment

Lake Elsinore — The City Council voted to direct staff to prepare a resolution reversing the Planning Commission’s denial of an amendment that would add an express car wash to the previously approved Lake Elsinore Travel Center.

Nicole Daley, the applicant’s representative, told the council the car wash is essential for the project’s finances and said the applicant has spent more than $3,500,000 on the development. “To make this project pencil, the car wash is a necessity,” Daley said during her presentation, pointing to projected lease and revenue differences between a fast-food tenant and a car wash.

Principal planner Nancy Winn summarized staff findings and the city’s car wash market analysis, noting the study identified 18 existing or planned car washes within city boundaries and cautioned the city could approach saturation by 2035 if more than four additional facilities are built. The Planning Commission denied the amendment last month, citing concerns that the modification did not align with the travel center’s original lakes‑oriented intent, possible oversaturation, and traffic impacts.

Local business owners and supporters urged approval at the hearing. Gary Washburn, a local business supporter, said the site has the proper zoning and infrastructure and that the project would bring needed street and signal improvements. “The economics of the project are very heavy,” Washburn said, noting planned off‑site investments.

Supporters also stressed circulation and safety improvements. The applicant’s presentation included a revised circulation diagram indicating dedicated RV and boat fueling access and 15 vacuum spaces adjacent to the car wash tunnel; Daley said the amendment would reduce daily vehicle trips compared with the previously approved drive‑through restaurant.

Councilmembers debated economic development, land‑use precedent and neighborhood impacts. Councilmember Manos said the council should avoid “creating scarcity artificially” and expressed support for the applicant’s proposal; Councilmember Sheridan also supported reversing the Planning Commission. After discussion the council voted to direct staff to prepare a resolution to reverse the commission’s denial and approve conditional use permit number 2021‑16 and commercial design review number 2021‑21; the motion passed four‑zero with comment.

The direction to staff starts a process to draft the formal resolution and required findings. The council’s action does not itself issue final building permits; subsequent ministerial or discretionary approvals and any required conditions will be addressed in the drafted resolution and subsequent staff reports.