Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Code topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves edits to vehicle-washing guidance, urges code citation and outreach to tour/rental operators
Summary
Committee updated commercial vehicle-washing best management practices to call out city code (10.02.070F4), add guidance on correctly zoned areas and recommend outreach to tour and rental companies; motion to approve passed.
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee discussed and approved edits to the commercial vehicle-washing best management practices (BMPs) at its May 6 meeting to better align guidance with city code and reach operators who may be overlooked by standard outreach.
Members recommended making the relevant city code more prominent on the BMP flyer (the Chair referenced code 10.02.070F4), adding a note about using correctly zoned areas for commercial washing, and including a specific call-out for tour companies and private rental services (for example, Turo) so those operators know they must follow the same rules as other commercial washers. The committee also discussed suggesting locally available Safer Choice–labeled soaps and potential stickers indicating approved products, subject to city manager approval.
A motion to approve the commercial vehicle-washing BMP edits (larger, red ordinance citation; bottom-line note to use correctly zoned areas; and a line calling out tour and rental companies) was moved, seconded and approved.
Why it matters: The revisions aim to reduce stormwater pollution by clarifying that vehicle washing on municipal streets is prohibited by city code and by directing commercial operators to permitted, controlled washing areas.
Action and next steps: The Chair will forward the approved edits to the city manager (Emily) for distribution; the committee discussed pursuing local labeling (Safer Choice sticker) but will await administrative clearance before collaborating with hardware stores.
