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Residents and small businesses urge county to revise Stage 2 water rules for commercial pressure‑washing; commissioners direct staff to study options
Summary
Several commercial pressure‑washing business owners told the board Stage 2 water restrictions prevent them from operating and asked for a commercial exemption similar to neighboring jurisdictions; commissioners directed staff to research possible clarifications and report back at the next meeting by consensus.
During the public comment period, business owners and residents urged the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to revisit Stage 2 water restrictions that currently prohibit commercial pressure‑washing using public water.
Denise Lyon (speaker 16) said her husband’s company, Sparky’s Mobile Wash, has been operating for 33 years and that the county’s restrictions are unique in the region. “We understand the need for conservation, but we don’t understand the need not to be able to operate our businesses,” she told the board, and offered Charlotte‑Mecklenburg’s guidance materials that allow commercial pressure washers to operate under restrictions as an example.
Scott Dubois (speaker 17) told commissioners that professional exterior cleaning uses more efficient equipment and controlled methods than most homeowner uses and that neighbors and other jurisdictions have adopted exemptions that still preserve conservation goals. “I respectfully ask the board to direct county staff or public utilities to review the current stage 2 language, compare it with neighboring jurisdictions, and consider placing this issue on a future agenda,” Dubois said.
After public comment, a commissioner asked that staff evaluate the request. The board agreed by consensus to direct county staff and public utilities to research Stage 2 language and potential commercial clarifications and to return with a proposal or recommendations at the next meeting.
Why it matters: Local small businesses say the current restrictions cut off a major portion of their revenue when restrictions are in effect; staff analysis could examine public‑safety, conservation and equity implications and compare neighboring jurisdictions’ practices.
What’s next: County staff and public utilities will examine Stage 2 restrictions, compare alternatives (e.g., Charlotte‑Mecklenburg or Mooresville guidance) and report to the board with recommendations at a future meeting.
