AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE WASHING
Mesa City Code § 11-31-7
in effect11-31-7: - AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE WASHING
Automobile Washing, as described in Section 11-86-4, shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the land use regulations in Article 2 and the following standards:
A. Location. Automobile/Vehicle Washing, as a primary use, is only allowed on sites with at least one (1) frontage on an arterial street.
B. Setbacks. No building or structure shall be located within 20 feet of any interior lot line abutting a Residential Zoning District.
C. Drive-up Aisles and Required Queuing Area.
1. Drive-up aisles shall be at least 12 feet wide;
2. If adjacent to a street, the drive-up aisle shall be screened as specified in Section 11-30-9(F), Automated Car Washes and Auto Service Bays.
3. The drive-up aisle shall provide queuing space, with no encroachment into required landscape areas or building setbacks, for at minimum:
a. Four (4) vehicles per pull-through rack for each automatic wash bay.
b. Three (3) vehicles per bay for self-serve, coin-operated and/or hand wash facilities.
D. Landscaping. When Automobile/Vehicle Washing, is the primary use on a site, in addition to perimeter, parking lot, and foundation base landscaping requirements, landscaping shall comprise a minimum of 10% of the site area.
E. Litter. One (1) permanent, non-combustible trash receptacle per wash bay is required.
F. Noise.
1. Sound attenuating measures shall be incorporated into the building design and construction to absorb noise such that the sound level readings at the street and at interior property lines are no more than 55 decibels.
2. Mechanical equipment for centralized vacuum equipment shall be housed in an enclosed room.
G. Additional Special Use Permit Criteria. When a Special Use Permit is required, the approving body shall find that the project complies with all of the following:
1. The number of automobile related activities within 600 feet of an intersection of arterial streets shall not exceed two (2), including Automobile/Vehicle Washing, Automobile Service Stations, Automobile Sales or Rental Lots, or Automobile/Vehicle Repair.
2. Canopies and fuel dispensing equipment are oriented away from the street, either to the side or to the rear of the building.
3. Compliance with all development standards for the applicable zoning district.
4. The project complies with the General Plan and any other applicable Plans and/or policies.
5. Evidence that the project is designed to:
a. Provide paved parking and on-site circulation in a manner that minimizes impacts on adjacent sites;
b. Minimize dust, fugitive light, glare, noise, offensive smells, and traffic impacts on neighboring residential sites.
6. A Plan of Operation has been submitted, which includes, but is not limited to, acceptable evidence of compliance with all zoning, building, and fire safety regulations.
7. A "Good Neighbor Policy" in narrative form has been submitted, which includes, but is not limited to, descriptions of acceptable measures to ensure ongoing compatibility with adjacent uses, including sound attenuation, lighting control measures, and vehicular access and traffic control. Such policies shall include, but are not limited to:
a. The name and telephone number of the position, manager or person responsible for the operation of the facility;
b. Complaint response procedures, including investigation, remedial action, and follow-up; and
c. Litter control measures.
8. Evidence that the building or site is in, or will be brought into substantial conformance with all current City Development Standards, including, but not limited to, landscaping, parking, screen walls, signage, and project-specific design guidelines.
(Ord. No. 5996, § 4, 3-9-26)
Source: City of Mesa, Arizona, Mesa City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/az/mesa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT11ZOOR_ART4DERE_CH31STSPUSAC_11-31-7AUVEWAFetched: 11/1/2026