MEDFORD, Ore. (Apr. 21, 2026) — Officials in Medford are weighing new limits on car wash development as city leaders review how the fast-growing industry is shaping land use and commercial corridors.
During an April 22 study session, city staff will present a proposed “Car Wash Code Amendment 2.0,” outlining current regulations, development trends and potential new restrictions for council consideration.
Growth prompts renewed scrutiny
City planners said interest in car wash development has increased significantly in recent years, prompting elected officials to revisit regulations first adopted in 2023.
Those earlier changes already prohibit car washes in neighborhood commercial zones and require additional review when projects are located near residential areas. They also impose standards on lighting, building design, landscaping and the number of car-oriented uses on a site.
Across the city, there are currently 19 car washes, with the largest share located in community commercial zones. None exist in heavy or general industrial zones.
Concentration along major corridors
City analysis shows all existing car washes are located along major arterial or collector streets, with nearly half situated within 500 feet of major intersections.
Most operate as primary businesses rather than accessory uses, and the average site is about one acre in size.
Planners also noted the city has roughly one car wash for every 4,500 residents, with facilities spaced an average of about one-third of a mile apart.
Future development potential
Despite existing development, staff identified significant room for additional growth. Of roughly 4,125 acres where car washes are allowed, about 1,709 acres are considered buildable.
Much of that land is concentrated in industrial zones, particularly light industrial areas, which planners said present the greatest opportunity for future development.
Proposed restrictions under review
To address concerns about land use, aesthetics and economic development, staff outlined several possible policy changes, including:
Prohibiting car washes at major intersections Banning them as a primary use on a property Requiring facilities to be placed toward the rear of lots Limiting driveway access from major streets Prohibiting new car washes in certain commercial zones Restricting them within the city’s downtown or proposed climate-friendly area
The Planning Commission has already expressed support for restricting car washes within the downtown or climate-friendly boundary, but did not endorse broader limitations.
Council direction sought
City staff are now asking councilors whether to pursue additional restrictions and which options should be included in a future ordinance.
A final draft of potential code changes is expected to return for further review once the council provides direction.
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