Calabasas regulates mobil car washes

The Calabasas City Council adopted an ordinance regulating mobile carwash operations within the city of Calabasas.

The ordinance, which goes into effect later this month, requires mobile carwash businesses to obtain permits from the city and follow certain regulations to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system.

Calabasas is the first California city regulating mobile carwash operations.

The federal Clean Water Act requires cities to create enforceable regulations to prevent pollutants from discharging into storm drains and eventually polluting creeks and oceans.

Mobile car washes include any temporary carwash for the purpose of fundraising.

The new permit system requires each mobile carwash operator to apply and receive a permit from the city's Public Works Department.

The permit is valid for one year and is not transferable. Each permit holder must ensure that all carwash employees are knowledgeable of the discharge limitations listed in the city's ordinance and that they use appropriate preventive measures when washing cars.