Site Requirements for Self Serve/Automatic and Tunnel Car Washes
Each type of car wash has different requirements for the site to be financially successful. Below are some general things to look for in a site.
Self Serve/Automatic
Tunnel
SELF SERVICE - AUTOMATIC COMBINATION SITE
Zoning: Varies…All sites must have use approval from the jurisdiction and land developer.
Lot Size: 25,000 – 40,000 Sq Ft
Shape: Rectangular, Square, Some Irregular Shapes May Work
Preferred Locations: Corner Lots, Interior Lots with Street Frontage
Street Frontage: 100 ft. +
Access: One entrance, one exit
Speed Limits; Not Above 40 MPH
Neighbors: Local Neighborhood Retail, Fast Food, Restaurants, Banks, Automotive, Oil Change, Grocery, Hardware, Convenience Stores Gasoline, Big Box Retail etc...
Traffic Counts: 10,000 + Traffic count must be on the street fronting the Car Wash site, or on a street that has direct clear visibility with the Car Wash.
Competition: No Car Washes within ½ mile radius.
Population: 1000+ within 1 Mile Radius, Mix of incomes, Single family and Multi-family dwellings.
Utilities: Water, Sewer and Electric Service must be available to the lot.
Improvements: All off-site street and drainage improvements must be completed.
Price Range: Up to $500,000.00
Positive Attributes: Traffic light or stop sign within one block. Unlimited turning movement on the street fronting the car wash. 3 or more established businesses within sight distance. Speed limit 35 MPH or lower. Good visibility 300+ feet.
Negative Attributes: Poor visibility, right in right out access, competition rich environment, commuter traffic. No or limited residential. Speed limits above 40 MPH. Office and industrial development. Zoning variance or change
**NOTE** The criteria listed above is referenced to provide the best opportunity for
locating a successful car wash on a potential building site. Often, valid locations will not
completely reflect the ideal characteristics, but Hi-Performance can expertly evaluate a
site that meets most of the requirements.
TUNNEL CAR WASH SITE
Zoning: Varies…All sites must have use approval from the jurisdiction and
land developer.
Lot Size: 35,000 – 60,000 Sq Ft
Shape: Rectangular, Square, Some Irregular Shapes May Work
Preferred Locations: Corner Lots, Interior Lots with Street Frontage
Street Frontage: 125 ft. +
Access: One entrance, one exit
Speed Limits; Not Above 40 MPH
Neighbors: Local Neighborhood Retail, Fast Food, Restaurants, Banks, Automotive, Oil Change, Grocery, Hardware, Convenience Stores Gasoline, Big Box Retail etc...
Traffic Counts: 25,000 + Traffic count must be on the street fronting the Car Wash site, or on a street that has direct clear visibility with the Car Wash.
Competition: No Car Washes within ½ mile radius.
Population: 5000+ within 1 Mile Radius, Mix of incomes, Single family and Multi-family dwellings.
Utilities: Water, Sewer and Electric Service must be available to the lot.
Improvements: All off-site street and drainage improvements must be completed.
Price Range: Up to $1,000,000.00
Positive Attributes: Traffic light or stop sign within one block. Unlimited turning movement on the street fronting the car wash. 3 or more established businesses within site distance. Speed limit 35 MPH or lower. Good visibility 300+ feet.
Negative Attributes: Poor visibility, right in right out access, competition rich environment, commuter traffic. No or limited residential. Speed limits above 40 MPH. Office and industrial development. Zoning variance or change
**NOTE** The criteria listed above is referenced to provide the best opportunity for
locating a successful car wash on a potential building site. Often, valid locations will not
completely reflect the ideal characteristics, but Hi-Performance can expertly evaluate a
site that meets most of the requirements.
1-800-922-1313