Henry County Approved Car Wash Buffer Requirements

Henry County commissioners adopted new buffer requirements for car wash locations. Any new car wash within unincorporated Henry County must be at least one mile away from existing locations.

The ordinance applies only to car washes when it is a primary business type. The ordinance does not apply if the car wash is attached to a gas station.

Car Wash Buffer Requirements

Henry County commissioners adopted the new ordinance during the April 18 board meeting. The new car wash buffer requires at least one mile between locations. It does not affect any existing business or pending development. It also does not apply within city limits.

Board members expressed a desire for a larger buffer. Commissioner Thomas suggested a two mile buffer, if not three miles. Staff responded the buffer would be two miles because of the radius. This would seemingly only apply if two car washes were within two miles of each other. Their circles would then overlap preventing a new location between them.

The board voted 3-2 to approve the ordinance. Commissioner Lewis voted in opposition in favor of a larger buffer. Commissioner Wilson voted in opposition because he would rather see multiple business types within the ordinance, not solely car washes. Examples could be gas stations, hair salons or nail salons. Commissioner Clemmons was absent.

Henry County staff documented 16 car washes presently operating within the county. This includes locations both inside cities and in unincorporated areas. In addition, there are seven more locations either in development or pending a rezoning application. For example, a proposed location is awaiting a rezoning decision at Jonesboro Road and Chambers.

Henry County now has buffer requirements for small-box discount stores and car washes. The discount store buffer is five miles — effectively prohibiting any new discount stores in unincorporated Henry County.

Support for Gas Station Buffers

The city of Stockbridge has buffer requirements for several business types. One example is their gas station buffer. It measures 4,500 feet between locations. MHF News recently polled our Facebook page whether residents support the county adopting a gas station buffer.

Ninety percent of respondents are in favor of a gas station buffer. This represented 146 out of 162 votes. The remaining 10% selected no. No respondents chose ”not sure.”

When asked about other buffer requirements during the April meeting discussion, staff replied they are planning to update the ULDC after the land use plan update. The ULDC serves as the development code for Henry County. Staff said they could look at other buffer requirements then.

Featured image shows a map of car wash locations as of April 2023. Henry County photo.