Drive-through car wash at 18850 Willamette Drive (CUP-25-03/DR-25-03/VAR-25-02)
Description
A proposed drive-through car wash on Highway 43, near Fern Creek. The applicant redesigned the building in late March to eliminate the need for a window-transparency variance, but the commission denied the conditional use permit and design review 3-2 over stormwater concerns and a finding of no overall benefit to the city.
Impact summary
The Planning Commission denied it on Apr 15, 2026.
The decision will shape whether a heavily criticized stretch of Highway 43 gets another auto-oriented use or stays open for the pedestrian-friendly redevelopment envisioned in the neighborhood plan and Vision 43.
Applicant
- Address
- 18850 Willamette Drive, West Linn, ORSee this on the map
At a glance
- Hearings
- 2
- Public comments
- 0
- Total mentions
- 2
Last vote · Planning Commission
Last discussed Apr 15, 2026.
Meeting timeline (2)
Planning Commission Meeting - Apr 15, 2026
A proposed drive-through car wash on Highway 43, near Fern Creek. The applicant redesigned the building in late March to eliminate the need for a window-transparency variance, but the commission denied the conditional use permit and design review 3-2 over stormwater concerns and a finding of no overall benefit to the city.
Planning Commission Meeting - Mar 18, 2026
A proposal to demolish the vacant McDonald's and build a 3,470-square-foot drive-through car wash with 17 parking spaces, dual reservoir lanes, and vacuum stations, needing a conditional use permit, design review, and a variance from window transparency standards. The commission heard everything but decided nothing — the record stays open until April.
Related issues (4)
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