Proposed Car Wash On Butterfield Gets Recommendation From Downers Grove Planning Commission

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove planning and zoning commission recently gave unanimous approval to recommend a special use permit and two zoning variations for an automatic car wash at 1341 Butterfield Rd.

The 1.1-acre property was last listed for sale in fall of 2024, according to LoopNet. Petitioners plan to demolish a building on the property and build a 3,270 foot car wash structure.

The site is currently zoned B-3 for general services and highway business. The special use permit would allow for a car wash within the current zoning.

The petitioner requested a zoning variation that would permit a car wash lane to encroach onto the property's roadside setback. Another variation would reduce the required number of drying spaces for a car wash, as drying would be automatic.

During the May 4 planning and zoning meeting, commissioners praised the car wash's location.

Commissioner Patel said, "I like the location of this car wash. It's in a very insulated area and away from traffic coming on and off a major thoroughfare, so I think this is a great location and good use of real estate."

The car wash will have 20 parking stalls equipped with vacuums. The car wash will have two payment machines and the building design features two towers at either end of the structure.

According to village documents, the proposal aligns with the village's comprehensive plan. The assessment asserts the automatic car wash, "will have a regional draw and will attract commuters to, from and throughout Downers Grove."

The proposal will now move to the Downers Grove Village Council for a first reading.