A growing number of car wash developments in Whittier has prompted one council member to urge city leaders to slow down and study whether the city’s current approach to approving them still makes sense.
At the Nov. 18, 2025 City Council meeting, Councilmember Fernando Dutra said he’s noticed “way too many car washes being built in the city” and asked staff to return with options to study — and possibly pause — new approvals.
“Having planning in my blood, I just see so many car washes going up,” Dutra said, adding that although he understands the purpose of car washes — and joked about washing his own cars to save money — he wants a more balanced approach to commercial development in Whittier…