Whittier Temporarily Bans New Car Washes, Massage Parlors, Data Centers, and Detention Facilities
The pause lasts 45 days and can be extended up to two years, with a council vote on extending it set for Dec. 8.
The Whittier City Council voted Oct. 27 to temporarily ban new car washes, massage parlors, data centers, and detention facilities anywhere in the city. The ordinances also stop existing uses from expanding or intensifying. This kind of temporary ban is called a moratorium.
The council passed the data center, detention facility and massage parlor ordinances unanimously, 5-0. The car wash ordinance passed 4-1, with Councilmember Cathy Warner opposed.
The immediate effect may be most noticeable for massage parlors. Community Development Director Ben Pongetti said the city receives applications for new massage business licenses about every two weeks, sometimes more often. He said staff would be told right away that they can’t approve new ones.
No data center, detention facility, or new car wash applications are pending. Previously approved car washes can proceed, including one already under construction. What the pause stops is what can open or expand next.
Whittier is not alone. Oakland and San Francisco approved data center moratoriums this month, and Palo Alto approved a one-year ban on detention facilities Oct. 26. But two Whittier council members described wanting lasting limits, not just a pause.
