Car Wash Fundraiser Permits, Water Runoff & Local Rules

Rules for charity car washes are set locally, so the honest answer is “it depends on your city.” Before you commit to a date, confirm three things: written permission from the property owner, whether your city requires a permit or runoff controls, and whether your organization’s insurance covers the event. A 10-minute call to your city usually settles it.

1. Property permission

Always get permission from the owner or manager of the lot — in writing (an email is fine). Confirm the date and hours, which part of the lot you can use, whether you can use their water, and where the signs can go. Offer to put the business’s name on a thank-you sign.

2. City permits

Some cities and counties require a special-event or temporary-use permit for fundraising car washes; many don’t. Call your city’s permits or code-enforcement office, or search your city’s website for “charity car wash.” Ask:

• Do we need a permit, and is there a fee?
• Are there rules about wash water going into storm drains?
• Does the city loan out a car wash runoff kit?
• Are there rules for temporary signs?

3. Water runoff and storm drains

In most places, storm drains flow straight to local creeks, rivers or the ocean without treatment, and soapy, oily wash water is a pollutant. Because of this, a number of cities restrict charity car washes that send water into storm drains, and some offer free “fundraiser car wash kits” with a storm-drain cover and a small pump that diverts water to a sanitary sewer drain or landscaping.

Even where it isn’t required, you can reduce runoff by:

• Choosing a lot that drains toward grass or landscaping rather than a storm drain.
• Using biodegradable, phosphate-free soap — and not too much of it.
• Using nozzles that shut off when you let go, so hoses don’t run between cars.

4. Insurance and supervision

• Schools, leagues, scouts and churches often have event insurance — ask your organization whether a car wash is covered and whether the host business needs a certificate.
• If minors are volunteering, your organization may require adult-to-youth ratios and signed permission forms. See car wash safety tips.

5. Money handling

Money raised belongs to your organization; follow its rules for counting and depositing funds (two adults count together, deposit promptly). If you’re raising money for an individual — such as a family’s medical bills — say so clearly on your signs and listing.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Your city, county and organization have the final word.

All set? Post your car wash and follow our step-by-step hosting plan.