Cleveland Car Wash Uses Sprinklers to Deter Partygoers

New nuisance law empowers police to crack down on properties that "terrorize" neighbors

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Cleveland car wash has resorted to using remote-controlled sprinklers to scare off partygoers who have been taking over the property's parking lot after hours, despite the business being closed. This is just one example of how Cleveland has strengthened its nuisance law to give police more tools to address persistent issues like loud music, drug offenses, and street racing at problem properties.

Why it matters

Cleveland's new nuisance law aims to address the growing problem of "neighbors from hell" who disrupt communities through nuisance activities. By lowering the bar for police to declare a property a nuisance and imposing fines on uncooperative owners, the city hopes to compel property owners to take action and work with authorities to stop persistent issues that impact quality of life for nearby residents.

The details

Under the new law, if police respond to a property three times in 12 months for nuisance complaints, the property can be declared a nuisance. The owner must then submit a plan to address the problem, and faces escalating fines if police are called out again. The car wash installed security cameras and remote-controlled sprinklers to deter partygoers, while other businesses have taken steps like adding parking lot obstacles or imposing rental minimums. Properties that don't comply can face $100 daily fines that get added to tax bills.

  • Cleveland's nuisance law was strengthened in April 2025.
  • From 2019 through 2024, just 26 properties were declared nuisances.
  • Since June 2025, police have declared 14 nuisances and sent 71 warning letters.

The players

Cleveland

The city that has strengthened its nuisance law to give police more tools to address persistent issues like loud music, drug offenses, and street racing at problem properties.

Justin Bibb

The mayor of Cleveland who tasked the city's safety officials with fixing the nuisance law.

Mike Polensek

A Cleveland city councilman who championed the nuisance law changes, referring to problem neighbors as "the neighbors from hell".

Jason Shachner

The assistant safety director for Cleveland who has overseen the implementation of the strengthened nuisance law.

Cleveland Car Wash

A Cleveland business that installed security cameras and remote-controlled sprinklers to deter partygoers from taking over its parking lot after hours.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When they see people on the property after hours, they turn on the sprinklers”

— Jason Shachner, Assistant Safety Director (cleveland.com)

“If you 'terrorize your neighbors,' there's going to be a price to pay.”

— Mike Polensek, City Councilman (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The city is working on automating the nuisance law enforcement process to make it easier for police to track properties with multiple 911 calls. Council also continues to explore ways to further improve the law, such as making it easier for residents to report issues and having nuisance properties referred to building inspectors for additional scrutiny.

The takeaway

Cleveland's strengthened nuisance law demonstrates a city taking proactive steps to address persistent quality-of-life issues that can disrupt neighborhoods, empowering both police and property owners to work together to stop "neighbor from hell" behavior that "terrorizes" local communities.