Durban Development seeks setback variance for Dutch Bros Coffee drive-thru in North Augusta

A significant development proposal took center stage at the North Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on May 6, 2025, as Urban Development sought a variance to modify the maximum front setback for a new coffee shop. The request, which aims to adjust the setback from 80 feet to just 10 feet, is crucial for the construction of a Dutch Bros Coffee franchise on a 1.13-acre site off Edge Hill Road.

The variance is necessary due to an existing stormwater detention pond that occupies much of the required setback area. Without this adjustment, the development would either have to redesign the entire stormwater system or eliminate the drive-through feature, which is a key component of the business model. Steven Knudson, representing Urban Development, emphasized that the request is not for a complete elimination of the setback but rather a modest extension to accommodate the unique conditions of the property.

During the public hearing, no objections were raised, and the board members expressed support for the variance, citing that it would not detrimentally affect adjacent properties or the public good. The board unanimously agreed that the existing stormwater feature creates an unnecessary hardship for the development, allowing for a more profitable and efficient use of the property.

As the meeting concluded, the board's favorable stance on the variance indicates a positive step forward for the proposed coffee shop, which promises to enhance the commercial landscape of North Augusta while addressing the challenges posed by the existing infrastructure. The decision reflects a commitment to balancing development needs with community standards, paving the way for new business opportunities in the area.