In-N-Out proposes 42-car drive-thru queue in Palm Springs

The Planning Commission meeting held on July 8, 2025, in Palm Springs focused on the operational details of a new In-N-Out restaurant, particularly addressing concerns about noise levels and traffic management. The discussion highlighted the restaurant's commitment to adhering to the city's noise ordinance and ensuring efficient drive-through operations.

Key points included the restaurant's ability to control the volume of its outdoor speakers and the drive-through ordering system. Representatives assured that they would comply with any conditions set by the city to minimize noise impact on the surrounding area. The proposed drive-through queue length is designed to accommodate up to 42 cars, which is based on traffic studies from similar locations in La Quinta and Rancho Mirage, where maximum queues were observed at 32 cars.

The meeting also addressed the restaurant's staffing and operational strategies to manage customer flow. It was noted that outdoor order-taking would be limited during high temperatures to protect staff from heat stress. The restaurant plans to monitor drive-through activity with cameras and has the capacity to increase staffing during peak hours to expedite service.

Commissioners raised questions about the restaurant's hours of operation, which are set from 10:30 AM to 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and until 1:30 AM on weekends. The representatives confirmed that both in-store dining and drive-through services would be available during these hours.

Overall, the meeting underscored the restaurant's proactive approach to addressing community concerns while aiming to provide efficient service. The next steps involve further discussions with the Planning Commission to finalize operational details and ensure compliance with local regulations.