Planning commission recommends approval of 7Brew general development plan on Highway 7

The Blue Springs Planning Commission voted 5-1 on March 24, 2025, to recommend approval of general development plan GDP 02259484 for a 510-square-foot 7Brew drive‑through pad at 400 N. Highway 7, with two alternative development standards and two staff conditions. The item will go to the City Council for final consideration on April 7 at 6 p.m.

Christopher Willis, associate planner for the City of Blue Springs, described the proposal as a single‑phase development on a 0.41‑acre unplatted parcel in the General Business (GB) zoning district. "The development includes a 510 square foot pad site building with a 2 lane drive through," Willis said, and staff said the proposed fast‑food use is allowed outright in GB. Willis said future approvals — a preliminary plat, site plan design review and a final plat recorded with Jackson County — are required before building permits are issued.

Staff reported the plan provides six parking spaces (five regular and one ADA) when five are required for the building size, and 22 stacking spaces for the drive‑through. The applicant proposed a landscape buffer along the western property line and requested two alternative design standards: a reduced landscape buffer width (proposed roughly 7–9 feet versus the required 15 feet) and a waiver of a photometric lighting plan. Staff recommended the waiver on the basis that no new overhead lighting is proposed and surrounding development lighting was previously planned.

Commissioners questioned how vehicles would exit the site and whether traffic would use the adjacent Hobby Lobby/Office Depot parking area. Andrew Wilson, an on‑site representative, said ingress would be from Highway 7 at the southwest corner and that vehicles could exit north through an adjacent drive that is wide enough for two‑way traffic. Commissioner comments warned that if traffic routinely uses the adjacent property, ownership and maintenance of that parking area could become an issue; staff said it would follow up to confirm property ownership and any needed easement arrangements.

The commission’s roll call showed a 5‑1 recommendation to the City Council (Pumphrey Aye; Stokenberry Aye; Ingersoll No; Howe Aye; Sanderson Aye; Henning Aye). The recommendation carries two standard staff conditions and the two approved alternative standards; staff will return with required plats and final site plan reviews.

If approved by the City Council, the applicant will be required to complete the preliminary and final plat processes with Jackson County before building permits are issued.