Lexington Board of Appearance declines Dutch Bros drive‑thru proposal, asks for resubmission

At its meeting (date not specified), the Town of Lexington Board of Appearance voted unanimously to not approve a proposed Dutch‑thru Dutch Bros coffee shop planned for 5211 Sunset Boulevard and invited the applicant to resubmit revised plans.

Town staff and several board members told the developer the proposal conflicts with multiple provisions of the town's Architectural Appearance Manual (sections cited as SG1, SG4, SG6, SG7, SG8, SG9, SG10, SG13, SG14 and SG15 and P10–P11). Jessica (staff member), who presented the staff review, said the staff committee's concerns included the building's orientation and massing, the prominence of corporate branding and primary brand colors on a tower element, the proposed exterior material (fiber cement siding) compared with brick used on neighboring properties, extensive illuminated signage and colored LED lighting, the location and visibility of utility equipment and dumpster enclosures, and the location of dual drive‑thru lanes facing Sunset Boulevard.

—The staff committee felt it was important for the board to provide some guidance and input on the development of the project,— Jessica said, summarizing the review and citing the…