Plan commission recommends conditional‑use permit for drive‑through at 8767 S. Howell

The Plan Commission recommended that the Common Council approve a conditional‑use permit to allow a two‑lane drive‑through at a new restaurant proposed at 8767 S. Howell Ave.

Department of Community Development staff described the concept plan: two drive‑through lanes with two menu boards, a bypass lane required by code and landscaping and screening to be required at the subsequent site plan stage. Staff said proposed hours are 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday. The applicant estimated about 400 customers per day with roughly 40% using the drive‑through, producing an estimated peak queue of 18 vehicles.

Eric Peterson of Keystone Planning and Design and the project civil engineer answered commissioner questions about screening and site circulation. Peterson said detailed landscaping and screening will be reviewed during the later site plan review if the CUP is approved. Commissioners noted the site has been vacant and that shared access agreements exist with the neighboring property; the applicant confirmed an access agreement is already in place with the north property owner and that the neighboring owner will abandon their separate Howell access in favor of the new entrance.

Commissioner Steve Bauch moved that the commission recommend Common Council approval of the conditional‑use permit after a public hearing and subject to conditions and restrictions; a second was recorded and the roll call recorded affirmative votes. The recommendation advances the item to the Common Council for public hearing and final action.