Planning commission approves drive‑through restaurant at Cactus Road and Bridal Avenue

The City of Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 16 approved a conditional use permit and site plan for a drive‑through restaurant on a 1.15‑acre pad at the southwest corner of Cactus Road and Bridal Avenue (Case FS240660).

Planning staff described the proposal as a 3,519‑square‑foot restaurant with a drive‑through. The project would provide 34 parking spaces (24 are required) and nine vehicle drive‑through queuing spaces; staff said a pedestrian crossing sign will be posted before vehicles exit the drive‑through. The architecture uses colored CMU block, a concrete wainscot, metal panel accents and metal awnings; landscaping will use low‑water‑use trees, shrubs and ground cover, which staff said meets the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) landscaping standards.

Commissioners focused questions and comments on pedestrian safety and circulation. Commissioner Bash said pedestrian and circulation design in nearby shopping centers is already problematic, calling the nearby Presada center “a disaster trying to pick your way around it.” Vice Chair Chapman asked whether a stop sign rather than a pedestrian crossing sign would be appropriate at the drive‑through exit; staff said the transportation team could be asked through permitting to consider a stop sign and that in either case vehicles must stop and check before proceeding. Commissioner Perry urged stronger pedestrian access across internal shopping‑center aisles during peak dining hours, saying the lack of crosswalks forces pedestrians into risky conditions: “you’re taking your life into your hands.”

Staff reported that the required outreach meeting was held Sept. 26 at the Hilton Garden Inn, with required postings and mailings; staff said there were no attendees at that outreach meeting. The staff recommendation was approval subject to stipulations A through E in the staff report. Commissioner Perry moved to approve the CUP with site plan subject to stipulations A–E; the motion was seconded and passed. The commission did not provide a roll‑call tally in the record for this item.

The staff presentation noted adjacent PADs as Presada and Greer Ranch and that the parcel’s underlying zoning is commercial. The applicant was available by phone if the commission had additional questions at the time of the hearing. The permit will move forward through the city’s permitting process, where the transportation team will review final signing and circulation controls.