Commission approves drive‑through variance for seasonal restaurant on West Main

The Whitehouse Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance to the city’s zoning ordinance to allow a drive‑through for a seasonal restaurant proposed at 301–303 West Main Street. The commission’s approval covers only the drive‑through use; the applicant must still meet all other city ordinances and permitting requirements before opening. Why it matters: The property’s current zoning does not permit drive‑throughs. The applicant told the commission the operation is intended to be mainly takeout, seasonal (late afternoon into the evening), and to generate modest queueing compared with a fast‑food franchise. A member of the public who lives on Willingham Road said left‑turns onto SH‑346 are difficult during peak hours and urged careful attention to egress patterns. The applicant’s representative said franchise locations in other markets typically see four to five cars in the queue at a time and said engineering and circulation details can be refined during site plan and permit review. “We’re mainly take out, take and go,” the applicant said. Commissioners asked whether approval of the variance would also allow the city to control circulation details; staff responded that the variance covers the drive‑through use and that the property must still meet ordinances and code at permitting and site‑plan stages. A motion to approve the variance passed with no recorded opposition. What’s next: The applicant must complete site‑plan approvals and secure building and operational permits; staff said circulation and egress configurations will be reviewed during those processes.