Commission approves Culver’s drive-through and site development plan for flag lot off Gender Road

The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 14 approved a conditional use (CU-25-1) and a site development plan (SDP-25-04) for a new Culver’s fast-service restaurant and drive-through on a 3.11-acre flag lot accessed from a private drive behind Gender Road.

Staff described a design that places the dual menu boards to the rear of the building (between the building and railroad tracks), locates the pickup window on the east side and screens drive-through elements from Gender Road. The project includes two full-width (25-foot) shared access drives to a private access road to the north, sidewalk connectivity to a regional multiuse path, and an outparcel at the front of the lot intended for future development. Staff said building materials meet the commercial development standards (80 percent natural materials) and that the applicant will provide 4-sided architecture, mechanical screening and a coordinated sign plan.

Culver’s owner Jay Kamen and designer Dan Konczak presented at the meeting; Kamen said the operation will be independently owned and mentored locally and introduced his mentee who will operate the store. Staff confirmed utility extensions (water, sanitary) are planned and that stormwater will tie into the regional basin in front of the adjacent church property. The applicant showed conceptual building elevations with brick, gray brick and manufactured stone elements and a patio area.

Commissioners discussed access, shared parking and the site’s relationship to the private access drive and to Gender Road; staff noted the lot split creating the 3.11-acre flag lot and a 1.62-acre frontage parcel has been accepted and is in county review. The commission approved the conditional use and site development plan by roll-call votes of 5–0. Staff will continue administrative review for signage details and finalize civil-review items before permits are issued.