Prince George’s County committee backs limits on new drive‑through fast‑food restaurants, adds pickup‑window exemption

The Prince George’s County Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee voted Tuesday to recommend favorable passage of CB 69 (2025), a zoning bill that would prohibit most new quick‑service restaurants with drive‑through service in residential zones and require a special‑exception review in certain commercial zones.

The action follows hours of testimony from planning staff, local residents and business representatives and an amendment the committee adopted that exempts restaurants that have only a pickup window and no menu board or ordering station. Committee Chair DeNoga moved the pickup‑window exemption; the amendment passed 4–1 and the committee then approved the bill as amended by a 5–0 vote.

The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the measure aims to reduce traffic, idling and “food‑swamp” effects in walkable and residential areas. “Continuing to permit these kinds of restaurants in Prince George’s County runs completely counter to so many of…