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Planning Commission approves Wendy’s drive‑thru at Hospital Lane site in Ward 3
Summary
Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit for a Wendy’s with dine‑in and drive‑thru on a previously vacated restaurant pad at 280 East Hospital Lane; the Transit Overlay District allows drive‑thrus with a conditional use permit.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a Conditional Use Permit allowing a Wendy’s restaurant with dine‑in and a drive‑thru at 280 East Hospital Lane in Ward 3.
Christian James Kalesan, a planner with the Community Development Department, presented Conditional Use Permit 24‑15 for a 2,280‑square‑foot drive‑thru restaurant on a 1.48‑acre pad within an existing commercial complex. Kalesan said the site is in the Commercial Regional (CR‑3) zone and the Transit Overlay District, which generally restricts drive‑thru lanes but permits them through a conditional use permit when appropriate.
Kalesan described site circulation, shared reciprocal parking with adjacent parcels, and a proposed drive‑thru stacking capacity of 10 vehicles with six behind the menu board. He told the commission the project would operate seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. with an estimated 25–35 employees across three shifts.
John Dodson, the project architect, and the applicant team answered questions about landscaping and tree species; Commissioners requested refinements to tree species selection to avoid conflicts with mature tree heights. Commissioners also asked about parking, ingress and egress, and utilities; staff said the site meets both Transit Overlay and off‑street parking requirements (the complex provides 264 stalls overall, above required totals).
Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025‑023, finding the project exempt under CEQA §15303 (small structures) and approving Conditional Use Permit 24‑15 with conditions. The vote was unanimous.
Staff said standard conditions will apply during engineering plan check, including coordination on any required off‑site improvements and potential bike lane discussion with the city engineer.
