Planning commission approves Chick‑fil‑A with conditions, including two fewer parking stalls and signage review

The Chico Planning Commission on April 3 approved a use permit and architectural review for a new Chick‑fil‑A restaurant at a vacant parcel on Forest Avenue, subject to conditions that include removing two parking stalls along the site’s southern edge, lowering parking‑lot light standards to 18 feet and requiring the sign package to be approved by city staff before issuance of building permits.

Associate Planner Madison Driscoll presented the project as “a request to authorize a quick service restaurant with a two‑lane drive‑through” on a site located along Forest Avenue between East 20th Street and Bany Lane within the city’s regional commercial zoning and the Twentieth Street Corridor opportunity site. The proposed building is 4,666 square feet, with 82 vehicle parking spaces, 10 bicycle parking spaces and drive‑through queuing for up to 42 vehicles.

The commission’s action follows questions from members about site layout, landscaping and environmental review. Commissioner Wolf and others pressed the applicant and staff on vehicle–pedestrian circulation, the amount and placement of parking, perimeter…