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Planning commission approves Jack in the Box rebuild with dual drive‑through lanes in downtown Perris
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to approve a new Jack in the Box restaurant at 500 E. Fourth St., accepting a variance to increase street setbacks to improve circulation. Conditions include material refinements, a wainscot on the trash enclosure, and native-plant landscaping.
The Perris Planning Commission on Feb. 19 unanimously approved a conditional use permit and a variance to replace the existing Jack in the Box at 500 East Fourth Street with a new 2,378-square-foot restaurant that includes dual drive-through lanes and modernized façades.
Planner Alfredo Garcia told commissioners the project meets parking and commercial development standards for the Fourth Street gateway of the Downtown Specific Plan, but requires a variance to allow larger building setbacks along the street frontages so the site can accommodate dual drive-through lanes and improved circulation.
Nut graf: Commissioners and the applicant described the project as a much‑needed modernization of a dated facility in a busy corridor; the vote included several design-focused conditions — added masonry wainscot on the trash enclosure, revisions to break up large expanses of red/gray on elevations facing Casa Jimenez, and a requirement to work with staff to incorporate California native plant species in the landscape plan.
Magellan Architects project manager Karen Wallace described the proposal as an updated Jack in the Box prototype adapted to this corner and said it includes vertical and horizontal articulation, a porte‑cochère over the drive-through, and material choices meant to improve the site’s visual character. Corey Seki, representing Jack in the Box, said the existing kitchen and systems are dated and that new equipment will improve efficiency and reduce customer wait times.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about circulation, pedestrian connections to the adjacent shopping area, the location and design of the monument sign, ADA and EV parking locations, and the trash enclosure materials. Planning staff and the applicant confirmed the project provides a surplus of parking spaces beyond code (the staff report notes four surplus spaces) and that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15332 as an infill development project.
Several commissioners recommended specific design refinements in their motion: add brick veneer (wainscot) to the trash enclosure consistent with building materials; revise east- and west-facing elevations to break up large fields of red and gray; and require the applicant to coordinate with staff on a landscape palette that favors California native, drought‑tolerant plant species. Public comment was not received on the item.
The commission approved the staff recommendation and the variance by a 5–0 vote. The resolution and conditions will go forward as the commission’s recommendation for ministerial approval steps and building permit review.
Ending: The applicant agreed to work with staff on the requested material and landscape refinements. With Planning Commission approval, the applicant may proceed to final engineering and building permit submittals consistent with the approved design and conditions.
