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Annapolis council adopts citywide ban on new drive‑through windows after heated debate
Summary
The Annapolis City Council voted 6–3 to adopt an ordinance banning new drive‑through windows citywide, preserving existing drive‑throughs as nonconforming uses but drawing opposition from members concerned about seniors and residents with limited mobility.
The Annapolis City Council on third reading adopted an ordinance prohibiting new drive‑through windows citywide, with the measure passing 6–3.
The vote follows extensive public and council debate about access for seniors, residents with disabilities and the city’s long‑term push for walkable, mixed‑use neighborhoods.
Council members who spoke against the ordinance warned that removing the option for new drive‑throughs could harm seniors and residents who rely on drive‑up services. Alderman Pindell Charles said, “I have seniors, of course, in my ward who are upset about that. . . . I'm really heartbroken about at least the one in my ward,” and warned of store closures being linked to changing retail preferences. Alderman Finlayson said the ordinance “smacks of discrimination against seniors, against folks with disabilities, against parents with children both big and small.”
Supporters argued the ban advances the comprehensive plan’s goal of reducing auto‑centric development and protecting pedestrian amenity downtown. Alderman Huntley said the measure is aimed at “protect[ing] our walkable city,” noting that the city’s downtown residents choose the area in part because they can walk to pharmacies and services. Alderman Savage framed the ordinance as part of a larger land‑use and fiscal strategy, saying drive‑throughs and large parking footprints do not produce the revenue needed to support infrastructure and services.
City staff clarified that existing drive‑through businesses will be treated as nonconforming uses and may remain in operation so long as the property is not abandoned for more than one year; renovations alone are not considered abandonment. That grandfathering language was read into the record by staff during discussion.
The ordinance was taken up as ordinance O0624 (citywide prohibition on new drive‑through windows). On third reading the roll call recorded the following votes: Mayor Buckley — yes; Alderman O'Neil — no; Alderman Pindell Charles — no; Alderman Finlayson — no; Alderman Shanna Meyer — yes; Alderman Gay — yes; Alderman Savage — yes; Alderman Arnett — yes; Alderman Hartman — yes. The motion passed and the ordinance is adopted.
Council members said the measure is intended to stop new drive‑through development but not to force closure of existing businesses. Staff and councilmembers indicated implementation details (enforcement and code language) will be handled by city staff and planning staff in follow‑up work.
The council did not announce a separate timeline for implementing the ordinance’s zoning provisions; existing nonconforming uses will continue to be recognized under the terms read into the record.
