Planning commission approves McDonald’s drive‑through expansion at 401 E. Manchester

The Inglewood Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved a special use permit allowing McDonald’s to expand its drive‑through and add a 30‑square‑foot addition at 401 East Manchester Boulevard.

Planner Sean May told the commission the proposal adds a second order point, relocates the trash enclosure and includes new landscaping; the property is zoned HC (historic core) and staff said the project is consistent with the general plan and exempt from further environmental review. The applicant previously obtained a variance to reduce required queuing from eight vehicles to five.

Robert Priess of Design UA, representing McDonald’s and the franchisee, said the second order point and adjusted window spacing will improve throughput and keep peak queues on site. "Public safety is our biggest thing," he said, adding the company is open to staff‑recommended pedestrian notices and signage.

Commissioners stressed pedestrian safety at the point where customers walk across the drive‑through and asked that staff condition the permit to include high‑visibility crosswalk treatments or other warning devices. The applicant confirmed the site will be brought into current disability access standards and that 17 cameras are sited on the property.

A commissioner motion to affirm the categorical exemption and approve SUP24‑00026, with conditions emphasizing crosswalk warnings and directing employees to park off‑site, passed unanimously.

The commission noted a net loss of one parking space on the parcel as proposed. The applicant may be appealed under the city’s appeal rules within 20 days.