Commission delays Culver’s drive‑thru canopy and second menu‑board proposal pending scaled plans and circulation study

The Macedonia Planning Commission continued an application from Ace Lighting Services for an additional drive‑thru canopy and menu board at the Culver’s at 8143 Golden Link Boulevard after commissioners said the submitted plans lacked scale and raised circulation and safety questions.

Planner Brian Franz told the commission the submitted packet was not drawn to a 30-scale and identified two primary concerns: the site plan as provided did not allow staff to confirm proper spacing between staggered menu boards, and the new menu board risks being placed in front of windows and landscaped areas. Commissioners estimated the proposed boards were about 18 feet apart and recommended 20–22 feet for reliable operation; one commissioner referenced a recently passed law and an incident that raised expectations for adequate space in double-stack drive‑thru lanes.

Commissioners asked the applicant to provide scaled drawings and a clearer package that shows vehicle circulation, order/stack distances and any parking impacts. They also discussed possible mitigation such as shifting the new board farther back, mirroring the existing arrangement on the opposite side, or adjusting shrubbery and planters to preserve patio buffer areas.

Chair moved to continue the item to a future meeting in 2026 so the applicant can prepare a scaled submittal and any necessary traffic/operations review; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.