Bismarck planners conditionally approve drive‑through after debate over stacking space and easement

The Bismarck Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 17 to approve, with conditions, a special‑use permit for a drive‑through at Lot 1, Block 2 of Wachter's 17th edition.

Staff presented a revised site survey showing the required vehicle stacking lane along the east side of the building measured 9.3 feet in some locations—short of the 10‑foot width and stacking-length standards in the ordinance—and recommended continuing the item so the applicant could submit a revised exhibit. Lauren, a city planner, told commissioners the ordinance requires vehicle stacking lanes to be "located completely upon the parcel of land that includes the structure they are intended to serve," and that the submitted survey meant the application did not meet requirement 3 in the staff report.

Applicant Kevin Kavanaugh told…