Public hearing set for Dutch Brothers drive-through at 1855 Montgomery Highway

Council scheduled a public hearing on March 9, 2026, for a conditional-use application by Dutch Brothers Coffee to operate a drive-through at 1855 Montgomery Highway (resolution 875226).

Mr. Martin told the council the planning commission gave a positive recommendation but imposed conditions including requiring the operator to amend ingress/egress if queuing backs onto Highway 31; matching new lighting to existing shopping center lighting; separate sign permit and compliance with the Riverchase planned unit development; subdivision of the outparcel prior to permitting; restoration of landscaping; and obtaining a business license prior to operation. He said the operator's traffic engineer (Skipper Engineers) concluded the proposed stacking (staff referenced about 60 stacking spaces) would not adversely impact Highway 31, though the planning recommendation includes authority to require further ingress/egress changes if conflicts arise.

Council members asked whether the traffic engineer was hired by the operator (Mr. Martin confirmed it was) and whether landscaping restoration applies to the entire shopping center (Mr. Martin said yes). The matter was placed on the public hearing calendar; no final approval occurred during the work session.