Commission recommends Dutch Bros drive‑through in Oldham Village despite neighborhood traffic concerns

The Lee's Summit Planning Commission on Dec. 11 voted to recommend approval of a preliminary development plan for a Dutch Bros drive‑through on a modified lot in Oldham Village, with staff conditions that include limiting the tenant to a maximum of four wall signs (no more than two on any single elevation) and carrying existing Oldham Village phase‑2 conditions forward.

Developer Matt Slish and Dave Olsen presented the proposed 1,356–1,400 sq ft drive‑through coffee shop and explained the reasoning for rotating the building and creating additional stacking in the drive‑through lane (13 cars stacking, expandable to 17), which exceeds UDO stacking and parking minima. Staff senior planner Hector Soto Jr. described site context and said the architecture is consistent with the city's recently adopted design standards; staff recommended up to four signs based on precedent.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on traffic movements related to a median under construction on Purcell’s Road, u‑turn allowances, and the location of detention basins. Susan Berry, the city traffic engineer, said permissibility of certain u‑turns remains to be determined pending construction plans and MoDOT coordination.

Debbie Giddings, who attended the neighborhood meeting and later spoke during public comment, said she is concerned about stacking and AM peak queuing at the coffee shop and broader median/access issues that could affect post office access and nearby businesses. The developer and staff said earlier traffic studies and planned Oldham Village improvements (including dual lefts in some locations) address many concerns and that additional stacking could be accommodated if needed.

After commissioner discussion, a motion to recommend approval carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council, with the sign limitation and other staff conditions noted on the record.