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Public hearings continue on new drive‑through rules after residents urge stronger limits
Summary
Council advanced Version 2 of the drive‑through/walk‑up ordinance and kept the public hearing open to Feb. 25 after public commenters urged stricter limits, a moratorium, or conditional use permitting in transit‑oriented areas.
The council held a public hearing on proposed updates to rules governing drive‑through sales and walk‑up windows (second reading of Ord. 24‑26, Version 2) and kept the hearing open to Feb. 25.
Council Member Joost moved Version 2 onto the table; the amendment passed and the council opened a public hearing. Version 2 does not ban drive‑throughs but increases buffer zones (including a 300‑foot buffer from light rail), raises stacking requirements to reduce traffic blocking, and includes provisions to define walk‑up service. Joost said the new version reflects community input and recent changes since the 2024 introduction.
Public commenters pressed for stronger limits. Steve Jurdigan (698 Sherwood Ave) said the ordinance is “a good step” but “doesn’t do enough” and urged re‑adding language to ensure pedestrian access and to avoid policies that favor cars. Meg Durer, board president of District Council 9 (West Seventh/Fort Road Federation), urged a moratorium on new drive‑throughs and for conditional‑use permitting so communities can weigh projects against pedestrian, transit and climate goals.
Council members acknowledged competing priorities: balancing economic development and small business concerns with pedestrian safety and transit‑oriented development. The council kept the public record open and continued the hearing to Feb. 25 for final consideration.
Next steps: public hearing remains open; council will consider additional testimony before final adoption or further amendments on Feb. 25.
