Inver Grove Heights planning commission approves PUD amendment for Culver's drive-through at 5880 Blaine Avenue

The Inver Grove Heights Planning Commission on Nov. 5, 2025, voted 8-0 to approve a planned-unit-development amendment and a major site plan review to allow a Culver's fast-food restaurant with a drive-through at 5880 Blaine Avenue.

Planning staff told commissioners the parcel was platted in 2003 and has remained vacant; the proposal calls for a building of just over 4,200 square feet and 53 on-site parking stalls, exceeding the 41 spaces required for the proposed seating. Staff said the parcel is guided regional commercial under the comprehensive plan and that a fast-food use is consistent with that designation. "It's a vacant parcel ... it's been a long time making," planning staff said during the presentation, noting that the change from the PUD's current bank designation to a restaurant would activate an underused site.

Staff highlighted site layout elements the commission reviewed: a primary entrance off the south private road with additional access to the north toward the shopping center, a sidewalk connection along Blaine Avenue, an underground stormwater system tying to a city pond, and landscaping that meets code (staff reported an equivalent of 27 trees where 22 are required). Staff recommended flexibility on the trash enclosure because site constraints make attaching it to the building infeasible; staff said materials for the enclosure would match the building and that additional landscaping would buffer it. Staff’s recommendation also included two conditions: replacing a proposed pylon sign with a monument-style sign consistent with the Bishop Heights PUD and resolving one outstanding engineering comment.

Commissioner Hunting—who said he visited the site—moved to approve the application, calling the location “perfect” for a drive-through. Commissioner Clancy seconded the motion. After a roll-call vote the motion passed unanimously on an 8-0 tally.

Applicant Maria Beach, who identified herself and provided a business address for the record, said she and partners operate seven other Culver's locations in the metro area and emphasized local hiring and a mentorship program. Architect Patrick Sarver confirmed constraints near the fence area and described rock mulch and vinyl fencing where planting width is limited.

Planning staff noted the commission’s approval will move forward to the city council for final action later in November. The commission also received a brief staff update at the end of the meeting about a sign-ordinance amendment that recently passed at the city council and a planned ordinance change to require only one regular planning commission meeting per month.

The commission closed the public hearing with no public commenters and adjourned the meeting.