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Board approves Beulah Road drive‑through conditional use with minimum 16‑foot vegetative buffer
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Summary
Escambia County BOA approved a conditional use to allow a restaurant drive‑through within 200 feet of residential zoning on Beulah Road, imposing a minimum 16‑foot vegetative buffer and requiring orientation of speakers and lighting away from homes.
The Escambia County Board of Adjustment on March 18 approved a conditional use to allow a restaurant (or brewpub) with drive‑through service on Beulah Road that falls within 200 feet of low/medium‑density residential zoning, subject to site‑plan review and mitigation measures to protect adjacent homes.
Kimberly Wilson of Development Services reviewed the proposal, explaining the applicant must meet standards for ingress and egress, comply with screening and buffering requirements and orient ordering kiosks and speakers away from residences. "Therefore, staff recommends approval of the requested conditional use," Wilson said.
Board members raised concerns about drive‑through intercom noise and asked whether sound walls or vegetation could reduce impacts. Applicant James Hughes said the drive‑through and ordering kiosks are sited to the north to keep noise away from nearby houses and said he intends to preserve as much existing vegetation as possible. "I plan on keeping every piece of vegetation that I can," Hughes said. Staff confirmed a required minimum 16‑foot vegetative buffer along property lines abutting single‑family residences.
A board member moved to accept staff findings and recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
