Planning commission approves larger drive‑thru menu boards

The Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously May 11 to adopt ordinance 26‑11, a staff‑led revision to chapter 6 of the town's zoning code that expands allowable drive‑thru/menu‑board dimensions.

Director Wesley told commissioners that the town's current rule limits menu boards to 20 square feet and 5 feet tall, and that staff found industry norms and neighboring jurisdictions often allow larger installations. "Staff is recommending that we increase from a 20 square foot maximum to a 30 square foot maximum," Wesley said, also proposing an increase in allowable height from 5 feet to 7 feet.

The change responds to recent local development requests in which menu boards proposed for quick‑service restaurants exceeded Fountain Hills' existing limits. Wesley said the town compared its rules with Scottsdale and Gilbert and reviewed industry guidance when drafting the amendment. Commissioners asked about nighttime brightness; Wesley said lighting intensity (nits) is enforced through the town's outdoor lighting ordinance, not the sign chapter.

A commissioner cited examples such as Dutch Brothers and Apache Junction when supporting the amendment as consistent with regional practice. After a short discussion and a motion to approve, the commission conducted a roll call vote in which all present members voted in favor; staff announced the ordinance had passed.

The ordinance change applies only to menu/drive‑thru board size and height; other sign rules (location, screening near residential districts, and the prohibition on street‑readable menu boards) remain in place. The commission recorded the vote and moved on to the next agenda item.