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Commission approves Chipotle at May River Crossing with landscaping and window symmetry conditions
Summary
The planning commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a 2,385-square-foot Chipotle at May River Crossing, adding conditions that the drive-through transom match storefront symmetry and that additional landscaping be placed along May River Crossing Road to screen a dumpster and parking view.
The Town of Bluffton Planning Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a single-story, 2,385-square-foot Chipotle restaurant at May River Crossing on May 27, subject to three conditions requiring (1) the drive-through transom be architecturally matched to the storefront for symmetry, (2) landscape buffering along the west side of the property adjacent to May River Crossing Road, and (3) confirmation that proposed LED lighting is an appropriate substitute under the ZDSO.
Staff noted the building was previously reviewed and that the applicant had addressed parking allocation and aesthetic comments. Dusty Ostent of Wilkes Architects, who identified himself as the applicant representative, described exterior articulation including a pitched standing seam metal roof, awnings, board-and-batten siding and Bahama shutters added to meet HCOD standards. "I'm Dusty Ostent from Wilkes Architects, for representing Chipotle," he told the commission.
Commissioners raised two design issues: the alignment of the transom above the drive-through window and additional landscaping to prevent a direct view from Highway 170 to the dumpster area and parking. A commissioner asked that the east-facing elevation be treated as a front elevation because it faces the park amenity; others recommended adding shrubbery at the road edge so drivers do not see an unbroken view into the parking area. Staff confirmed that lighting and materials met code but requested the commission make the official determination on LED fixtures as an appropriate substitute.
A motion approving the COFA as submitted with the stated conditions passed unanimously by voice vote.
What happens next: Applicant will update final drawings and address the landscaping condition in final permit sets; staff will record the COFA decision in the project file.
