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Board approves Culver’s setback variance amid neighbor concerns about traffic and noise
Summary
The board approved a front‑setback variance for a proposed Culver’s with a drive‑thru at 1901 North Jefferson Way after staff explained lot geometry and a planned right‑of‑way vacation; a nearby resident warned increased traffic, speaker noise and lighting could harm adjacent homes.
The board voted to grant a front‑yard setback variance for a proposed Culver’s restaurant with a drive‑thru at 1901 North Jefferson Way.
Staff said the parcel is zoned C‑2 Highway Commercial but has an L‑shaped configuration and multiple frontages that constrain building placement. Bishop Engineering (presenters identified as Pat Odell and a Brad Kiel/Kuhl) asked for a variance to allow a 29.73‑foot front setback where 40 feet is required, a reduction of about 10 feet 6 inches. Staff also reported the city is willing to vacate a portion of right‑of‑way to reduce the developer’s need for variance space.
Engineers and a Culver’s representative described the site layout and drive‑thru circulation, noting dining parking north of the building and drive‑thru lanes that route around the structure. An engineer said the frontage road and turn radii create design constraints but that traffic and circulation plans are part of ongoing engineering work.
Nearby resident Shannon Rush spoke during public comment and said she supports development generally but opposed a high‑use drive‑thru so close to homes, citing increased traffic throughout the day, drive‑thru stacking, drive‑through speaker noise, extended hours and lighting as negative impacts. “A drive‑thru restaurant like Culver’s is high use that is in my opinion not compatible this close to residential homes,” she said.
Board members asked follow‑up questions about driveway locations and traffic control; an engineer said the team will work with the city on traffic control measures and that a stop sign or other control could be warranted depending on future study and incidents.
A motion to approve the setback variance was seconded and passed by recorded vote. Members recorded as voting in favor included Way (or Wayland as named during roll call), Solowish, Bash and Edwards. The board noted it would coordinate with city staff on traffic control measures if conditions warrant. No final site‑plan conditions or construction timeline were specified at the meeting.
