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Council upholds planning commission denial of McDonald’s drive‑thru at Baseline and Sierra
Summary
After a multi‑hour quasi‑judicial hearing with strong community opposition, the council voted 4–3 to deny an appeal and uphold the planning commission’s denial of a proposed McDonald’s with a drive‑thru in the city’s Transit Overlay District, citing incompatibility with TOD goals.
San Bernardino — The City Council on June 17 denied an appeal that would have allowed a new McDonald’s with a drive‑through at 116 W. Baseline St., upholding the planning commission’s earlier denial.
Planning staff described the site, within a Transit Overlay District (TOD), as a vacant, blighted corner adjacent to residential properties and argued the conditional use permit for a drive‑through could be approved only if the project demonstrably stimulated economic activity consistent with the TOD’s goals to promote walkability and transit use. The applicant said a new restaurant would revitalize a derelict parcel, add 60 jobs and increase routine police presence.
Dozens of residents and community leaders opposed the proposal during the quasi‑judicial hearing. Speakers — including residents, public‑health advocates and local business owners — said the drive‑through would undercut TOD plans, worsen health disparities, increase vehicle dependency and represent an overconcentration of fast food on the corridor. A representative of Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes submitted a comment urging the council to respect the planning commission’s decision and prioritize alternatives that support housing and neighborhood goals.
Planning staff and the planning commission found the project inconsistent with the TOD vision; the staff report noted restaurants with drive‑throughs are generally prohibited in the overlay except where a CUP demonstrates it would advance transit‑oriented economic development. Council members who voted to deny the appeal said the proposed drive‑through was vehicle‑dominant and would not advance the overlay’s objectives.
Quotes and reactions
"The proposed drive‑through restaurant would not be consistent with the goals and vision of the Transit Overlay District," the council’s written finding states. Community commenters urged the council to prioritize mixed‑use or housing projects on transit corridors rather than additional fast‑food drive‑throughs.
Outcome and next steps
Council adopted a resolution upholding the planning commission denial, with a 4–3 vote. Those in favor argued the decision protects the integrity of the Transit Overlay District and city housing and health policy goals; opponents argued the vacancy would remain blighted absent private investment. The site remains available for future proposals consistent with the overlay district.
