Commission backs conditional-use recommendation to allow drive-throughs in industrial zone

The Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended that City Council consider an amendment to zoning code table 1-57 to add drive-through facilities as a conditional use in the I-1 industrial district.

Tom Wiese of the Skipper Group asked the commission to resolve a perceived inconsistency that prevented drive-through facilities in the I-1 district while allowing restaurants in similar business districts. “Rather than argue about that, I think we're both in agreement that there is inconsistency or perceived inconsistency in the code,” Wiese said, urging a simple text amendment.

Staff explained that drive-throughs are permitted in several B districts and conditionally permitted in some commercial zones; allowing them in I-1 either as a permitted use or as conditional use would clarify the code. Staff recommended a text amendment to permit the use with site-plan review and the usual conditions. Commissioners debated making the use permitted versus conditional; proponents said permitting would align I-1 with other business districts, while others favored conditional status to ensure additional oversight and notification where industrial parcels abut residential neighborhoods.

The commission ultimately voted to recommend the amendment to City Council as a conditional use in the I-1 district, which will require applicants to return for site-plan review and allow staff to notify and evaluate adjacent-property impacts when appropriate. Commissioners noted existing buffering and site-design standards that apply where industrial and residential areas meet, and staff said those buffering standards would remain part of conditional-use review.