McDonald’s seeks waiver to add third drive-through window; staff recommends approval

McDonald’s representatives presented a waiver-of-land-development request to Horsham Township Council to permit a modest 200-square-foot building expansion, add a third drive-through pickup window and relocate some utilities following a December 2024 fire that caused extensive interior damage.

Sean (presenter for the applicant) described site work that would include relocating the grease trap to exterior equipment, new electric service, new concrete and asphalt for circulation, a slight building expansion to accommodate a third pickup window, improved frontage landscaping, and three pedestrian-style street lamps to match recent adjacent installations. The existing dense vegetation behind the lot will remain to buffer nearby residences, the presenter said.

Township staff said this revised plan responded to comments from the township review letter and that the project appears to meet the township’s minor-land-development waiver standard, allowing a quicker path to reopen. Staff recommended the council reference the review letter in any approval motion so compliance with required conditions is captured in the resolution.

Council members asked several follow-up questions about a SEPTA Route 55 stop, the potential for a bench or shelter, trash receptacles, buffering for rear residences and whether indoor seating remains; the applicant said seating remains and that pedestrian access will be improved.

No council vote was held; staff said a resolution that captures the landscaping, building, signs, lamps and parking-lot revisions will be prepared for the council meeting on Sept. 10 for formal action.