Paige and Joe Shafer receive permit for drive‑through coffee at former Army building

The Hazen City Council approved a commercial building permit for applicants listed on the agenda as Paige and Joe Shafer to operate a drive‑through coffee service at the former Army building’s south parking lot.

Applicants described plans to site a 10‑by‑20 container or similar small structure at the corner of the lot and run a two‑lane drive‑through operation, but told the council they were exploring water and electrical connections and hoped to keep the operation compact. "We love being in Hazen," an applicant said during the presentation.

City staff and council members cautioned that the city’s zoning code does not allow shipping containers as permanent commercial structures; staff said a framed building on a foundation or a formal variance would be required under current rules. Council also noted that getting water to the site will require excavation into the street and a tie‑in to the main; the applicants were told that costs for that work would likely fall to the property owner or permittee.

After discussion about building type, sanitation and site logistics, a council member moved to approve the permit and the motion passed. City staff told the applicants to continue coordinating with the city (staff member Monty was referenced as holding the application) on details including design, utility work and any variance or permit changes needed to comply with zoning.

The council did not set a specific timeline for construction in the meeting. Next steps for the applicants are to return with final design and utility plans and secure required inspections and permits before beginning operations.