Title
Drive-Throughs in Mixed Use Developments Along Downtown Entry Corridors (via portions of Plum Street) Requested Code Amendment - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of an application for text amendment to Chapter 18.06 of the Olympia Municipal Code. This application seeks to amend OMC Chapter 18.06 to allow drive-through businesses in mixed-use multifamily developments with ground floor commercial space.
Staff Contact:
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8254
Presenter(s):
Casey Schaufler, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia received an application on September 29, 2023, from Thomas Architecture Studios proposing a text amendment to Chapter 18.06 of the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC). This application seeks to amend OMC Chapter 18.06 to allow drive-through businesses in mixed-use multifamily developments with ground floor commercial space. The requested change would apply only to a geographic area that is limited to properties abutting Plum Street between Union Avenue and 5th Avenue SE. Affected properties under this proposal are located entirely within the Downtown Business (DB) zoning district.
Existing OMC prohibits drive-through and drive-in uses as a primary or accessory use (exception: drive-through banks are a conditional use). Existing drive-in and drive-through restaurants permitted before January 1, 1994, are conforming uses. A "drive-in" restaurant is one where all or a significant portion of the consumption takes place or is designed to take place with the patrons remaining in their vehicles while on the premises. A "drive-through" restaurant is one which has one or more drive-through lanes for ordering and dispensing of food and beverages to patrons remaining in their vehicles, for consumption off the premises.
The requested text amendment would allow drive-through and drive-in uses within the newly specified area as a conditional use. Additionally, the requested text amendment further specifies that new drive-through and drive-ins must be secondary to the commercial use and not be located along a lot frontage.
Climate Analysis:
A Climate Framework Analysis was not prepared for this discussion. Any subsequent proposals will be analyzed for climate issues and considerations. The project is unlikely to appreciably affect greenhouse gas emissions as revisions would continue to allow development as well as critical area protections as contemplated in the Comprehensive Plan.
Equity Analysis:
An Equity Framework Analysis was not prepared for this discussion. Any subsequent proposals will be analyzed for equity issues and considerations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The proposal has been routed to Recognized Neighborhood Associations, adjacent jurisdictions, Tribes, state agencies, and other governmental entities. To date, few comments have been submitted. The comments received so far are included in Attachment 2. Staff anticipates more comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing. All comments received will be provided at the public hearing for the Commission’s consideration.
Options:
None. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
Text code amendment applications reviews are funded through fees assessed per OMC Chapter 4.40 - Land Use Application Review Fees
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Application Submittals
Attachment 2 - Comments through November 26, 2023