Title
Drive-Throughs in Mixed Use Developments Along Downtown Entry Corridors Requested Code Amendment Recommendation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commissioners voted 5-2 in favor of recommending staff alternative text, as further amended by the Planning Commission.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and forward to City Council for approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and forward to City Council for approval.
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. As originally proposed, 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) in the DB zoning district. 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 the...
Click here for full text