Title
Report on the Review of Regulations Pertaining to Drive-Through Restaurants
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the report. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a status report and update on the review of Olympia's regulatory approach to restaurant drive-throughs to see if an expansion to additional commercial zoning districts is appropriate.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Michelle Sadlier, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
Staff has recently begun reviewing the City's regulations on drive-through restaurants. This project is a response to questions from members of the public interested in the potential for new drive-through restaurants in a number of zoning districts where they are currently not permitted.
The goal of this analysis is to determine whether the expansion of this use to additional commercial zoning districts meets the vision and intent of Olympia's Comprehensive Plan, related plans, and supporting regulations. If so, a proposed code amendment may be brought forward to the Planning Commission's and ultimately City Council's consideration.
Defining Restaurants with Drive-Throughs
Restaurants with drive-through facilities are defined in the basic provisions section of Olympia's Unified Development Code (OMC 18.02) within the definition for "Restaurant":
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.
They can be stand-alone kiosks or restaurants which provide both sit-down and drive-through options. In Olympia, some examples of drive-through restaurants are Eastside Big Tom, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Eagan's Westside Drive-In.
Current Conditions
As found on Table 6.01, Permitted...
Click here for full text