Drive-through standards

[vman68]

Our department is looking for examples of drive-through businesses or restaurants that are compatible in compact, pedestrian-oriented districts. We just adopted a mixed-use zoning ordinance that allows drive-throughs with a special exception. There seems to be some discussion as to whether all drive-throughs, no matter the design, should be allowed in these dense, urban areas. Any one out there have any good examples of drive-through businesses in denser areas, compatible with surrounding businesses/buildings? Thanks.

 

[mike gurnee]

A drive through compatible with pedestrians? I don't get to use the word 'oxymoron' often. Try this angle: Think of pedestrian ways as a hierarchy, then keep the curb cuts off of pedestrian arterial ways.

 

[vman68]

Mike:
Thanks for the reply. I agree that trying to make drive-throughs compatible with pedestrians is a challenge. Unfortunately, we need to find a way to address it here, not only for new development but to encourage existing areas to go mixed-use, if possible. I know some cities have done a good job of encouraging compatible design in such areas. We're trying to find a way to incorporate them into these districts. The reality is that they're not going away any time soon.

 

[Tranplanner]

We are doing some work right now with respect to drive-thru standards - especially in pedestrian-oriented areas. A local citizen's group is currently fighting a proposed McDonald's drive-thru based on pedestrian safety and traffic issues (the restaurant currently exists, is on a very small lot - and wants to put a drive-thru in).

We have had some success in getting drive-thru designs to respect pedestrian needs, especially in older urban areas. I think the City is trying to restrict them more "urban" environs though...shaping up to be a bit of a fight.