The standards of this chapter are intended to allow for drive-through facilities by reducing the negative impacts they may create. Of special concern are noise from idling cars and voice amplification equipment, lighting and queued traffic interfering with on-site and off-site traffic and pedestrian flow. The specific purposes of this chapter are to:

1. reduce noise, lighting and visual impacts on abutting uses, particularly residential uses;
    
2. promote safer and more efficient on-site vehicular and pedestrian circulation;
    
3. minimize conflicts between queued vehicles and traffic on adjacent streets.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10

1. Uses.

The standards of this chapter apply to all uses that have drive-through facilities including vehicle repair and quick vehicle servicing.

2. Site Development.

The standards of this chapter apply only to the portions of the site development that comprise the drive-through facility. The standards apply to new developments, the addition of drive-through facilities to existing developments, and the relocation of an existing drive-through facility. Drive-through facilities are not a right; the size of the site or the size and location of existing structures may make it impossible to meet the standards of this chapter. Chapter 17C.230 SMC, Parking and Loading, contains additional requirements regarding vehicle areas.

3. Parts of a Drive-through Facility.

A drive-through facility is composed of two parts – the stacking lanes and the service area. A drive-through facility may also have a third part – an order menu. The stacking lanes are the space occupied by vehicles queuing for the service to be provided. The service area is where the service occurs. In uses with service windows, the service area starts at the service window. In uses where the service occurs indoors, the service area is the area within the building where the service occurs. For other development, such as gas pumps, air compressors and vacuum cleaning stations, the service area is the area where the vehicles are parked during the service.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10

All drive-through facilities must provide the setbacks and landscaping stated below.

1. Abutting a Residential Zone.

Service areas and stacking lanes must be set back five feet from all lot lines which abut Residential zones. The setback must be landscaped to at least the L2 standard, see chapter 17C.200 SMC, Landscaping and Screening.

2. Abutting a Commercial or Industrial Zone.

Service areas and stacking lanes must be set back five feet from all lot lines which abut Commercial or Industrial zones. The setback must be landscaped to at least the L3 standard, see chapter 17C.200 SMC, Landscaping and Screening.

3. Abutting a Street.

Service areas and stacking lanes must be set back five feet from all street lot lines. The setback must be landscaped to at least the L2 standard, see chapter 17C.200 SMC, Landscaping and Screening.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10

All driveway entrances, including stacking lane entrances, must be spaced at least one hundred twenty-five feet from adjacent intersections unless otherwise authorized by the director of engineering services. The distance is measured along the property line from the junction of the two street lot lines to the nearest edge of the entrance.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10

These standards ensure that there is adequate on-site maneuvering and circulation areas, ensure that stacking vehicles do not impede traffic on abutting streets, and that stacking lanes will not have nuisance impacts on abutting residential lands.

1. Gasoline Pumps.

A minimum of thirty feet of stacking lane is required between a lot line and the nearest gasoline pump. The applicant must demonstrate to engineering services that sufficient queuing area is available such that vehicles in queue do not interfere with adjacent street traffic.

2. Other Drive-through Facilities.

1. 1. Primary Facilities.

A minimum of eighty feet for a single stacking lane or eighty feet per lane when there is more than one stacking lane, is required for all other drive-through facilities. A stacking lane is measured from the curb cut to the service area or the order area if an outdoor order area precedes the service area. Stacking lanes do not have to be linear.

1. 2. Accessory Facilities.

A stacking lane is not required for accessory facilities where vehicles do not routinely stack up while waiting for the service. Examples are window washing, air compressor, and vacuum cleaning stations.

3. Stacking Lane Design and Layout.

Stacking lanes must be designed so that they do not interfere with parking, parking access and vehicle circulation.

4. Stacking Lanes Identified.

All stacking lanes must be clearly identified, through the use of means such as striping, landscaping and signs.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10

Drive-through facilities must meet the off-site impact standards of chapter 17C.220 SMC, Off-site Impacts. When abutting land zoned Residential, drive-through facilities with noise-generating equipment must document in advance that the facility will meet the off-site impact noise standards. Noise generating equipment includes items such as speakers, mechanical car washes, vacuum cleaners and exterior air compressors.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 10