ORD-2009-018-Zoning Ordinance Amendment Establishing Regulations for Drive Thru Facilities

Browse Search

Michael Harvey summarized this information. This issue was brought up during the review of a recent development project. Staff would like to seek direction from the Board about what it would like to do as there are opportunities for economic development, specifically with the Buckhorn Village project. There are two options: 1. Adopt regulations banning the development and/or use of such facilities throughout the County's planning jurisdiction, or 2. Adopt regulations designed to mitigate the impacts of such facilities through the imposition of buffering and site design standards. Commissioner Nelson asked about the exemption of stand-alone ATMs. Michael Harvey said that there are drive-up ATMs in a lot of the jurisdictions and these are very beneficial. Commissioner Nelson said that his interest in pursuing this is reducing greenhouse gases. He is fine with option 1. Commissioner Yuhasz said that the County should not ban drive-throughs if it is trying to promote itself as business-friendly. Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Nelson's comments and argued that the County should try and attract certain kinds of businesses. She would like to change people's habits and still be business-friendly. Commissioner Jacobs said that he might agree with the stand-alone ATMs, but if there is a bank, there should not be adrive-through teller. He suggested that staff do research on other jurisdictions in the country that have been successful in banning drive-thrus and the other models that are out there. Michael Harvey said that the staff did some research and did not come up with anything conclusive. It was not exhaustive research. Commissioner Pellisier clarified that schools would be exempt from this ban. Commissioner Jacobs said that he had a conversation with Ms. Bobbitt-Cooke about this before the meeting and she pointed out that the Forsyth County Schools ask/require parents to turn off their cars while they are in the drop-off/pick-up lane. He would like to put something in writing to the school systems to try and work toward having people either not drive or at least turn off cars. Commissioner Gordon pointed out the issues with the aging population and people with small children in their cars. There are several aspects to think about, in addition to the environmental aspect. She would like to think about this more in terms of how to go about this. Michael Harvey made reference to attachment 2 and the facts about car idling. Commissioner Foushee supported Commissioner Yuhasz's and Commissioner Cordon's comments. She said that what some people see as a convenience, other people see as a necessity. Craig Benedict said that the only hybrid idea was a carwash type conveyor belt, where people would get in line at adrive-through and be shuttled through like a car wash. Staff will continue its research. Mark Marcoplos made reference to attachment 2 and said that cars should be turned off after 6-10 seconds and not 30 seconds. He said that it seems that car idling is the issue here, and there should be signs to tell people to turn off their cars while they are waiting. Mary Bobbitt-Cooke said that she is struck by the fact that nobody has ever requested a drive-through ordinance. She cautioned the County Commissioners to step back and not put regulations in place when they are not even being asked for. She suggested not being progressive through regulation, but being innovative. She believes in a combination of policy and education.