Pasadena’s Planning Commission to Hold Information Session on Future of Drive-Through Businesses

Pasadena’s Department of Planning and Community Development plans to hold a third study session next month when the Planning Commission continues discussions regarding the future trajectory of drive-through businesses within the North Lake Specific Plan (NLSP) area. 

With the study session, the Planning Department aims to put a spotlight on the various viewpoints about the regulation and redevelopment of these businesses, which could mean potential changes within the NLSP.

At the Planning Commission’s regular meeting on Tuesday, April 10, the Planning Department will explain existing regulations concerning drive-through businesses in the NLSP area as an information-only item in the agenda. 

A Planning Department memo said new drive-through businesses have been prohibited along North Lake Avenue since the NLSP’s inception in 1997. However, existing drive-through businesses are considered “legal, non-conforming,” allowing for alterations or enlargements with a Minor Conditional Use Permit. Notably, the North Lake Specific Plan includes a provision allowing for complete demolition and rebuilding of existing drive-through businesses under specific conditions.

The memo shows seven drive-through businesses are currently operating within the North Lake Specific Plan area, with differing histories of remodeling or rebuilding. For instance, Chick-fil-A underwent demolition and rebuilding in 2023, while others like Del Taco and McDonald’s were remodeled in 2018.

The Planning Commission has previously held two study sessions on the NLSP, with the first in May 2023 and the second in January 2024. During the last study session, discussion focused on drive-through businesses and housing opportunities in the NLSP area, with the Planning Commission expressing concern about the traffic generated by drive-through businesses, the conflict between drive-through traffic and pedestrians, and whether such uses should be allowed to be rebuilt. 

The Planning Commission also indicated the proposed residential density at the intersection of North Lake Ave. and Washington Blvd. was too high, and discussed introducing housing along North Lake Ave., between Mountain Street and Orange Grove Blvd. within the North Lake Village Subarea. 

At the next study session, the Planning Commission is expected to discuss potential redistributions to accommodate new housing with the NLSP area while adhering to state laws. 

The memo indicated that a public hearing on the proposed North Lake Specific Plan update may be held in the fall. 

Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall.