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Home My WebLink About2025-04-29; City Council; 10; Possible Options to Regulate New Drive-Thru RestaurantsCA Review CKM Meeting Date: April 29, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager Staff Contact: Kyle Van Leeuwen, Associate Planner kyle.vanleeuwen@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2611 Subject: Possible Options to Regulate New Drive-Thru Restaurants Districts: All Recommended Actions Receive a report on potential options for regulating new drive-thru restaurants in the city and provide staff direction as appropriate. Executive Summary The City Council adopted a minute motion on May 21, 2024, directing staff to develop a series of options for the regulation of drive-thru restaurant facilities ranging from a continued ban to allowing them citywide and to present these options to the Planning Commission and the City Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee for their recommendation before returning to the City Council for consideration and possible direction. This staff report responds that to City Council direction. Explanation & Analysis Background During the city’s approval process for the Legoland California theme park in the mid-1990s, residents raised concerns that commercial development like that found at the time around Disneyland, particularly drive-thru restaurants, could occur in the City of Carlsbad. In response, the City Council adopted an ordinance on Jan. 6, 1998, amending the city’s zoning code to prohibit the construction of any new drive-thru restaurant facilities in the city. For more information on the history of the current prohibition, refer to the Planning Commission staff report dated Nov. 6, 2024 (Exhibit 4). With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, business operators had to find creative ways to quickly provide products and services to their customers with little to no physical interaction. In response, many retail merchants offered pickup services at their establishments or used delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrubHub to get their products delivered to customers. While the pandemic emergency declaration has expired, retail merchants have expressed the continued value of quick delivery services as an important alternative. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 1 of 91 Options to regulate new drive-thru restaurant uses There are two typical ways to regulate the use of land. One is through the establishment of codes and regulations that set limitations or restrictions on the location, intensity and density of a particular type of use in a particular area of the city, commonly referred to as zoning. Zoning can range from outright prohibition of a use at one end of the spectrum to “by-right” use on the other end, and there can be countless regulatory possibilities in between.1 Based on the input from the Planning Commission and City Council Economic Development Subcommittee (discussed later in the report), staff are providing options that would generally allow drive-thru restaurants in the more intensive commercial zones facing the more heavily traveled roads. The other way to regulate the use of land is through the type of permit required to authorize the construction of the use, on which conditions can be added to address site-specific impacts. Like zoning regulations, permit types also vary, ranging from a discretionary permit that requires approval by the City Council to an administrative by-right building permit issued by city staff. Based on input from the Planning Commission and Economic Development Subcommittee, and considering the potential impacts associated with drive-thru restaurants, staff limited the options provided to discretionary level permits that require either Planning Commission or City Council approval. Please note that the options listed on the following pages do not represent all possible options and any mix of zoning types and/or permit processes described below can be considered. Option 1 – Maintain current prohibition Description No change in current code and the city will continue to prohibit new drive-thru restaurant uses, citywide Required action N/A Time to complete N/A Estimated cost N/A Permit process N/A Benefits Indicates that the City Council does not support changing the current code, even if an applicant pursues a privately initiated amendment (Option 2). Addresses concerns raised over potential environmental impacts, specifically, increases in vehicle miles travelled Drawbacks Does not address interests of retail merchants. Loss of potential sales tax revenue. 1 In zoning, "by right" means a development project can proceed without requiring discretionary approvals from local government. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 2 of 91 Option 2 – Allow privately initiated code amendments Description City Council to consider privately initiated code amendments that would allow drive-thru restaurants based on site-specific development applications on an individual basis. This option does not guarantee that the City Council will approve a privately initiated code change, it only signifies that the City Council will consider a proposed individual privately initiated amendment Required action N/A Time to complete N/A Estimated cost N/A Permit process Conditional use permit and rezone (Planning Commission recommendation/City Council approval) Benefits Does not require a city-initiated code amendment. Applicant assumes cost and environmental analysis. Allows for consideration of site-specific circumstances that may be more conducive for drive-thru restaurant use than other sites. Drawbacks: Piecemeal code amendments make it difficult to assess cumulative citywide impacts and implications. Potential risk for spot zoning.2 May result in a significant increase in privately initiated code amendment applications. Potential environmental impacts must be analyzed and mitigated, if possible, specifically, increases in vehicle miles travelled. 2 Spot zoning is a planning term used to describe the practice of granting a land use designation on one property that offers special or unique allowances that are different or incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Spot zoning is legally vulnerable because all parcels in a zone have not been treated alike. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 3 of 91 Option 3 – Permit new drive-thru use in the Local Shopping Center (C-L) Zone Description New drive-thru restaurants only allowed in established, local-serving, shopping centers. Local Shopping Center (C-L)-zoned areas are larger developed shopping centers, all of which contain a grocery store, market, or drug store and generally are more car-oriented. Maps showing properties that would be included in this option are provided as Exhibit 1. Required action City Council direction to initiate amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Time to complete 8-16 months (20-34 months inside the Coastal Zone) Estimated cost See footnote3 Permit Process Conditional use permit (Planning Commission approval/City Council on appeal) Benefits Many of these shopping centers already have specific sites and structures that are designed for drive-thru uses (restaurants or otherwise), may be able to repurpose parking lots to extend restaurant spaces, or may contain undeveloped pads that could be developed for drive-thru uses. Because these shopping centers are typically larger in size with sizeable parking areas, there are more opportunities to implement various site and building design measures to minimize impact to surrounding land uses. Drawbacks Limiting drive-thru restaurant uses to only the C-L zone will preclude other commercial properties where these uses may be appropriate (such as those adjacent to freeways and arterial roads). Not all of the C-L zone shopping centers are designed to be conducive to drive- thru restaurant uses. Potential environmental impacts must be analyzed and mitigated, if possible, specifically, increases in vehicle miles travelled. 3 Because this option will still require subsequent site-specific approval of a discretionary permit, CEQA review/environmental analysis will be performed by project applicants, not the city, on a project-by-project basis. As such, staff do not anticipate the need for funding to make the required Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement this option. Alternatively, the city could prepare a programmatic-level environmental analysis that applicants could utilize when processing their respective applications, saving them time and money in review. A city-initiated environmental analysis would be a one-time cost of approximately $175,000. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 4 of 91 Option 4 – Permit new drive-thru uses in the three typical “restaurant” commercial zones Description New drive-thru restaurants would be allowed in the three zones that frequently accommodate restaurant uses – Local Shopping Center (C-L), General Commercial (C-2), and Commercial Tourist (C-T). The C-L zone is described in option 3. Properties with C-2 zoning include The Shoppes at Carlsbad and North County Plaza, amongst others. All seven existing drive-thru restaurants located outside of the Village are subject to one of these three commercial zoning designations. Maps showing properties that would be included in this option are provided in Exhibit 2. Required action City Council direction to initiate amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Time to complete 8-16 months (20-34 months inside the Coastal Zone) Estimated cost See footnote3 (above) Permit Process Conditional use permit (Planning Commission approval/City Council on appeal) Benefits Similar to Option 3. Areas zoned C-2 and C-T typically contain other shopping centers serving regional retail and dining uses including restaurants. This option would provide opportunities to most properties that have expressed interest in drive-thru restaurants or food uses. Drawbacks This option might limit some commercial properties where these uses may be appropriate (adjacent to freeways and arterial roads). Some properties may be too small and not conducive to vehicle queuing. Potential environmental impacts must be analyzed and mitigated, if possible, specifically, increases in vehicle miles travelled. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 5 of 91 Option 5 – Permit new drive-thru uses in the four “commercial” zones Description Expands Option 4 to include the Heavy Commercial (C-M) zone. This additional zone is in the center of the city, north of McClellan-Palomar Airport and west of El Camino Real. While this zone does not typically facilitate restaurant use, restaurants are allowed with a conditional use permit. Maps showing properties that would be included in this option are provided in Exhibit 3. Required action City Council direction to initiate amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Time to complete 8-16 months (20-34 months inside the Coastal Zone) Estimated cost See footnote3 (above) Permit process Conditional use permit (Planning Commission approval/City Council on appeal) Drawbacks Same as Options 3 and 4. C-M zone is limited to the Carlsbad Research Center, which may not be feasible given current development of the area. The options presented above do not include discussion of sites located within the Village & Barrio Master Plan area. Because the master plan has a separate list of allowed and conditionally allowed uses within the master plan, any changes to those uses would need to be taken up as separate effort specifically for the Village and Barrio area. Common concerns and potential regulation options With any option that would allow for the development of new drive-thru restaurant uses, some common concerns are typically raised and should be considered: • Vehicular queuing lines that spill into the public right-of-way • Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions • Noise and light pollution during the late-night hours • Increased littering caused by more restaurant patrons consuming food outside • Blocked driveways that impact access to nearby properties • Disruption to traffic flow (both within public streets and private parking lots) • Site and building design (impact of “corporate” architecture) • Number and size of signs, banners, and attention getting devices • Over-concentration or proliferation of uses around tourist and high traffic areas • Relationship of a drive-thru with areas that are designated to be oriented to pedestrian or bicycle modes of transportation, such as the Village & Barrio Master Plan Area April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 6 of 91 Planning Commission report and discussion The Planning Commission reviewed and considered the item on Nov. 6, 2024. The Planning Commission staff report and meeting minutes are included for reference as Exhibits 4 and 5. In summary, the Planning Commission conveyed the following thoughts: • Four of the six commissioners in attendance voiced some level of support in lifting the overall prohibition to some degree. • Five of the six commissioners stated that if new drive-thru restaurant uses were to be considered, a conditional use permit, subject to Planning Commission review and approval, should be required. • In response to public comments from commercial property owners, some Planning Commissioners acknowledged that certain shopping centers that have sites well suited for, and in some cases were previously planned for, drive-thru uses should have the opportunity to develop these undeveloped or underutilized tenant sites. • Generally, the planning commissioners discussed what aspects of drive-thru restaurants were most concerning. These aspects included impacts to nearby residential areas, availability and accessibility of parking spaces and aesthetics. • Many planning commissioners expressed reluctance or concern to having new drive-thru restaurants permitted in the Village area. While no formal recommendation was offered, proposed Options 3 and 4 most closely respond to the Planning Commission’s comments and concerns. Economic Development Subcommittee report and discussion The Economic Development Subcommittee reviewed and considered the item on Nov. 19, 2024. The staff report and meeting minutes are included for reference as Exhibits 6 and 7. In summary, the subcommittee conveyed the following: • Mayor Blackburn stated support for lifting the prohibition in the C-L, C-T and C-2 zones (Option 4), with attention given to traffic, circulation and other impacts. • Council Member Bhat-Patel preferred to have the City Council discuss the topic and all options instead of the City Council subcommittee making a recommendation before the full City Council discussion. • Council Member Bhat-Patel requested information on environmental and safety impacts. At the meeting, Mayor Blackburn and Councilmember Bhat-Patel raised several questions and provided feedback to staff on areas of support or concern related to lifting the prohibition. A list of those questions and responses was provided in a Feb. 27, 2025, City Council memorandum (Exhibit 8). The subcommittee did not provide a formal recommendation to the City Council and instead opted to have a full discussion on the issue with fellow City Council members without a set recommendation, given the implications lifting the prohibition would have in all districts. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 7 of 91 Information on economic factors In response to the Planning Commission and Economic Subcommittee requests for additional information about economic factors, staff have provided a brief economic impact analysis of new or converted drive-thru restaurant establishments (Exhibit 9). Community Engagement In addition to the legally required noticing, the Community Development and Communication & Engagement departments developed a comprehensive approach to outreach and communication, which includes a dedicated page on the city website, posts on city social media channels, news releases and emailed newsletters. Several individuals spoke before the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Subcommittee. Residents and other stakeholders were also able to provide comments leading up to and during the City Council meeting. Public correspondence received on this topic as of April 22, 2025, has been provided in Exhibit 10. Comments received concerning the drive-thru restaurant prohibition have been split, both in favor of and against easing or lifting the prohibition. Those in support of lifting the out-right prohibition cite economic opportunities for existing and new businesses, options for undeveloped or underperforming properties and convenience for families, seniors and people with disabilities. Those who support keeping the prohibition contend that automobile use and emissions stemming from drive-thru restaurants are contrary to the city’s goals on sustainability and the environment and could impact community character and cause congestion in parking lots. They also stated that the availability of food order and pick-up aps have lessened the need for drive-thru options at restaurants. Fiscal Analysis Receipt of this report has no fiscal impact, beyond the use of staff time and resources as directed by the City Council. Fiscal impacts are dependent upon which option the City Council directs. Refer to the section entitled “Options to Regulate New Drive-Thru Restaurants” for the estimated fiscal impacts for each of the listed options. Next Steps The next steps will depend upon which option City Council directs. Refer to the section entitled “Options to Regulate New Drive-Thru Restaurants” for a description. Environmental Evaluation This is a discussion item only. Pursuant to California Public Resources Code section 21065, this action does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act, in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and therefore, does not require environmental review. Because the request involves only a preliminary discussion of whether drive-thru restaurants should be permitted, conditionally permitted, or prohibited in the city’s zoning districts (and whether the city should process an application for an amendment, and not the amendment itself), this item does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 8 of 91 In accordance with CEQA, all project requests that are defined as a “project” under CEQA are required to have an environmental assessment to determine potential environmental impact, if any, prior to taking any action or to carry out the project. The proposed amendments, if initiated, would be subject to environmental assessment to determine potential environmental impacts in accordance with CEQA at that time. Exhibits 1. Maps: Properties included in option 3 2. Maps: Properties included in option 4 3. Maps: Properties included in option 5 4. Planning Commission staff report, dated Nov. 6, 2024 5. Planning Commission minutes, dated Nov. 6, 2024 6. Economic Development Subcommittee staff report, dated Nov. 19, 2024 7. Economic Development Subcommittee meeting minutes, dated Nov. 19, 2024 8. Council Memorandum, dated Feb. 27, 2025 9. Economic Impact Analysis for Drive-Thru Food Establishments 10. Public Correspondence received through noon, April 23, 2025 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 9 of 91 Option 3 (North) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 3 of the staff report Ex h i b i t 1 Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 0 o f 9 1 ,:,,<'-'-~ ~\. ¢ \·"'~~ 10 ,;.'-()~ ~ ,o'i "'/t.,. clJt. -1<~~~ <J). <l' "'' ~ ~~~ ,=;,~"?-$' '-e,. ..,~ ~ .... ~~~ I>'\. Pac-ific- Coast Plaza North County Pla:m Hosp Grove Pack Country El Camino North ~ %~ <J). <:>' & ~$ .~'r(=,'Oat::J. ~· ', .lo q ~ i i~ \,-i. <l efl <;l. Carlabad Sea:side Academy !,, ~~ <J). ValBy Middle \\'l/,.~-.1e >$~"' t~""'~ ~ci.f A'{e 11f'iOnRd \ \ ~ ~ '?-~ Pa,-1,-, D,· <:>' -() ;g ~ LegoBnd California Rerort 200,, 'tr~a'ay ~..:i,e Croa:singsat Carlsb3d GolfCourae co'~g• 131./> Cerro De La Calavera I~ I~ Melrose Way • f\O #:; I" ,S""sot Dr Ma:l1ron , take B1v0 MiddB Lake"'- Pac• %-*<:ily Fra!8:soo Peal{ qp l ~ sinrotosa R1t:1g.r1 ~'t,;r,\0 I I \-6.; / ?-"'~ ~ / 1% Ocean Hilla Rane-ho Buena Q Vista Hgh Country Club 8.1 / r,nkay HIIJ ~/; it ,./ .!" .:.:,~ \,, 0. Slrata ~..f, Par\ara.6'i}"'\ C .. ~:)'. 0 D, ,,I, <>~o s 0~ .s \ ~r',4.!, ..!] ~'t,- Mount Marro ,~"'~ .. ~ ~- Buena Vista Pack \..-r-Je O.:it-?,,.. g Sha G<I CP'('L\1 * Q., Option 3 (Central) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 3 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 1 o f 9 1 Aviara Golf Club !? " 0 O'. & iii Sl. AVl:"'lra Community Pmk "' i 0 ~;;, <, Cassia~ <l' # i' '<-1:, it ,l c "~yon .!" .:.:,.::i \, 0. ,,I,(}~ 0 5 0~ .s \ Slrate-~..!f, ParkPara.6'i}"'\ o\ J u t L 'i!' ~'-4i., ..:] ~~ .;?" I/a Alga. ,,,,IQ Pack ~e\.\ta \.J' y'CI\,,,.,. "!"., " " ,? ~!l t ~ i,. O'. ..._,-?>'Qf!;, ... ,, ~rnq~ Mounf Marro ,~"'~,,~ ~· ~ t i: <!) '\J,c,,.-..c.,om10 St 429.N "'' f ii "> 0 .. e j g ? Cl''°'e' D' ff Q_~* -g?-0~ cf (,, %,~ j ~ Option 3 (South) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 3 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 2 o f 9 1 -;. \ 1 % '1,- 1 ~ .. i; 't, ,_ "" Av~,ra Community Pack :,, i 0 ~" <, Cassia~ Aviara Oak a EBmentary Batiqui\O'.:i Ql ~ ; oua,1«, 'O'~,l- 0 MagdaBna Ecke •Preserve Alga N:irte. Park \.\T.3 \_(\ (?O\.-;e;,e v ~ <) 0: ~ i,. ·v'o-~f., " " ,,~ ~ :f ... ., "fs-rnq"Z- ~ ,::l'~-om10 St "'' 429.N J' IE ~ Omni ~...._ kt Costa Golf 5an M.arc:o:s Cr@~ Club - La CJ:J'~'v!> ~-..Je -i'Pv,,s '2 Ve-l;,Cfo St "'9 .ll ~ c,' '!J ~ "' t/J )~H ~ /lc-s ~,.,'<> ;; V \1) ... <c % _......,.:S'>~ ,f,,J/J -s_Q \ (,' ~ i -,,; "§ i " E Ert.\,;,,1tc;,s g q_ «\ ~~ Dove Holl Fortuf<' '<-~"°" '<- 0 BO' Option 4 (North) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 4 of the staff report Ex h i b i t 2 Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 3 o f 9 1 ~~o,._<--'-t- cl <l' c,\.,. ~"<"~~ <J). <l' ,;, ""' ..... (')al ~~~ '?>.,., <J). .f?far:-lf.. P..ve .5 200. 'tr..siaay ~...i,e Crossingaat Carlsbad GolfCourae co\\ege 6\-JO Cerro De La CaJavera 1t of'.<! 'c-f><:; .s-,,'ls •to lake Btv0 Madi::on ..,_ MiddB % ti,Q;.. Fra!8:~co Pea'< ,p " t l:r s1f,rorosa Ria. / c,•~\• ~ Uf i Oce-an Hills Country Club t , ~ t~ ~ I 12 ~ ' ..:::,,,~tii , Cokay HJ/I "'"' J" Q '<cl; ;t c '•~·yo."_ o" o' ~o~ ,f" "'" \, o ~ Mounf Marro 0~ .s \ ,.ro~•~ ~-- Slr.3te ~~e Park_fa106';}-\ ~r~k -.:J ~'t.- Sha G Option 4 (Central) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 4 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 4 o f 9 1 2/lllt Zone 5 Pack 2001, 'trci'IJ'ay ~..:i,e C roa::.ing::. at o\'f-ge e,\-.r6 Carlsbad C GolfCour_se ~ iii Avi:'lra Community Pack ,. ~ 'il ~ .. <., Cassia~ Av Bra Oak::. EBmentary <1:-1:, it cl ~(}~05 ,(" "'., \, 0. 0~ .s \ ~r,4k ..:J ~~ ~"!ta Alga '"""' Pack _..Ae'\llf.\\..(\ -qo"',,... ,:. t ~ " " -?O' " . .....,'?,,~$, ,? ~p ""« ~mq-z,;_ Mount Marro ,~"'~,,~ ~· <;; i '); <!) \J#-'c,m10 St "'' 429,N <'t IE \ 0 .. e j "' 8 g if f0( g ,;pn\e 1l Q~* 1-0 ..... J, Option 4 (South) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 4 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 5 o f 9 1 -i. "<;) 1h. 1 % \ ., i; "t, ,_ ~ i ~ -g A AvElra Community P..1rk "' i 0 ~,, <, Ca~'{() Cassia~ Avi9ra Oak a Elementary oua,,q, 'I,~., 0 Magdalena Ecke Preserve !] ~ \ -?"' .:?" rra Alsµ i'bcta Park ,.a \,J'\ (tO\~e'tJ. "!"., t ~ -?O' " " ,? " ·v'?J.~~ $!P ""« fs-,nq"'Z- ~ Omni 1-:,.;... ~ i <!) \J,c,,.~om10 St "'' 429.N J; l' ii. "> k, CoEita Golf 5an Marco:s Cre~ Club ,; J iii l.a CJ)~\2> ~>JC lie~ ""°s, j ~ c~ o-c,i~1.qs, .,,~ G;;.._\.-?.> ) °w.i~H ~ ~ : ~'~0/0 <!J ,0.~i: \ .... ~s13"' ~..._w SeQ \ (,' i, ;; ~Er-,:.\0,tc;,8~ Sa, \ Dove Holl Forturo> '<-~,:<," '<- 0 B" Option 5 (North) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 5 of the staff report Ex h i b i t 3 Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 6 o f 9 1 .,,, -'\ ¢ ,.._,,. ;;to" <.f! 0' (..i ~ {'.>°1 ,,,/t.,. clJi:. ~,,,,~ ¢ -i' <l' .,,, ~(':'al ~~4i 0 .,., ¢ %.,, 0~ ,;,' & ~$ (j'll-,,_'f-,'0'3~ ~~ ,," .I -i ,f % \ \,t>- <?: Carlsbad Se.aside Academy £, 'J}~ ¢ Valley Middle g .,..~''½,,., <$'ci.f A'{e 't.,..cilo'ay ~~e Croasingaat Carlsbad Golf Cour,se Encinas Cerro De La CaJavera ~ lake BJva ~.+ San ti,-<5'J~ Frandsco Peat M~iaon ._, '' \ Middle ' J Lake' Park qp l ,;,,\0 s1rtror:s.o R1ctg,r1' c,'> ! , Rancho Ocean Hilla Country Club ,-6.; / "' ""~ Buena Q Vista Hgh ~ I 1% o Cokay HIii 1 c,10Yon ~(}~05 0~ .s ~ i :-t£:'-4t, ..:] ~~ Mor.mt Marro ,~"'~"~ ~- Buena Vista Park \.S·Je 0.J,t-?,,.. Agu~ ~i&b,\oo 0 e j "' 8 *Cl' Q~ Option 5 (Central) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 5 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 7 o f 9 1 'tr-=laay f:i,..-..i.e Crossings.at Carlsbad GolfCour.se Aviara Golf Club :l " ,,, Sl. Av1::1ra Community Pack "' i 0 ~,,, <, Cassia~ ~,, if' G .,a)' o ", o" "'0~ 0 5 ~ •':i' \,-0. Skate ~...f, Parkf.it1a6~"-\ 0~ .3 \ i ~f..<Jk ..:] ~~ .;?" qa Alg, N::irte. Park e\\1.fl \.J• -QO\~ ?, t ~ -?,,, " ·v-?,'Q,f., Mounf Marro ,~"'~ .. ~ ~· "' S, \J~~om10 St 429.N Vista Pack 0 .. e j 9C.,ctt,I~' 8 [ C!'"'e'\l< ff * .,, q'> " 1'-"~ fi ci,' Option 5 (South) Properties highlighted in orange are properties included in Option 5 of the staff report Ap r i l 2 9 , 2 0 2 5 It e m # 1 0 P a g e 1 8 o f 9 1 7-"' i ~ '!'-1- l ~ C, % '<-\ 'l-\ A111:.1ra Community Pack "' i 0 ~,,, <-, Cassia~ Av Bra Oaks EBmentary Magdalena Ecke Preserve Encinitas Ranch Golf Courae fl ~ \ 1'"' N:irte. 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Dove Hollow Fortu<"" 'c-~,:<," -c-o Bu,;nan Exhibit 4 Planning Commission staff report dated November 6, 2024 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 19 of 91 Exhibit 5 Planning Commission meeting minutes, November 6, 2024 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 20 of 91 Exhibit 6 Economic Development Subcommittee staff report, dated November 19, 2024 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 21 of 91 Exhibit 7 Economic Development Subcommittee minutes, November 19, 2024 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 22 of 91 Exhibit 8 Council Memorandum, February 27, 2025 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 23 of 91 Economic Impact Analysis for a Food Establishment Drive-Thru in the City of Carlsbad Scope of Analysis This analysis evaluates the economic impact of new or converted Drive-Thru food establishments in Carlsbad, California. Objective Assess the annual revenue, employment, and revenue contribution to the city for Drive-Thru food establishments compared to quick-service, non-Drive-Thru establishments. Methodology This analysis evaluates the economic impact of Drive-Thru food establishments in Carlsbad by assessing business revenue, employment, sales tax contribution, and other economic factors based on company- specific data and industry averages for quick-service restaurants. Key Variables and Factors There are several factors that could alter the economic impact analyzed in this report. Factors include but are not limited to: •Market Characteristics - population demographics, tourism activity, consumer base, neighboring business competition •Operational Metrics - annual revenue potential, labor requirements, service speed goals •Real Estate & Location Factors - site selection, accessibility, traffic patterns Additionally, the restaurant brand and size of the establishment can be a major factor when determining economic impact, e.g. a 2000 ft2 national coffee chain is likely to outperform a 400 ft2 coffee kiosk. Market Characteristics and Trends On average, when comparing regional and national brand performance within and external to Carlsbad, Carlsbad’s quick-service food establishments that have Drive-Thrus have performed better than county and statewide averages. However, quick-service establishments that do not have Drive-Thrus have historically underperformed when compared to county and statewide averages. For some restaurants, this could mean that adding a Drive-Thru would make the location more competitive. Analysis Business Revenue Drive-Thru establishments see average revenues that are 36% higher than non-Drive-Thru establishments •Drive-Thru Establishment: o Average annual revenue: $3M o Economic multiplier effect: $4.8M total* Exhibit 9 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 24 of 91 • Non-Drive-Thru Establishment: o Annual revenue: $2.2M o Economic multiplier effect: $3.5M total* *Factors direct, indirect, and induced economic activity, including contributing operations within the supply chain and employee spending in the community. Employment Impact On average, Drive-Thru establishments account for more employees than non-Drive-Thru establishments. The actual number of employees may vary based on establishment size, operating hours and brand hiring practices. • Drive-Thru Establishment: o 10–15 average direct employees o 5–8 average indirect jobs attributed • Non-Drive-Thru Establishment: o 8-10 average direct employees o 5-7 average indirect jobs attributed Sales Tax Contribution – Carlsbad The city's sales tax contribution is derived from 1% of taxable revenue allocated directly to the city. • Drive-Thru Establishment: o $3M average taxable sales o $30,000 average annual revenue to the City from sales tax • Non-Drive-Thru Establishment: o $2.2M average taxable sales o $22,000 average annual revenue to the City from sales tax Business License – Impact Fee Gross receipts licenses are paid per each $1,000 of gross sales per year plus a $25 base fee. The minimum business license fee of $34 is required for each license. • Drive-Thru Establishment: o $1,011.98 average business license fee • Non-Drive-Thru Establishment: o $522.84 average business license fee April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 25 of 91 Surrounding City Data Carlsbad’s neighboring cities all allow Drive-Thru establishments. The table below captures the number of establishments in each city, the average sales tax contribution, and the median sales tax contribution. Because Carlsbad has fewer Drive-Thru establishments, the consensus among experts is that Carlsbad residents patronize Drive-Thru businesses outside the city. Should the City increase the number of Drive- Thru establishments in Carlsbad, the City is likely to capture revenues that were previously leaking to other cities. City Sales Tax Rate Percentage # of Drive-Thru Establishments Average Tax Collected Median Tax Collected Oceanside 8.25% 49 $ 24,128 $ 18,159 San Marcos 7.75% 28 $ 26,332 $ 15,927 Encinitas 7.75% 13 $ 31,000 $ 18,700 Vista (estimated) 8.25% 25-30 $ 27,153 $ 17,595 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 26 of 91 From:sarahnzavalani@gmail.com To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Planning Subject:Drive thru input Date:Monday, October 28, 2024 7:54:43 PM Just read about the current drive thru bans- I am from Carlsbad since 1988. Now raising my family here. I don’t want any more drive thrus! My input is that I’d like to keep the current ban as is. Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Exhibit 10 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 27 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive through Dinning Date:Tuesday, October 29, 2024 8:20:29 AM From: Mary Stanley <mfstanley@att.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 8:16 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: RE: Drive through Dinning Subject: Consideration for Drive-Thru Restaurant Policy in Carlsbad Hello, Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on this topic. With all the recent housing developments in Carlsbad, it seems reasonable to revisit the policy on drive-thru restaurants. The recent opening of Chick-fil-A, for instance, highlights some of the challenges, as it’s created an awkward and less-than-ideal experience for residents. This approach may have suited Carlsbad when we were a smaller community, but as we grow, it’s time to reconsider the "no drive-thru" policy to better serve our evolving needs. Thank you for your commitment to our community. Mary Frances Stanley CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 28 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive thru ban - comments Date:Tuesday, October 29, 2024 7:18:09 AM From: Nancy Gilbert <njosephinegilbert@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 7:02 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive thru ban - comments Dear City of Carlsbad, My comment is, having a ban on drive through restaurants is bad. Parents rely on this mode. I think drive through restaurants should be limited to high traffic areas with lots of tourists and some space. Having a drive through in the middle of the Village doesn’t make sense; having them out by Bressi Ranch, in Poinsettia area or Palomar Airport in a well-situated area does make sense. Nancy Gilbert M.A., Piano Pedagogy mobile: +1 (760) 814-0588 email: njosephinegilbert@gmail.com CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025Item #10 Page 29 of 91 lg] From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: drive-throughs Date:Friday, October 18, 2024 8:54:06 AM From: bonniemhammer@gmail.com <bonniemhammer@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 8:18 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: drive-throughs Hi, Though I’ve used drive-throughs in the past and like their convenience, I think that they should be limited to areas where the drive-through lines won’t encroach on residential neighborhoods or clog up parking lots used for multiple storefronts. Thanks, Bonnie P.S. Your email address link was missing the “d”. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 30 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Keep the fastfood ban Date:Tuesday, October 29, 2024 7:18:02 AM From: Brittany Stalica <bri2tt22@aim.com> Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 5:53 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Keep the fastfood ban Please keep the fastfood ban! They are an eyesore, disrupt traffic, and only offer low- paying jobs. They are a source of unhealthy food that we do not need to make more tempting by being convenient! Thanks, Brittany Stalica Sent from AOL on Android CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 31 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive throughs Date:Monday, November 4, 2024 6:50:18 AM From: Gregg Ferry <gregg@greggferry.com> Sent: Friday, November 1, 2024 4:47 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive throughs Honorable Sirs and Madams, I have to question why this was brought up at all. What has changed since the decision was made in 1997? The population increased by 40,000 people, an increase of 40%! Locally owned food establishments have dwindled. Ask these questions: What public benefit is derived from drive-thru/s? Service is quicker (maybe), tax revenue for the city. What is the downside? idling ICE vehicles, enabling obesity, sloth and other health risks, increased litter, perpetuating an anti-social environment, doesn't promote climate change mitigation. Well, if infinite wisdom the city council thinks they're a good idea, I guess there's nothing I can do about it, is there? I would be foolish to believe that my representative on the council would listen to any constituent that has an opinion different than hers. -- Gregg Ferry 3344 Appian Rd Carlsbad CA 92010 (805) 743-3779 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 32 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive-Thru Restaurant Restrictions Date:Monday, November 4, 2024 6:50:39 AM -----Original Message----- From: Gina Armbrust <fiveinhive@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 1, 2024 5:27 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive-Thru Restaurant Restrictions Hello, Thank you for revisiting the city’s ban on drive-thru restaurants. Drive-thrus are especially a very convenient way for parents with young children to get a quick dinner for their family. If you are a parent with two or three kids in carseats, you have to park your car, take them all out of their carseats and walk into a restaurant just to pick up dinner. Consider the working parents who may be picking up their kids from day care at the end of the day. I personally do not have any small children living at home any longer, but I am thinking about all the young parents in our City. Of course, we need to consider whether the drive-thru is feasible in any given area with traffic, parking, etc. Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue. Gina Armbrust CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 33 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Date:Monday, November 4, 2024 6:51:41 AM From: Aaron Williams <aaronswilliams@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2024 6:48 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad How was Chick-fil-A developed if there has been a ban on drive thru restaurants? Sent from my iPhone On Nov 1, 2024, at 3:30 PM, City of Carlsbad <planning@carlsbadca.gov> wrote: Planning Commission to consider options 11/6 Checking in on Carlsbad's drive-thru rules Following the development of several major projects in the 1990s, includingLEGOLAND California, Costco (Carlsbad’s first “big box” store), and what istoday known as Carlsbad Premium Outlets, residents became increasinglyconcerned about protecting Carlsbad’s community character and quality of life. To address those concerns, as well as worries about traffic congestion, traffic safety and community aesthetics, in 1997 the City Council directed staff to study options for potentially regulating drive-thru restaurants. · The City Council ultimately passed a ban on new drive-thru restaurants. · As a result, today Carlsbad has just the original 12 drive-thrus that were already in place when the ban took effect. · We originally had 13, but one closed, and that property was redeveloped. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 34 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Date:Monday, November 4, 2024 6:51:02 AM From: Julia Jones <jonesjj02@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 3, 2024 1:44 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Hello!Is there something I'm missing?The only water fountains that work in the whole of Alga Norte park are the ones in the dog park (apart from the one that the general public don't have access to outside one if the community rooms).Julia Jones On Fri, Nov 1, 2024, 3:30 PM City of Carlsbad <planning@carlsbadca.gov> wrote: Planning Commission to consider options 11/6 Checking in on Carlsbad's drive-thru rules Following the development of several major projects in the 1990s, including LEGOLAND California, Costco (Carlsbad’s first “big box” store), and what istoday known as Carlsbad Premium Outlets, residents became increasingly concerned about protecting Carlsbad’s community character and quality of life. To address those concerns, as well as worries about traffic congestion, trafficsafety and community aesthetics, in 1997 the City Council directed staff to study options for potentially regulating drive-thru restaurants. The City Council ultimately passed a ban on new drive-thru restaurants. As a result, today Carlsbad has just the original 12 drive-thrus that were already in place when the ban took effect. We originally had 13, but one closed, and that property was redeveloped. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 35 of 91 • • • Iii From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive Thru Restaurants Permitting & Management Date:Monday, November 4, 2024 4:11:20 PM From: Bill OConnell <billfed@aol.com> Sent: Monday, November 4, 2024 4:01 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive Thru Restaurants Permitting & Management Pursuant to the informational brief emailed out recently I offer a few feedback points I think most Carlsbad Residents would agree with the standrads as published and listed below. · Prohibiting or limiting drive-thrus in certain parts of a city, such as a historic downtown area · Requiring certain architectural treatments, sign standards and landscaping to protect community aesthetics · Limiting hours, such as prohibiting 24-hour drive-thrus · Requiring a public hearing to approve new drive-thrus (a conditional use permit) · Requiring a traffic study or restricting drive-thrus based on how they would affect local traffic patterns · Requiring sites with drive-thrus to meet certain design standards, such as where the drive-thru lane is located in relation to the rest of the site or requiring a minimum amount of space for cars to line up Drive thru opportunities can be a valuable asset to the community especially whenreplacing decades old & commercially defunct legacy sites that have been grandfathered into the Carlsbad community fabric! Renovation and innovation should be a major requirement as resident consumerutilization in the modern everyday city of Carlsbad. Typical fast food locations have distinct advantage over modern franchised & corporately operated outlets. So agreed the City Council needs to review and modifyhistorical & prospective sites in the city. Needed are variety, consumer choices and flexibility for residents and families who at times need to utilize the more viable, successful and robust community supporting April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 36 of 91 locations. Council should revisit their mandates in an innovative manner! My resident feedback ! Bill O’Connell billfed@aol.com (760) 942-1081 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 37 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: drive thru Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 1:15:33 PM From: B Plante <b_plante@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 11:15 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: drive thru no Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, I would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services. Confidentiality Notice: This electronic mail transmission is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail to b_plante@hotmail.com and purge the communication immediately. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 38 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Carlsbad Drive-thru Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 7:03:14 AM From: Manager <info@babacoffee.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 6:27 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Carlsbad Drive-thru To Whom it may concern, As business owners with the type of business which thrives via drive-thru, we support any effort to include drive-thru locations. To give an example of how a drive-thru shop vs sit-down only compares financially; a drive-thru/sit-down will produce twice the revenue of sit-down only. That is huge to a business like ours where customers prefer to order via their car. Thank you for re-considering drive-thru options in Carlsbad, ReeganLessie and Robert Pastor -- Respectfully, Manager Baba Coffee 2727 State Street Carlsbad CA 92008 (760) 994-0666 info@babacoffee.com Privacy and Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail is confidential and intended solely for the person(s) or organization(s) that it isaddressed to. It does contain privileged and confidential information and if you are not theintended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action with this e-mail. If youhave received this e-mail in error, please notify Baba Coffee immediately and delete the e-mail and any attached files from your computer. Thank you. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 39 of 91 From:Planning To:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: TRC Public Comment - Drive Thru Ordinance Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:34:28 AM Attachments:image001.png TRC Comment Letter_Carlsbad PC_Drive Thru Ordinance_11062024.pdf From: Byron de Arakal <byron@trcretail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:34 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Kyle Van Leeuwen <Kyle.VanLeeuwen@carlsbadca.gov>; Eric Lardy <Eric.Lardy@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: TRC Public Comment - Drive Thru Ordinance Good morning – TRC is submitting the attached letter for the Carlsbad Planning Commission’s consideration as part of Item 3 on the Commission’s 11/6/24 Meeting Agenda re: Information Report & Discussion of the City’s Drive-Thru Restaurant Restrictions. Thank you. Byron de Arakal BYRON DE ARAKAL Consulting Director Entitlement Planning and Special Projects 4695 MacArthur Court | Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA. 92660 M 714.227.4620 Byron@TRCRetail.com CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 40 of 91 4695 MacArthur Court Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA 92660 P 949.662.2100 www.trcretail.com 4 November 2024 CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA. 92008 RE: Drive-Thru Restaurant Restrictions - Informational Report & Discussion Dear Chair Kamenjarin, Vice Chair Meenes and Honorable Commissioners: TRC is owner and operator of the La Costa Town Square shopping center, one of more than 30 regional and neighborhood retail centers we own and manage throughout California. As La Costa Town Square represents our flagship center in San Diego County, we are encouraged by the City Council's initiative to revisit Carlsbad's existing municipal code prohibiting new drive-through restaurant uses. Thank you for the opportunity to share our perspective with you on this important issue. TRC respectfully requests the Planning Commission recommend lifting the 26-year-old prohibition in favor of a new land-use policy that allows for drive-through restaurants as conditionally permitted uses. We do so for three important reasons. Adopted in a different time for a different era Adopted in 1998, Carlsbad's drive-through restaurant ban - CMC 21.42.140(50)- sought to prevent "commercial development like that found around Disneyland (particularly drive-thru restaurants)" at a time when a major new entertainment use was being welcomed to the City. But rather than narrowly tailor a restriction to the major transportation corridors immediately adjacent to the new amusement park, the prohibition was adopted citywide. The ordinance has essentially shut out a powerful economic engine that generates significant sales tax revenues for jurisdictions where they are allowed. Today, the fast casual/quick serve restaurant (QSR) industry has fundamentally changed and continues to evolve: •During the pandemic (2019 -2022) drive-through restaurant traffic rose 3 0 percent. The trend hassurvived the pandemic. Drive-through traffic now accounts for two-thirds of all fast casual/QSRpurchases while in-store dining has fallen by nearly 50 percent. Source: Restaurant News •Nearly half ( 4 7%) of consumers won't even consider :frequenting a fast casual restaurant, bank,drug store or other retail establishments unless it sports a drive-thru, according to a survey byOnePoll. The most-cited reasons were faster service (mentioned by 61 % ofrespondents), thecomfort of staying in their cars ( 61 % ) and avoiding long lines ( 52% ). And among those whoprefer the drive-thru, one-third of them (32%) say they will "always" choose that option when it'savailable. Source: Restaurant News Everyday Destinations. Extraordinary Locations. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 41 of 91 1B -RETAIL CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION Page two •As drive-through sales increase while indoor dining decreases, the major fast casual/QSR brandsare reducing or eliminating indoor dining space in favor of faster, more efficient, higher volumedrive-through and pick-up only facilities. Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, Taco Bell, Del Taco andMcDonald's have all announced plans to reduce or eliminate indoor dining space in their newrestaurants. Sources: Restaurant News; QSR Magazine Our experience informs us that the continued prohibition of drive-through restaurants in Carlsbad may well discourage national chains from permitting/developing any new fast casual/QSR restaurants in the City as they reduce or abandon less profitable indoor dining-only restaurants. Cumulative Unrealized Sales Tax Revenues As national fast casual/QSR brands introduce new technology and greater efficiencies into their drivethrough operations, annual per-store sales volumes are reaching all-time highs and are delivering significant sales tax revenues to local jurisdictions where they are permitted. Class A fast casual/QSR brands, for instance, are achieving average annual per-store sales of between $8.5 million and $10 million, representing $85,000 to $100,000 in annual local sales tax revenue per restaurant. In that context, it's not an unreasonable estimate that more than $10 million in sales tax revenue have gone unrealized over the 26 years the current ordinance has been in place. Absent a new land-use policy allowing drive-through restaurants as conditionally permitted uses, cumulative unrealized sales tax revenue from even a small number of new stores will continue. Survey: Carlsbad Residents Favor Allowing New Drive-Through Restaurants In 2022, TRC commissioned a survey of300 randomly selected registered voters residing in Carlsbad to measure 1) their awareness of the Carlsbad ordinance prohibiting coffee shops and restaurants with drivethroughs, and 2) their support or opposition to changing the ordinance to allow for drive-throughs, and 3) the strength of their support or opposition when presented with more information. The survey found that 9 out of 10 Carlsbad residents are unaware of the City's drive-through prohibition, more than 6 out of 10 residents support changing the law, and that up to 5 in IO residents are more likely to support changing the law when presented with more information. •Question I: Prior to this survey, were you aware that Carlsbad has a law that prohibits businesseslike coffee shops and restaurants from operating drive-through windows to allow customers topurchase items without leaving their cars? o No, not aware -91 %o Yes, aware - 8%o Unsure-1% •Question 2: Generally speaking, do you support or oppose changing the law, so that coffee shopsand restaurants can operate drive-through windows, if they get proper zoning approval from theCity? o Support -64%o Oppose -23%o Unsure -13% April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 42 of 91 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 43 of 91 CARLSBAD PLANNING CO:M:MISSION Page three • Question 3: Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that: o Cars using the drive-throughs would enter and exit through a service road within the shopping center complex, so it would not affect the traffic on adjacent streets? ■ More likely to support -52% ■ Less likely to support -11 % ■ No difference -34% o Drive-through restaurants can provide faster service, so customers do not have to spend as much time waiting for their orders? ■ More likely to support -43% ■ Less likely to support-12% ■ No difference-42% o The law prohibiting drive-throughs was made over 25 years ago, and is an antiquated regulation that does not reflect the needs and time concerns of today's customers? ■ More likely to support -42% ■ Less likely to support -16% ■ No difference -39% Replacing the blanket prohibition of new drive-through restaurants with a formal discretionary review process, CEQA examination, and important public input preserves the City's ability to thoroughly vet drive-restaurant applications on a case-by-case basis while achieving significant new economic benefit and substantial new revenues streams going forward. We hope you agree. yrori de Arakal Consulting Director Entitlement Planning and Special Projects From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Comment on: CT 2023-0005/PUD 2023-0007/CDP 2023-0058 - JUNIPER COAST HOMES Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:46:09 AM From: Carey Fox <careygfox@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 10:43 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Comment on: CT 2023-0005/PUD 2023-0007/CDP 2023-0058 - JUNIPER COAST HOMES Hi - I am a resident at 318 Juniper Ave. My family owns our property and have owned it for nearly 30 years. I live there with my husband and our two young children. We love the coastal Carlsbad community near the village. It has been sad to see how much new modern developments have changed the landscape of the area and how much of our community is for short term renters vs. people who live, work, attend school, and are really a part of where we live. It is disheartening to see that developments continue to get approved that are not only unpleasant in the amount of space they take up but also in their purpose. The constant addition of housing that is in no way accessible for the majority of people and is often used as income properties to short term renters is hurting our neighborhoods. Rincon's expectation to put in one very low priced affordable unit and then the rest of the inflated units in no way helps the housing crisis the majority of people are facing. A responsible project would prioritize many affordable units and housing opportunities for more economically diverse needs. I have said this in previous emails but the plans for the property at 270 Juniper will cut out the sun and sky from my home and all the other West facing units in my development. It is very upsetting that Carslabd is not concerned with protecting my neighbors and my living environment. Imagine all of your windows that have been open to air flow and sunshine being suddenly blocked by a massive structure. Where is our compensation for losing something vital to our everyday lives? I believe it will also reduce the value of all of our properties to be next door to a massive build. Juniper Ave. is basically a one way street as it is. If you have spent any time on that street at nearly any time of day you know that you have to pull off to the side to let other cars pass. The addition of so many units and new cars will be a huge mess making it difficult everytime we come and go - which for someone like me who is juggling two different schools and kid's activities multiple times a day. The flow of traffic will be disastrous. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 44 of 91 Rincon have proved to be bad actors. Their last project on Juniper Ave. led to a lot of garbage on our streets during the building process. Their employees and contractors take up space, are loud, and not respectful of our street. Rincon is not respectful of the rules and procedures- we saw over the summer when they began moving trucks and land on that property when they were not supposed to be there. I personally called and complained and appreciated that the city took swift action to rectify the situation. I believe Rincon knew they did not have the permits and were not supposed to be doing that work and did it anyway. That is disrespectful of the city and of our community. I believe many of these 21 units will be purchased and used for short term rentals. This is a growing problem. We have issues with traffic, noise, increased garbage from people who come here for short periods of time and have no allegiance to our communities or the safety of our children. I will forever be angry that the city didn't see this land as an opportunity to expand our greenspaces and community gardens. Our closest park is Pine Ave park - which is still necessary for my family to cross the train tracks to access. Our closest dog park is across El Camino Real. This space could have been used as a community space if you had made efforts to secure the land and allow for something beautiful and connecting to exist - but instead a few people are going to make a lot of money. I could not be more disappointed. Sincerely, Carey Fox CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 45 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Maintain the Ban on Drive-thru Restaurants Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 9:12:39 AM Attachments:Carlsbad Drive Thrus.docx.pdf From: JP Bruner <jbruner@sandiego.surfrider.org> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 8:21 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Mitch Silverstein <msilverstein@sandiego.surfrider.org> Subject: Maintain the Ban on Drive-thru Restaurants To Carlsbad Planning Commission, Please see attached for Surfrider San Diego's comment on drive-thrus in Carlsbad. Thank you, -- JP Bruner Executive Committee The Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter| he/him/his jbruner@sandiego.surfrider.org Support the mission, become a Surfrider member today! CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 46 of 91 November 5, 2024 Delivered via email To: Carlsbad Planning Commission Re: Maintain the Ban on Drive-thru Restaurants The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful network. Climate change is one of, if not the greatest, threats to the ocean today and we must do all we can to avoid the worst potential consequences. That means, where possible, no matter how big or small, we must continue to push for new and maintain current policies that reduce the use of fossil fuels. While acknowledging that drive-thru restaurants are likely not a major contributor to climate change, they are indeed still a factor that should be considered as a source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Automobile transportation accounts for 51% of Carlsbad’s greenhouse gas emissions according to the City’s Draft Climate Action Plan Update, making it the single largest contributor to climate change locally by a wide margin. Drive-thrus are absolutely not an essential economic driver that warrant special consideration to be preserved. For these reasons, we ask that you maintain the ban on new drive-thrus in Carlsbad. Sincerely, JP Bruner Executive Committee Member San Diego County Chapter, Surfrider Foundation Phone: 858.800.2282 | info@surfridersd.org |surfridersd.org 3295 Meade Ave., Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92116 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 47 of 91 ~ SURFRIDER a FOUNDATION !!!lliii!!/li i# SAN DIEGO COUNTY jbruner@sandiego.surfrider.org Mitch Silverstein San Diego County Policy Manager Surfrider Foundation msilverstein@sandiego.surfrider.org Phone: 858.800.2282 | info@surfridersd.org |surfridersd.org 3295 Meade Ave., Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92116 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 48 of 91 ~ SURFRIDER a FOUNDATION !!!lliii!!/li i# SAN DIEGO COUNTY From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: drive through restaurants Date:Tuesday, November 5, 2024 9:11:15 AM From: Shirley Nestico <shirleynestico@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 8:51 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: drive through restaurants Well, I can say, the area where IN and OUT is located near Palomar off ramp, is a total mess with Chick fil A going in next door!! Who approved that? Shirley Nestico CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 49 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive-thrus Date:Wednesday, November 6, 2024 12:56:00 PM From: bventinove@yahoo.com <bventinove@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 11:43 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive-thrus To Whom It May Concern, I am 100% in favor of allowing new drive-thrus in the City of Carlsbad. The problems with parking are due to the asinine decision to allow developers in-lieu fees for required parking spaces and giving restaurants the option the use their parking as additional business space.Whether a new establishment uses space for parking or for cars to pass through has no impact on traffic, if the site is designed correctly. People who do not have the money to go to a restaurant but have limited time to eat while travelling or at work, badly need drive-thrus.Just allow them in areas that are not busy streets or throughfares and require that they implement a system for orders to be placed and paid online and that wait times are clearly and accurately provided to shoppers, so that the lines run smooth and fast.Drive-thrus could be limited to window service or be able to also offer seating depending on availability of on-site parking besides ample drive- thru lane space. Thank you for your consideration,Roberta Malaman CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 50 of 91 Facebook Instagram comments Carlsbad Social media comments on drive-thru regulation options April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 51 of 91 C City of Carlsbad e Putished b'f l.oonfy 0 ·Octobct 2:8 ~ S:14PM·0 Howshoo1d Cailsb.3d ke~p or ch-:nge its b3n on drive-t htu restaurants? • City staff will present options to the Planning Commiss.ion and the City Council's Economic Development Subcommittee in November for i~b3d<. Tell us what you think. In person meetings at City Council Chamber • 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive -Planning Commission me:ting 0 Wedn-"'Sday, Nov. 6. 5 p.m. -Cify Coorn:il Economic °="vi::!opm~nt Subcommittee 0 n.tesday. Nov. 19, 10 a.m. • Email comments in a-dva.nce to pl3nn.ing@carlsbadca.gov l e1rn abou:; the options: https://loomJy/1bSNFfO Carlsbad Economic Development Ryan Taylor Would've nice to think about before chik fil a was put directly next to the in and out in a stroke of absolute genius 1w Like Reply Hide Diana Ricker Ryan Taylor Jg2 6d Like Reply Send message Hide April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 52 of 91 s_fiust How can In n Out have a drive thru in the sam e parking Q lot as Chick Fil A but Chick Fil A wasn't approved for one? We drive Oceanside or San Marcos for drive thru options since there aren't many options in Carlsbad. 1 w 13 likes Reply r Hide rep I ies jsw92009 @s_fiust As I understand it the number of drive tlhroughs is capped, but existirig ones. were grandfathered, ln-n-Out must have had or bought an existing one. lw Reply carlsbadcagov O @s_fiust Thanks for your question. ln-N-Out is one of the origina l 12 drive-thrus that were already in place before the ban on new drive- thru restaurants took effect in 1998. Chick-lFil-A came after the ban. City Council passed the ban following the development of several major projects in the 1990s, including LEGOLAND California, Costco (Carlsbad's first "big box" store), and what iis today known as Carlsbad Premium Outlets, to address resident concerns about traffic congestion and protecting Carlsbad's community charact er and quality of life. 1 w 1 like Reply mrs,weigand We need drive thrus for the people t hat have kids!!! It's so much easier for the MOMS lw 23 likes Reply Hide rep lies steph_huey @mrs.weiga nd yes!! lw Reply kylieshellstrom Drive thru restaurants aren't the problem, building up t he village with big condo complexes are!!!! Please stop building! lw 14 likes Reply F Hide replie4 aleen, val @kylieshellstrom Genuinely curious, why are condos bad? I don't know too much about this and would like to learn this perspective lw Reply April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 53 of 91 lindzaddae Drive thru coffee • lw 2 likes Reply heidimarie_sd But Carlsbad does have drive through restaurants. ~ lw 3 likes Reply bonner.ellie We don't use drive throughs, bu1 a lot of people Q like them and want them. I know some that w ere disappointed when Chic-Fil-A opened without one. lw 5 likes Reply fletchandsus DON'T YOU HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO BE VOTING ON?(!;:) 1 w 1 like Reply wildblueberrydreams Allow drive thru -ban high buildings at Q the village. l w 5 likes Reply tylerjreese Not allowing drive-thrus has forced businesses to Q become more mobile-user fri endly which in turn marginalizes an entire group of people who may not be privy to technology. l et's get rid of t his 30 year-old ban on Drive-Thrus that wi ll help to drive more tax-revenue to a city with a glooming, depleted budget in a couple of years. There is still a way to do this while honoring and preserving the beauty that is Carlsbad l w 1 like Reply mrsstephaniegriffin Chick fil A has no drive through ... buuuuut everyone sits in their car and idles. It seems like a silly attempt at environmentalism. l w 11 likes Reply dougsellssocal I find that I can get out of the car go inside, order walk out, get in my car faster than sitting in the drive- through running my engine, burning gas .. but that's j ust me 1w RPnlv Nextdoor comments April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 54 of 91 ajvpartyof3 Keep them banned. Sleepy little town is starting to 0 turn into a LA neighborhood. Sd Reply christinemicha Let me get this straight. You allow illegals to land in boats on our beaches but we can't have drive thrus? 1 w 15 likes Reply F View replies (11 sdp408 @christinemicha go cry some more. Whatsboutism much? lw Reply christinemicha Just a reality check and if you don't like it we know why. #truthhurts lw Reply sdp408 @christinemicha why? lw Reply dohobro The highest level of dip shittery April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 55 of 91 @ Christina M. • Rancho la Cost.a North • 1w When I had my son 5 years a-go, and was on disability, I wondered why there were no drive thrus! They are -great for parents driving around sleeping babies or parents with no energy, or even just people with disabilities! I'd drive to San Marcos for inn out, but with their line, could take me an hour total, so I've always wished there was something closer! like Reply Sha.-. w s 0 Brenda B. • Poinsettia • 1w was the in n out in Carlsbad off the 5 not there 5 years ago? Like Repfy Share • 2 @ Christina M. • Rancho La Costa North • lw • Edited Brenda I'm not sure, honestly. I only found it recently. I five in between the two, and I must be closer to the one in San Marcos since that's the one navigation sent me to. But I would really love a healthier drive thru closer! Like if Sweet Greens had a drive through or poke or som ething! Like Repfy Share • 2 • Ryan J. • Navarra • lw Brenda Been there since 194& When I was going to high s.chool lMng in Terra mar over 20 years ago my dad and his girlfriend would s.end us down there a couple times a week to pick up munchie's.1948 "ln-N-Out Burger Restaurant located in Carlsbad, CA. Serving the highest quality burgers, fries and shakes since 1948. Reference: Carlsbad, CA, 5950 Avenida Encinas. -ln-N-Out Burger" Like Reply Sha.-. C:) David 8. • la Costa Valley • 1w We need a Raising Canes in the worst way and they won't come without a drive in. Make it happen!!! like Reply Sha.-. @ Christina M. • Rancho la Costa North • lw David my daughter would also be stoked about this! Like Repfy Share April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 56 of 91 0 Sandra E. •Village. 1w Most appreciative for links:+ like Reply Share 0 Heidi R. • Rancho La Costa Central • 1w Do we really need more fast food places? No. Keeping Carlsbad less commercialized keeps it beautiful. like Reply Sha.-. e Diane L • Tamarack Point • 1w Heidi It's already commercialized. A few drive thrus for convenience won't des.troy the city. I'd rather see a few drive thrus than Miami Beach style ugliness of pack n stacks in the Village, which is seemingly allowed thanks to the draconian state of CA. Like Reply Share • Ryan J. • Navarra • lw Diane You got that right! Like Reply Sha.-. • Melissa S .• Rancho La Costa South . 1w Does the new Chk:-fil-A not have a drive through? like Reply Share • Jason M. • Rancho Carrillo • 1w Melissa I like how you spelled it right! Like Reply Sha.-. • Anna V. • Village • 1w Melissa no it does not have a drive-thru, same with the starbuck-s that is on tamarack by the freeway that opened not s.o long ago Like Reply Sha.-. fl\ Michelle A .• San Pacifico • 6d Melissa no! It's a joke Like Reply Sha.-. • 1 Like Keply Share -., Annie G. • San Padfico .. 1w Drive throughs are convenient for seniors, families who have kiddos and babies, disab ed, and when raining, eliminates slips/falls. Parl:ing lot conges ·on is also reduced, as is sick people indoors coughing everywhere. Fast food isn't fast when you have to park your car. like Share Caria K_ • Stagecoach Park • 6d Annie One hundred percent agree with you. No hing better than driving around with a car full of hungry kids in car seats. Of course one of them finally fell asleep. Like Reply Sliare G Lucas K. • Rancho La Costa Central, 1w I'd imagine that drive-thrus increase pollution from idling cars. like Reply Share 0 Brian D., Bressi Ranch• 1w Lucas no from idling EVs and hybrids. :) like Reply Sliare -Ryan J. •Navarra• 6d Lucas turn the GD car off then. Feeble. Like Reply Share -Ryan J. • Navarra • 6d Brian Thanks for the info much appreciated. Like Reply Share Merilee A.• a Costa Valley■ 1w 'Bring back the drive thrus ! They help people in many difficult situations Like Reply Share Michelle A. • San Pacifico• 6d Please allow! Get over ourselves! like Reply Share Steve L • Olde Cartsba<f • 6d You ban these, but allow so many o her bad projects. You only want place5 you have to go into, but yet there is still no parking adc!ed. And taking away the Plaza and all he businesses to add more condos/apartments.-just doesn't make sense to me_ Like Reply Share •11 e Mellissa S. •Poinsettia• 3d ridiculous -ln-n-Out wouldn't provide nearly he revenue without a drive thru. Can't believe Chic-fil-A doesn't have one because Carlsbad is weird. Like Reply Share ♦ 1 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 57 of 91 • ti .. , From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Carlsbad considers lifting ‘drive-thru’ ban for new businesses Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:46:44 AM From: Monte Newcom <monewcom@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:45 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Carlsbad considers lifting ‘drive-thru’ ban for new businesses To whom it may concern, In reference to this news article: Carlsbad considers lifting ‘drive-thru’ ban for new businesses As a disabled resident, I'd like to voice my support of drive-thrus. I understand the motivations of the original ban, however Carlsbad is no longer the sleepy little beachside hamlet of 60k that it was in the early 1990s. Our population has nearly doubled, with far more local and through-traffic. Shortly after it opened, I went to the new Chik-Fil-A on Avenida Encinas and was surprised to find they didn't have a drive thru. I had to download the app, which is 100MB over the cellular connection, just to place a single order. I was still there in my car. I'm not sure I see any advantage to the extra hassle. While some people do go to fast food restaurants to sit and have a meal, I believe far more people just want to grab a bite to eat, and get on with their day. I can see why the city might not want too many new drive thrus in some areas, eg. The Village, but most of the city would benefit from the extra convenience. Thank you for your time and attention, Montgomery Newcom Carlsbad Resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 58 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Strongly Oppose lifting the ban on drive-thru"s Date:Tuesday, November 12, 2024 7:15:06 AM From: Joe Sardina <joesardina@proton.me> Sent: Monday, November 11, 2024 12:50 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov>; Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Strongly Oppose lifting the ban on drive-thru's I am strongly opposed to the City lifting the ban on drive-thru's! If anything the ban is needed now more than ever. I can see no benefit for people who actually live here while there are significant downsides to the environment, esthetics, and to the character of the city that the city is supposed to be committed to maintain. They do NOT make the city more attractive or desirable to live in or to visit. Please maintain the ban! ~ Joe Sardina 4009 Canario St Carlsbad 92008 Sent with Proton Mail secure email. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 59 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Comment on drive-thru restaurant rules Date:Tuesday, November 12, 2024 1:16:16 PM From: Michael Fabiano <mdfabiano@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 1:05 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Comment on drive-thru restaurant rules Hello, I have lived in north Carlsbad for more than 20 years, and I would like to comment on the drive-thru restaurant issue for the consideration of the city council and the planning commission. 10 of the 12 drive-thru restaurants in Carlsbad today are north of Palomar Airport Road. That is more than enough. There should be no new drive-thrus permitted north of Palomar Airport Road. If residents who live south of Palomar Airport Road would like to have drive-thrus in their own neighborhoods, that is for them to decide and I have no objection to whichever way they would want to go. As for north Carlsbad, we have more than enough, and there should be no new ones permitted. Thank you to the city council and planning commission for taking this into consideration. Regards, Michael Fabiano CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 60 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Drive-through ban feedback Date:Tuesday, November 12, 2024 2:19:11 PM -----Original Message----- From: Whitney Drolen <whitneydrolen@gmail.com>Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 2:13 PMTo: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov>Subject: Drive-through ban feedback To whom it may concern, The Carlsbad drive-through ban is ridiculous. Carlsbad is comprised of mostly families with children. We need moreoptions with drive throughs for convenience. Why would you not want to grow the city with more convenientoptions, rather than push that money to neighboring Vista and Encinitas? From what I can surmise, this was put in place in the early 90s. It is now 2024 and it’s time to evolve. I actuallycan’t believe this passed in the first place, stating that it preserves charm? The average Joe does not associate havingmore convenient options with a lack of charm or vice-versa. Bottom line, life is hard enough in 2024 and I’ll spare you all the reasons because I’m sure you’re a painfully awareof them. Let us have the small joy and convenience of a drive-through, and get rid of this inane ordinance. Thank you, Whitney DrolenCarlsbad resident and homeownerCAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 61 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: keep the ban on drive thrus Date:Friday, November 15, 2024 11:29:54 AM From: Diana A <dra805@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2024 9:32 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: keep the ban on drive thrus Hello,I support the continuation of not allowing drive thrus.The part of town with the existing drive thrus - In and Out -already has a considerable amount of traffic. The Palomar and Avendia Encinas is a dangerous cross street for cyclets andpedestrians. Supporting a ban on drive-thrus has some solid environmentalbenefits: 1. Reduced Emissions: Cars idling in long drive-thru lines release significant amounts of CO2, contributing to airpollution and climate change. Banning drive-thrus can help reduce unnecessary emissions.2. Lower Fuel Consumption: Fewer idling cars means less fuel consumption. With fewer drive-thrus, people are more likelyto park and go inside, which can help conserve fuel and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.3. Less Noise Pollution: Continuous car activity in drive-thru lines can contribute to noise pollution. By eliminatingdrive-thrus, we create quieter, more pedestrian-friendly areas.4. Encourages Walkability and Public Transit: Cities that limit drive-thrus often have more walkable areas,encouraging people to use sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, or public transit, whichfurther cuts down on vehicle emissions.5. Less Litter and Waste: Drive-thrus generate a lot ofsingle-use packaging waste, which often ends up as litter. Without drive-thrus, people may be more likely to eatinside, reducing single-use waste.6. Better Air Quality and Public Health: Reduced car emissionslead to better air quality, benefiting public health by lowering respiratory issues associated with pollution. Thanks, Diana Aguirre Carlsbad Citzen's Academy 2023 April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 62 of 91 CA Naturalist Certified D3 Resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 63 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Please continue ban of drive thru restaurants in Carlsbad Date:Friday, November 15, 2024 1:53:51 PM From: Jason MacBeth <jasonpmacbeth@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 1:46 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Please continue ban of drive thru restaurants in Carlsbad Dear Carlsbad Planning - Drive thru restaurants result in abandoned trash anywhere people park to eat. Such as all around myneighborhood where every morning there are abandoned fast food wrappers. And along the beachparking areas. And all over town, really. The food served by fast food restaurants isn't doing anybody any favors, in terms of health or value. Chain junk food franchises / drive thru restaurants offer NEGATIVE cultural and societal value to ourcoastal community. Thank you, -Jason MacBeth Dickinson Drive 760 522 3730 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 64 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: NO to drive throughs Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:28:57 AM From: Sharon B <exclusivesportstickets@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2024 7:07 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: NO to drive throughs Dear Planning Commission, Please do NOT lift the ban on drive-thrus for many reasons,including quality of life, health and environmental reasons. Welive in an increasingly toxic environment, both emotionally andphysically, and adding more fast food is the last thing weneed. Though "convenient" for travelers passing by, drive throughrestaurants typically do NOT provide any real benefit. Allrestaurants are differently abled accessible already, so drivethroughs are not needed for that population. 1. Drive through foods tend to be extremely unhealthy and donot offer meals which are healthy for humans or theenvironment. 2. Idling vehicles contribute to poor air quality. 3. Fast food uses excessive plastic and packing materials whichare wrecking our environment. 4. Carlsbad is known as a family friendly place; we shouldencourage sit down meals as opposed to encouraging eating incars by oneself. 5. Instead of standard brands fast foods, Carlsbad needs toattract unique, healthy, lower priced walk up options for thoseon the lower incomes and those who prefer take-out. The PLOT,at the cottages, for example is a great place to get semi-fastfood to go, but it is pricey. Can we instead try to attractfood establishments which provide whole foods at lower costs? Pure Taco was a great addition to the village. This is aperfect example of reasonable semi-fast food and we need MOREof this. Flower Child in Del Mar would like to open a spot inCarlsbad, according to the manager. How can we make thishappen? This is a walk-up, order at counter high quality,moderately priced place we could use more of in the villageespecially. Sweet Greens in La Costa was a GREAT addition aswell. THANKS for your consideration in this matter. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 65 of 91 Sharon Bodon Carlsbad Resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 66 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Feedback on Carlsbad review on the current drive thru ban Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:26:24 AM From: Lynda Daniels <lynda6367@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2024 6:59 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Feedback on Carlsbad review on the current drive thru ban Dear Planning Commission, As an eleven year resident of Carlsbad and anenvironmental activist, I urge the Planning Commissionto continue the ban on drive-thrus for environmentalreasons. Eliminating drive-thrus helps reduce caremissions, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers airpollution, improving air quality and public health. Italso encourages more walkable, sustainablecommunities. Thank you for considering theenvironmental impact of this decision. Thank you,Lynda DanielsDistrict 2 City Manager email forreference: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder--City-Manager-s-Update--Oct--17--2024.html?soid=1102527936699&aid=8i_-b38voBE CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 67 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Please Keep the Current Drive-Through Ban in Carlsbad Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:29:22 AM From: Ron Askeland <ron.askeland@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2024 7:21 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Please Keep the Current Drive-Through Ban in Carlsbad Dear Planning Commission, Please maintain the current drive-through ban in Carlsbad. This ban is essential for protecting health and safety, as it helps prevent accidents in alreadycongested and hazardous traffic areas. We all need clean air, and the drive-through ban contributes to reducing air pollution, which iscrucial for the health of children, families, seniors, birds, and wildlife. Additionally, the banhelps to decrease waste from sauce packets, straws, plastic lids, and single-use plastics. By upholding this ban, we not only protect health and safety but also support our establishedlocal restaurants. Carlsbad should remain a place where people can stop, eat, shop, and enjoy without thepresence of idling cars and toxic exhaust. It is important for Carlsbad to demonstrateleadership in public health and sustainability, fostering a walkable city and a sustainablecommunity. Please support public health, clean air, water, and a sustainable, walkable city by keeping thedrive-through ban in place. The adverse effects and environmental impacts of drive-throughs are too significant and donot align with the values of Carlsbad. Sincerely, Dr. Ronald Askeland CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 68 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: No More Drive Throughs AND the CAP Should Not Ignore the CARB Scoping Plan Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:29:45 AM From: mike_bullock@earthlink.net <mike_bullock@earthlink.net> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2024 4:48 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov>; 'Paige DeCino' <pdecino@hotmail.com>; 'Lynda Daniels' <lynda6367@yahoo.com>; 'Don Christiansen' <donaldchristiansen@gmail.com>; 'phillip rogul' <rogul@sbcglobal.net>; 'Jay Klopfenstein' <jayklopfenstein@gmail.com>; 'Joe Houde' <joe@ecinstitute.com>; 'Marian Sedio' <marian_sedio@yahoo.com>; 'Merrill Leeds' <mpleeds@cox.net>; 'Leslie Gomez' <dsnsbyl@me.com>; 'Janis Jones' <janisjones@me.com>; 'Suzanne Ryan' <zaneryan@aol.com> Subject: No More Drive Throughs AND the CAP Should Not Ignore the CARB Scoping Plan Honorable Planning Commission Chair and Commissioners, No More Drive Throughs Please do not approve any more drive through businesses in Carlsbad. Here’s why: We have a Climate Crisis and driving is the largest category of emissions. The UN’sSecretary General has made these statements: 1. We have a Code Red Climate Emergency. 2. We are solidly on a path to an unlivable planet. 3. We are driving towards Climate Hell with our foot on the accelerator. 4. We are dangerously close to the point of no return. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC’s) COP 29 meeting, like all of the earlier, yearly, “COP” meetings, is an effort to get nations to commit to a larger reduction in their 2030 GHG emission level. That is because 2030 is the first- occurring GHG-reducing requirement year, as specified by climate scientists, to avoida climate catastrophe. (“COP” is the “Committee Of Parties,” with the “Parties” being the countries of the world that have signed onto the Paris Climate Accord.) To do our part here in California (CA), we have CA’s SB 32. It is a mandate to reduceCA’s emissions down to no more than 40% below what CA emitted in 2019, and to do this by 2030. Under AB 32, CARB was tasked with producing a plan to achieve the SB 32 GHG emission level. The latest version of the plan was completed in late 2022. As you may know, the plan is called the CARB Scoping Plan. As I hope you alsoknow, cars and light-duty trucks, or “LDVs” (Light Duty Vehicles), is the largest, by far, category of GHG emissions. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 69 of 91 The CARB Scoping Plan calls for a 25% reduction in per-capita VMT (Vehicle Miles Travelled) by 2030, with respect to 2018 levels. This large reduction is needed because there will still be many internal combustion engine cars, on our roads, in 2030. The CARB Scoping Plan has mitigation measures to achieve the needed VMT reduction. They will provide more economic equity and choice. They will greatly improve our economy and our communities. Carlsbad should work for urban planning and developments that will not further increase VMT. Drive-through developments are the opposite of “Transit Oriented Development”. They will encourage driving. Carlsbad should be encouraging the use of alternative modes to driving. Drive-throughs create extra emissions of GHG andcriteria pollutants that harm respiratory health. They also reduce safely by having cars lined up in parking lots or out on streets. Cars make our neighborhoods less safe, less clean, and loud. I could send you the Scoping Plan and its Appendices E and D, that cover what must be done, regarding LDVs. The Carlsbad CAP Carlsbad’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) does not conform to the CARB Scoping Plan. Since the Scoping plan is the operative plan for reducing GHG emissions in the CAP, that failure to conform means that, under CEQA, the environmental impact of the CAP exceeds the significance threshold. As mentioned above the Scoping Plan mitigation measures would also increase economic equity and choice while they improveCarlsbad’s quality of life. Highest regards, Mike Bullock 1800 Bayberry Drive Oceanside, CA 92054 760 421 9482 Former California Democratic Party Delegate, 76th Assembly District (author of 2 adopted resolutions and 5 Platform changes) Former Elected (now Associate) Member of the San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee (author of 5 adopted resolutions) Final title before leaving Aerospace: Senior Staff Systems Engineer Air and Waste Management Association published and presented papers: Author, The Development of California Light-Duty Vehicle (LDV) Requirements to Support Climate Stabilization: Fleet-Emission Rates & Per-Capita Driving Author, A Climate-Killing Regional Transportation Plan Winds Up in Court: Background and April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 70 of 91 Remedies Co-author, A Plan to Efficiently and Conveniently Unbundle Car Parking Cost Quotes from the Secretary General of the UN: 5. We have a Code Red Climate Emergency. 6. We are solidly on a path to an unlivable planet. 7. We are driving towards Climate Hell with our foot on the accelerator. 8. We are dangerously close to the point of no return. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 71 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Drive-Thru Ban Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:25:21 AM From: Joe Whitaker <whitaker.joe@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 4:58 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive-Thru Ban Hello, I am writing in strong support of maintaining the current drive through ban. Existing drive throughs throughout the city are a blight. They are covered in litter and grime, and they are convenient places for loitering. Further, they are a hazard and an inconvenience to pedestrian and cyclist activity and reinforce the primacy of the automobile. Lastly, they ruin the character of wherever they are located and are a terrible use of land, both by the drive through lane itself and the 20-30 parking stalls required that are lucky to achieve 10% utilization, even during peak hours. Thank you, Joe Whitaker CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 72 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:25:46 AM From: Don Christiansen <donaldchristiansen@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2024 4:05 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Thank you for your consideration. Don Christiansen CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 73 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Please Keep the Drive-Through Ban Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 7:30:06 AM From: Chih-Wu Chang <chihwu.chang@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 17, 2024 9:43 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Please Keep the Drive-Through Ban Dear Planning Commission, Please keep the drive-through ban in Carlsbad. We need to keep the drive-through ban to protect the health and safety of our community and reduce air pollution for the local residents. Exhaust from Idling vehicles is a critical component of ground-level ozone or smog. We should work to reduce air pollution instead of increasing it, which will be harmful to our residents. We need to protect our residents' health instead of harming their health. I don't wish to see our city become famous for promoting drive-throughs for fast-food restaurants. We should be proud to be a city that continues to reduce air pollution to protect the health of our residents. Please keep the ban on drive-through. Thank you for your consideration. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 74 of 91 Chih-Wu Chang Carlsbad Resident for over 20 years CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 75 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 10:55:08 AM From: Mike McMahon <2mmcmahon@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 10:49 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Dear Planning Commission Chair and commission members, Recently the city council brought up Carlsbad's drive-thru ban and asked the city to bring this back for discussion. Our city is currently implementing many actions in the Climate Action Plan and Transportation Demand Management to reduce emissions and promote multi-modal options to achieve our goals. In fact, three of the six main goals of TDM are to mitigate congestion, reduce greenhouse gas, and improve air quality. Carlsbad is in the process of creating and achieving a more pedestrian and bike friendly city. Promoting additional drive-thru's with more cars idling and at times blocking sidewalks is in direct opposition to our current programs and what our community wants. Thank you, Michael McMahon Carlsbad resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 76 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Date:Monday, November 18, 2024 3:31:43 PM From: Tom Lucas <toml649@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 3:10 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Re: Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad No more drive-thru establishments, please. Tom Lucas Carlsbad On Monday, November 18, 2024, 14:09, City of Carlsbad <planning@carlsbadca.gov> wrote: Reminder: Economic Development Subcommittee to consider options 11/19 Reminder: Give feedback on Carlsbad's drive-thru rules at 11/19 City Council Economic Development Subcommittee meeting At Tuesday's City Council Economic Development Subcommittee meeting, citystaff will present options for potential changes to city's ban on new drive-thrurestaurants. The meeting will also be an opportunity for you to learn about the options and provide input. City Council Economic Development Subcommittee Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive View the agenda and staff report You are welcome to attend and provide comments in person or watch the livestream. You can also email your comments in advance to clerk@carlsbadca.gov Background Following the development of several major projects in the 1990s, including LEGOLAND California, Costco (Carlsbad’s first “big box” store), and what is today known as Carlsbad Premium Outlets, residents became increasingly April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 77 of 91 • From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Continue Banning drive -thru restaurants Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:50:30 AM From: William Leslie <swamiwilly@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 5:11 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Continue Banning drive -thru restaurants Dear Planning Commission, I urge the Planning Commission to continue the ban on drive-thrus for environmental reasons. Eliminating drive-thrus helpsreduce car emissions, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers airpollution, improving air quality and public health. It alsoencourages more walkable, sustainable communities. Thank youfor considering the environmental impact of this decision. Thank you, William Leslie Dist. 5 Sent from my iPad CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 78 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:50:37 AM From: Tracy M. Shoman <tracymaria108@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 6:19 PM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Dear Planning Commission, I urge the Planning Commission to continue the ban on drive-thrus for environmental reasons. Eliminating drive-thrus helps reduce car emissions, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers air pollution, improving air quality and public health. It also encourages more walkable, sustainable communities. Thank you for considering the environmental impact of this decision. Thank you, Tracy Shoman 6112 Paseo Tapajos Carlsbad, 92009 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 79 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:50:56 AM From: Kurt Watson <kurtxwatson@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 5:55 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Carolyn Luna <carolyn.luna@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Maintain Current Drive-Thru Ban Dear Planning Commission, I urge the Planning Commission to continue the ban on drive-thrus for traffic safety reasons. This year, 48,000 Americans will be directly killed by cars, 53,000 will die young due to airpollution from cars, and hundreds of thousands will be injured . Eliminating drive-thrus helps reduce car usage, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers air pollution,improving air quality and public health. It also encourages more walkable, sustainable communities. Thank you for considering the health impact of this decision. With regards,KurtDistrict 2 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 80 of 91 From:Matt Sanford To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Drive Thru Consideration - 2219 Palomar Airport Rd Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:09:27 AM Forgot to CC you. Sent to Clerk’s Office for inclusion. Matt Sanford Economic Development Director City of Carlsbad From: Ryan Litrich <rl@revolvegp.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:42 AM To: Matt Sanford <matt.sanford@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive Thru Consideration - 2219 Palomar Airport Rd Hi Matt, My name is Ryan Litrich and I am a local commercial agent that's been in the commercial investment business for the past 22+ years. We represent the ownership of the property located at 2219 Palomar Airport Rd (the vacant Chase Bank building), which is situated at a great signalized commercial corner, across the street from the airport. This property is owned by a local family that has owned commercial property in Carlsbad for 40+ years (probably much longer), and we have assisted this client in investing in many different properties across the western US. That said, out of all the clients' properties I've been involved with, this is the only property in their portfolio that has had issues with tenancy... and it shouldn't be this way with Carlsbad's superior demographics and traffic here at 2219 Palomar Airport Rd. Chase acquired the bank's existing leasehold interest in the subject property through various bank mergers/acquisitions...etc, but the lease is about to expire within the next few years. Due to the "physical vacancy" already realized here (Chase "went dark" and closed the branch, but still has a lease they're obligated to), we've been marketing the property for lease (or sale) for over a year. Chase is currently responsible for all maintenance etc. at the property as it sits today; however, it has turned into a partial homeless shelter. I understand the adjacent hotel owner has reached out to the police, city..etc, but there's not much that the current owner can do here but notify Chase of maintenance issues and threaten the lessee via compliance with the lease. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 81 of 91 {city of Carlsbad Over the course of our marketing during the last year, we've had to turn down many reputable companies that are interested in opening a drive thru restaurant here or a car wash. Not gonna lie...we've honestly struggled with the replacement leasing due to the restrictive drive-thru policy and zoning. If there was some movement on the dated "no drive thru due to legoland" policy, then with the city's cooperation, our client would have the ability to convert this temporary homeless shelter (by Chase) into a thriving drive thru business. It would likely be a new or significantly renovated building with new amenities that would serve residents, visitors to the airport, neighboring hotels and business park tenants/customers. If a drive thru were permitted, our client would be in a better financial position to get Chase out of their lease early and start the project sooner (I can explain further). For whatever it's worth, I proudly called Carlsbad my home for many years (still live nearby), my sister and her family live in the La Costa area, and my parents just moved to the South Carlsbad area over the last year. We ALL shop at Costco in Carlsbad, but with a busy family schedule, we rarely make the quick stop in Carlsbad for food or coffee because of the lack of alternatives and drive-thrus. The only "good" drive-thrus in the city are full, and I don't care to sit outside of Chick Fil A and idle my vehicle like others do at the new non-drive thru Chick Fil A in the city. For me, if a QSR/casual restaurant doesn't have a drive-thru, it just translates to less efficient service, lower sales volume for the business and it means we (the customer) will spend more time with the vehicle idling, slower family ordering, restroom visits..etc VS a quicker drive-thru experience. That said, I am VERY thankful to the City of Carlsbad for this restrictive policy to some respects, as I developed my first Starbucks drive-thru and adjacent restaurants in the City of Vista as a result of the policy. That Starbucks drive thru that we developed in Vista received so many Carlsbad customers, right at the corner of Palomar Airport Rd and Business Park...just a few feet east of the city limits. The ultimate sale of that Vista project (the product of the antique legoland policy) enabled me to grow my personal wealth significantly, so thank you City of Carlsbad! However, in all seriousness and despite the great benefit my family received above, this Carlsbad policy is terrible for business and those that visit the city. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. We would like your support, and the support of the committee, with a policy revision to allow drive thrus. This would help our clients solve their pending vacancy at 2219 Palomar Airport Rd, as well as offer additional food/services near the airport and April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 82 of 91 business park. Regards, Ryan Litrich Founder & Managing Partner D 858-544-6808 | C 949-230-1505 RL@revolvegp.com revolvegp.com 12750 High Bluff Dr., Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92130 Lic # 01336356 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 83 of 91 Ill □--- □-- □-- □ From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Subject:FW: Drive Thru Rules Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 7:17:00 AM From: Jonathan Daly <brooklyn568@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:52 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov>; brooklyn568@gmail.com Subject: Drive Thru Rules I do not support any new drive thru business in Carlsbad. There is no rationale to justify the pollution and traffic issues created by these types of businesses. Do everyone a favor by letting people get out of their cars, stretch their legs and perhaps meet their neighbors while picking up their morning coffee or kids happy meals. Life is too fast paced already; do we need to participate in helping it get faster. Watching people engage, often strangers, at Starbucks and other fast food places that thrive in shopping centers and along streets all over Carlsbad without drive thru capabilities is how communities are forged and maintained. One only needs to look at our downtown village where gelato, donuts and coffee shops with no drive thru’s thrive as people lineup and engage each other. The only rationale for more drive thru is to accommodate businesses that contribute little economically while helping isolate us from our neighbors, increasing traffic, stress and pollution. Respectful submitted, Jonathan Daly 931 Daisy Ave The Truth Shall Set You Free CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 84 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: Drive Thrush Date:Tuesday, November 19, 2024 10:05:55 AM From: Susan Kobara <susankobara13@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 9:25 AM To: Planning <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive Thrus Dear Planning Commission, I urge the Planning Commission to continue the ban on drive-thrus for environmental reasons. Eliminating drive-thrus helps reduce car emissions, cuts fuel consumption, and lowers air pollution, improving air quality and public health. It also encourages more walkable, sustainable communities. Thank you for considering the environmental impact of this decision. Thank you, Susan Kobara District 4 in Carlsbad CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 85 of 91 From:Rachael Mendizabal To:City Clerk Subject:Drive thru ban Date:Sunday, January 19, 2025 8:18:10 PM Hello, Carlsbad home-owner here. Please keep the ban in place. Thank you, Rachael. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 86 of 91 From:Planning To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Eric Lardy Subject:FW: Opposition to Roosevelt Project, Dog Policy Changes, and Drive-Thru Repeal Date:Monday, April 7, 2025 12:23:16 PM From: Cynthia Vigeland <Cynthia.Vigeland@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Monday, April 7, 2025 11:57 AM To: Planning <Planning@CarlsbadCA.gov> Subject: FW: Opposition to Roosevelt Project, Dog Policy Changes, and Drive-Thru Repeal The clerk’s office is forwarding this to planning. From: Kyle Franks <kylemfranks33@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 4, 2025 9:23 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Opposition to Roosevelt Project, Dog Policy Changes, and Drive-Thru Repeal Dear City Councilmembers, I'm a resident of District 1 writing to express my concern about three proposals currently under review. I appreciate your leadership and the time you dedicate to these decisions, but I believe these changes would negatively impact our community: 1. The Roosevelt Project at 2621 Roosevelt Street A 4-story, 23-unit mixed-use development with only 24 parking spaces on a 0.46-acre lot seems excessive. It doesn’t fit the scale of the neighborhood and raises serious questions about traffic, parking overflow, and long-term infrastructure strain. It’s also unclear if any affordable housing is included. This feels like another instance where state density bonuses are used to override thoughtful, local planning. 2. Dog Access in Parks and Beaches As a lifeguard in Encinitas, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of strictly enforcing no-dog rules on beaches. It helps keep beaches clean, minimizes conflicts between dogs and people or wildlife, and creates a more peaceful, family-friendly environment. Once you allow dogs broadly, enforcement becomes nearly impossible, and the quality of these public spaces quickly declines. I urge you to maintain the current restrictions. 3. Drive-Thru Repeal Carlsbad’s long-standing ban on new drive-thrus has protected the city’s charm and walkability. Lifting that ban opens the door to increased traffic, emissions, and fast- food-style development that undercuts the coastal, community-first feel we all value. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 87 of 91 I hope you’ll take resident concerns into account as you consider these proposals. Thank you for your service and attention. Best, Kyle Franks CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 88 of 91 From:City Clerk To:Kyle Van Leeuwen Cc:Cynthia Vigeland Subject:FW: On consideration of relaxing Drive-thru limitations Date:Friday, February 7, 2025 4:00:08 PM For your staff report. Kind regards, Tammy McMinn, CPMC, CMC Senior Deputy City Clerk City of Carlsbad 442-339-2953 From: Melanie Burkholder <Melanie.Burkholder@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Friday, February 7, 2025 3:27 PM To: City Clerk <Clerk@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Fw: On consideration of relaxing Drive-thru limitations Dr. Melanie Burkholder City Council Member, District 1 City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbadca.gov 442-339-2830 (City Hall) 442-637-2853 (mobile/text) From: Lesa Thode <lesa.thode@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 7, 2025 3:23:28 PM To: Priya Bhat-Patel <priya.bhat-patel@carlsbadca.gov>; kevinshin@carlsbadca.gov <kevinshin@carlsbadca.gov>; Teresa Acosta <teresa.acosta@carlsbadca.gov>; Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca.gov>; Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: On consideration of relaxing Drive-thru limitations April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 89 of 91 {'city of Carlsbad Dear esteemed Carlsbad City Council Members, As you prepare, vote on whether or not to relax. Drive through access regulation here in Fair Carlsbad. Please consider that since 1996, the food industry- including here in Carlsbad, has widely expanded its dine-out service options. The have adapted to allow patrons to place orders online and many offer curbside pickup increasing the number of access points for quick and convenient meals for residents and families. Similarly, grocery stores now have ready to eat counters and pick up lanes Fast casual restaurants now exist that were not present when this drive-thru ban was first instituted. The advent of meal delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates also increase availability of convenient meals. Additionally, Carlsbad has grown its free admission farmers markets and street fairs to feature local takeaway tents. Similarly, locally owned and licenced food trucks offer families fun, fast, food usually in a playful setting like a park, sports complex, or beach. Increasing access to quick affordable, healthy meals is not solely reliant on drive-thru chain restaurants. We can work with local organizations such as Plusbox, restaurateurs, and schools to create a Friday Night Quick Fix pickup program for families to have affordable convenient weekend meals. Our region is recognized with Michelin star restaurants and is a top destination for tourists and foodies. Let's not compromise our clean living community ethos with more corporate chain drive-thru restaurants. Rather, let's work with our hometown restaurant heroes to expand their services and connect with neighboring families. In addition to providing an opportunity to support our locally owned existing businesses, there are other benefits to reducing the number of fast food drive-thrus restaurants... And that relates to community Health and environmental health. Please see these findings on arms related to increasing concentration of drive-thru restaurants in a concentrated population. https://fastercapital.com/topics/the-rise-of-fast-food-and-its-negative-effects-on- April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 90 of 91 society.html#:~:text=The%20high%2Dfat%2C%20high%2D,gas%20emissions%2C%20 and%20waste%20generation. Thank you for your consideration. Lesa Thode, District 3 Resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. April 29, 2025 Item #10 Page 91 of 91 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Council Internet Email Thursday, April 24, 2025 9:30 AM City Clerk FW: Drive-Thru's From: Lori Robbins <silentmeowing@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2025 8:49 AM All Receive -Agenda Item # .lit> For the Information of the: lJ~f(,.~OUNCIJ, ~ Datj~CN ../ cc I CM_ACM_✓ixM {3)_";/ To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov>; Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive-Thru's Dear Carlsbad Council and Honorable Mayor: The reason drive-thru restaurants were not approved by City Council in 1997 are still true today: " .. Drive-thru do not ensure safe traffic circulation and lead to traffic congestion, circulation and parking problems Drive-thru restaurants may be detrimental to the quality of life, including the scenic quality of life in the City of Carlsbad, and otherwise inconsistent with its general welfare Drive-thru restaurants do not protect the residential character of the community ... " In Carlsbad Village traffic is already a challenge and Drive-thru's will increase that problem. Also Drive-thru's do not align with the walkable nature of the Village and its unique shops, Say No to Drive-thru's in the Village and District 1. 1 Lori Robins Carlsbad Resident CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: tracy gerdes <tracygerdes76@gmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 12:53 PM City Clerk NO on drive through Hello! This email is to please urge the Carlsbad City Council to MAINTAIN the ban on new drive-thru restaurants. This ban will continue to protect Carlsbad's community character, quality of life and aesthetics, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and increase traffic safety. Thank you so much! Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Elizabeth Wall <lizmonacowall@gmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 2:39 PM City Clerk No new drive thrus Please maintain the 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants. Thank you, Liz Wall Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Elaine L <changel09@gmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 3:59 PM City Clerk MAINTAIN 1998 Ban on New Drive-Thru Restaurants Hello! This email is to please urge the Carlsbad City Council to MAINTAIN the ban on new drive-thru restaurants. This ban will continue to protect Carlsbad's community character, quality of life and aesthetics, reduce traffic congestion, and pollution, and increase traffic safety. Thank you so much! CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Jen Wernig <jenwernig@gmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 4:36 PM City Clerk Drive-Thru Ban Hello! This email is to please urge the Carlsbad City Council to MAINTAIN the ban on new drive-thru restaurants. This ban will continue to protect Carlsbad's community character, quality of life and aesthetics, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and increase traffic safety. Thank you so much! CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Lisa Potter <1rp4444@hotmail.com> Thursday, April 24, 2025 5:20 PM City Clerk FW: '-'"lo fl Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Hi, question on the article below. Weren't the Chick-Fil-A and In n Out by the coast newer additions since 1997? Thanks? Kr Lisa Potter Sent from my Galaxy --------Original message-------- From: City of Carlsbad <planning@carlsbadca.gov> Date: 4/24/251 :26 PM (GMT-08:00) To: lrp4444@hotmail.com Subject: f I Revisiting drive-thru rules in Carlsbad Checking in on Carlsbad's drive-thru rules On April 29, the Carlsbad City Council will consider potential options for future regulation of drive-thru restaurants. Following the development of several major projects in the 1990s, including LEGOLAND California, Costco (Carlsbad's first "big box" store), and what is today known as Carlsbad Premium Outlets, residents became increasingly concerned about protecting Carlsbad's community character and quality of life. To address those concerns, as well as worries about traffic congestion, traffic safety and community aesthetics, in 1997 the City Council directed staff to study options for potentially regulating drive-thru restaurants. • The City Council ultimately passed a ban on new drive-thru restaurants. • As a result, today Carlsbad has just 12 drive-thrus that were already in place when the ban took effect. 1 • We originally had 13, but one closed, and that property was redeveloped. Given the amount of time that has passed and renewed interest in the issue, in May 2024, the City Council asked staff to develop options for potential changes to city regulation of drive-thru establishments. As a preliminary step, city staff presented options to the Planning Commission and the City Council's Economic Development Subcommittee for feedback in November 2024. These public meetings also provided an opportunity gather public feedback on the options. Options at a glance Based on the feedback received and research on how other cities are handling drive-thrus, staff will present the following options for the City Council's consideration: • Keep the current ban on new drive-thrus. • Keep the ban, but acknowledge that the City Council would consider individual, case-by-case requests for new drive-thrus. • Allow new drive-thrus only in local shopping center areas. • Allow new drive-thrus in areas zoned for restaurants. • Allow new drive-thrus in areas zoned for restaurants and commercial. If the City Council decides to eliminate the ban, any of the other options would require Planning Commission and/or City Council approval as part of the permitting process. City Council meeting Tuesday, April 29, 5 p.m. City Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive The agenda and staff report with more details on the options will be available on the city website by Friday, April 25. How to participate You are welcome to attend and provide comments in person or watch the livestream . You can also email your comments in advance to clerk@carlsbadca.gov. Next steps 2 • If the City Council directs staff to develop an updated ordinance, staff will seek input from the community and interested businesses on the proposed ordinance. Learn more Visit the website City of Carlsbad I 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 US Unsubscribe I Update Profile I Constant Contact Data Notice 3 Ana Alarcon From: Melanie Burkholder Sent: To: Friday, April 25, 2025 7:00 AM City Clerk Subject: Fw: Consideration of dropping the ban on drive-thrus on 4/29/25 ( City of Carlsbad Dr. Melanie Burkholder City Council Member, District 1 City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbadca.gov 442-339-2830 (City Hall) 442-637-2853 (mobile/text) From: bob coles <bjcoles2@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2025 5:45:33 PM To: Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Consideration of dropping the ban on drive-thrus on 4/29/25 In the interest of not impacting our environment any further, please vote no on dropping the ban. People can shut off and get out of their cars and walk to the counter. Thanks you for your help with this, Bob Coles 3111 Jefferson St, Carlsbad, CA 92008 BJCOLES2@GMAIL.COM Tel: 619-672-1668 m en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Brian Kelly < midway4126@yahoo.com > Friday, April 25, 2025 7:48 AM City Clerk Drive Through Restaurants Keep the current Code in place. Allow on a case by case bases ONLY if the city doesn't not have enough revenue to support its operating budget. BFK 6797 Encelia Place Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council, parichards26@gmail.com Friday, April 25, 2025 9:42 AM City Clerk Do Not Lift 1998 Ban on drive-through restaurants Please do not lift the 1998 ban on drive-through restaurants in Carlsbad. We don't need more cars idling and polluting our environment. Thank you, Paula Richards 6756 Estrella De Mar Rd Carlsbad, CA 92009 760-445-5321 Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Steve Richards <srichards859@gmail.com> Friday, April 25, 2025 10:54 AM City Clerk Maintain (not amend) 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants My name is Steve Richards and I live at 6756 Estrella De Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009. My phone number is 760-448-5677 (land-line) and 619-980-5873 (mobile). I urge our city council to maintain the 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants to mitigate carbon emissions from idling car exhaust. Thank you, Steve Richards 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hi, Shanon Pirl Lancas <sclarep@yahoo.com > Friday, April 25, 2025 12:27 PM City Clerk Resident support for drive thru ban I'm writing as a Carlsbad family requesting the city maintain the 1998 ban on drive thru's because the beauty & community of our town is what sets it apart from being just another coastal town off the 5 packed with drive thru's. We see the impact on pollution and also see how increased drive thru's can also impact the community anal businesses which are a bright spot of our city. Thank you so much for hearing our opinions, Shanon & Michael Lancas 3467 Camino Michelle Carlsbad, CA 92009 Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Nancy Trowbridge <nancy_trowbridge@hotmail.com > Sunday, April 27, 2025 10:12 AM City Clerk drive thru restaurants I have lived in Carlsbad for many years. I raised my children in Carlsbad. Now I'm a senior citizen with mobility issues. I'm always looking for drive thru restaurants offering healthy food. Drive thru alternatives in Carlsbad would be welcome! CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hi there!! laure1j240@aol.com Sunday, April 27, 2025 10:58 AM City Clerk Please Keep the Ban on Drive thrus! As an 11 year Carlsbad resident, I enjoy the open space and spread out feel of our town. The more we build, the more that, that uniqueness and specialness disappears. I vote to keep the ban on drive thrus! We have enough development. Thank you! Laurel Rubenson CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Kyle Gelbart <kyle.g311@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 8:30 AM City Clerk Maintain Carlsbad Drive-Thru Ban 31 year residents in Carlsbad and appreciate the managed growth in the city. Please support the decision made to protect our community; we ask the City Council to MAINTAIN the 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants. Compromise: if any existing businesses with drive thru shut down, a new business could be considered to continue in its place (ie: Jack in the Box). This would likely also increase the emissions as the volume of vehicles would likely be increased. This would NOT apply to any locations within the village, as that traffic flow would add more issues. Regards, The Gelbart Family CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Item #10 Sheila Cobian Monday, April 28, 2025 8:39 AM City Clerk Eric Lardy; Kyle Van Leeuwen; Jeff Murphy; Faviola Medina; Ana Alarcon FW: Drive-Thru Regulation Options Carlsbad Drive-Through Survey Topline Results.pdf; TRC Comment Letter_Drive Through Ordinance_ 11192024.pdf From: Byron de Arakal <byron@trcretail.com> Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2025 1:54:10 PM To: Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca .gov>; Priya Bhat-Patel <Priya.Bhat-Patel@carlsbadca.gov>; Teresa Acosta <teresa.acosta@carlsbadca.gov>; Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov>; Kevin Shin <kevin.shin@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive-Thru Regulation Options Dear Mayor Blackburn, Mayor Pro Tern Bhat-Patel, Councilmember Acosta, Councilmember Burkholder, and Councilmember Shin : As the owner and operator of the La Costa Town Square shopping center, TRC is very appreciate of the City Council's review of its existing prohibition against new drive-through food and beverage establishments. We hope you will agree that the existing policy and ordinance should be modified to reflect contemporary consumer habits and evolving trends in the retail food and beverage industry. Ahead of the Planning Department's presentation to you on the matter at your 4/29 City Council meeting, we respectfully submit the attached results of a citywide survey we conducted in 2022 as well correspondence we submitted last November to the City Council Economic Development Subcommittee. The attached materials are in addition to a letter we submitted last November to the Carlsbad Planning Commission, which is included in your agenda packet. We hope you will carefully consider the survey results and our previous input ahead of your discussion of the drive-through policy Tuesday evening, and adopt Option 3, 4 or 5 as presented in the Staff Report for the item. Thank you for your consideration. BYRON DE ARAKAL Consulting Director Entitlement Planning and Special Projects , trc RETAIL 4695 MacArthur Court I Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA. 92660 M 714.227.4620 1 Byron@TRCRetail.com CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 DRIVE-THROUGH SURVEY Carlsbad, California Registered Voters 11/14/2022-11/19/2022 N=300, +/-5.65% (due to rounding, not all results may add up to I 00%) , FALLON RESEARCH ., COMMUNICATIONS, INC. www.FallonResearch.com Q. I. Generally speaking, at this time would you say that you are satisfied or dissatisfied with the quality of life in Carlsbad? 85% Satisfied 9 Dissatisfied 2 Mixed/both (volunteered) 3.9 Unsure/no answer Q. 2. Generally speaking, at this time would you say that you are satisfied or dissatisfied with the government leaders in Carlsbad? 56.8% Satisfied 18.3 Dissatisfied 1.9 Mixed/both (volunteered) 23.1 Unsure/no answer Q. 3. Which of the following do you think should be the top priority for Carlsbad leaders and elected officials to work on during the next two years? Is it... (randomly rotated) 3.7% Bringing better paying jobs to the area 11 Managing the water supply 11.3 Protecting the environment 12.7 Lowering taxes 13.2 Fighting crime 25.4 Addressing homelessness 8.8 Reducing traffic congestion 11.6 All/combination (volunteered) .5 Other (volunteered) 1.7 Unsure/no answer Looking at a couple of these matters a little more closely ... Q. 4. Generally speaking, in Carlsbad would you say that traffic congestion is a ve,y big problem, somewhat of a problem or not really much of a problem? www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 1 17.3% Very big problem 49 .1 Somewhat of a problem 32 Not much of a problem 1.6 Unsure/no answer Q. 5. In the parNcular area where you live in Carlsbad, would you say that traffic congestion is a very big problem, somewhat of a problem or not really much of a problem? 12.2% Very big problem 33.4 Somewhat of a problem 52.9 Not much of a problem 1.5 Unsure/no answer Q. 6. How would you rate the current state of the local economy in Carlsbad? Would you say it is ... 60.2% Good 29 Fair 7.1 Poor 3.7 Unsure/no answer Q. 7. Looking at your personal shopping habits for things such as clothing, dining, banking and other products, besides groceries, how often would you say that you go to local shopping centers? Is it frequently, occasionally, rarely or not at all? 43.3% Frequently 36.2 Occasionally 15.1 Rarely 5.1 Not at all .3 Unsure/no answer Q. 8. Looking at your personal purchasing habits, how often would you say that you get items such as coffee and food by using drive-through windows? Is it.frequently, occasionally, rarely or not at all? 9.5% Frequently 18. 7 Occasionally 36.8 Rarely 35 Not at all 0 Unsure/no answer Turning to another matter ... www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 2 Q. 9. Prior to this survey, were you aware that Carlsbad has a law that prohibits businesses like coffee shops and restaurants from operating drive-through windows to allow customers to purchase items without leaving their cars? 8% Yes, aware 91.4 No, not aware .6 Unsure/no answer Q. 10. Generally speaking, do you support or oppose changing the law, so that coffee shops and restaurants can operate drive-through windows, if they get proper zoning approval from the city? 64% Support -skipped next question 22.9 Oppose 13 .1 Unsure/no answer -skipped next question Q. 11. In a few words, what is the biggest reason that you oppose it? (recorded verbatim responses in separate file) Here are a few statements people have made about the idea of changing the law, so that coffee shops and restaurants can operate drive-through windows, if they get proper zoning approval from the city. After each one, please indicate whether it makes you more or less likely to support the idea. Also, feel free to indicate if it makes no difference to you. Here's the first one ... (RANDOMLY ROTATED NEXT 5 QUESTIONS) Q. 12. Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that ... Cars using the drive throughs would enter and exit through a service road within the shopping center complex, so it would not affect the traffic on the adjacent streets? 51. 7% More likely to support 11.1 Less likely to supp01t 33.5 Makes no difference 3.7 Unsure/no answer Q. 13. Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that ... Drive-through restaurants can provide faster service, so customers do not have to spend as much time waiting for their orders? 42.5% More likely to suppo1t www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 3 12.4 Less likely to support 41.8 Makes no difference 3.3 Unsure/no answer Q. 14. Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that ... The law prohibiting drive-throughs was made over 25 years ago, and is an antiquated regulation that does not reflect the needs and time concerns of today 's customers? 41. 7% More likely to suppott 16.4 Less likely to support 38.6 Makes no difference 3.3 Unsure/no answer Q. 15. Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that ... The law was made to benefit one company that was t,ying to prevent fair competition for customers? 29.6% More likely to suppott 31.6 Less likely to suppo1t 28.4 Makes no difference 10.5 Unsure/no answer Q. 16. Would you be more or less likely to support changing the law to allow drive-through windows if you heard that ... Restaurants with drive-through windows don't need as many employees, which is crucial for businesses to survive in an era when there are fewer people working in service indust,y jobs? 28.5% More likely to suppott 29.6 Less likely to suppo1t 38.2 Makes no difference 3.7 Unsure/no answer Q. 17. Now that you have heard more about the matter, do you support or oppose changing the law, so that coffee shops and restaurants can operate drive-through windows, if they get proper zoning approval from the city? 64.1 % Suppo1t 24 Oppose 11.9 Unsure/no answer Q. 18. Supposing/or a moment that the Carlsbad City Council member who represents your neighborhood, supported changing the law, so that coffee shops and restaurants can operate www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 4 drive-through windows, if they get proper zoning approval from the city, would you be more or less likely to re-elect him or her, or would it make no difference in your decision? 15.5% More likely to re-elect 15 .8 Less likely to re-elect 61.2 Makes no difference 7.4 Unsure/no answer Q. 19. Looking at a specific location, do you support or oppose changing the law, so that a restaurant located at the La Costa Town Square on Rancho Santa Fe Road can operate a drive- through window, ifit gets proper zoning approval.from the city? 58.5% Support 21.7 Oppose 19. 8 Unsure/no answer Finally, here are a few short questions for statistical purposes ... Q. 20. Please indicate which age group you are in. 31.2% 18 to 44 35.1 45 to 64 ... or ... 31.2 65 and older 2.5 Unsure/no answer Q. 21. Which of the following do you consider to be your main race? Is it ... 72% White 1.9 African-American 5.9 Hispanic or Latino -skipped next question 6.7 Asian or Indian 5.6 Something else .5 Two or more races (volunteered) 7.4 Unsure/no answer Q. 22. Are you of Hispanic origin or descent? n=282 6% Yes 87.1 No 6.9 Unsure/no answer Gender: www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 5 47.3% Men 52.7 Women www.FallonResearch.com @PFallonResearch All Materials and Intellectual Property ©2022 Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. 6 1B 18 November 2024 MAYOR KEITH BLACKBURN MAYOR PRO TEM PRIYA BHAT-PATEL Carlsbad City Council -Economic Development Subcommittee City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA. 92008 4695 MilcArthur Court Suite 700 Newport Beach, CA 92660 RE: 11/19/24 Agenda -New Business Item 2. -Drive-Through Restaurant Restrictions Dear Mayor Blackburn and Mayor Pro Tem Bhat-Patel: P 949.662.2 100 www.trcretail.co111 TRC is owner and operator of the La Costa Town Square shopping center, one of more than 30 regional and neighborhood retail centers we own and manage throughout California. As La Costa Town Square represents our flagship center in San Diego County, we are encouraged by the City Council's interest in revisiting Carlsbad's existing municipal code prohibiting new drive-through restaurant uses. TRC submitted written public comment to the Carlsbad Planning Commission for consideration at its November 6, 2024, meeting in support of lifting the 26-year-old prohibition in favor of a new land-use policy that allows for drive-through restaurants as conditionally permitted uses. Those comments are included in your Agenda Packet. We submit this correspondence to supplement our earlier written communication, and to respectfully offer a rebuttal to public comments heard by the Planning Commission at its November 6 meeting. Carlsbad residents lack convenient, easy access to drive-through food and beverage services Eleven of the 12 existing drive-through restaurants in Carlsbad are clustered in three groups along the I-5 corridor. Each of the restaurants within these clusters are located within one-quarter to one-half mile of each other. A single drive-thru, Carl's Jr., is located along Hwy 78. This means most Carlsbad residents within the City's nearly 38 square miles do not have convenient, easy access to drive-through food and beverage services. Carlsbad residents patronize drive-through restaurants located in other jurisdictions Having very few, if any, options for convenient, easy access to drive-through food and beverage services, Carlsbad residents do patronize drive-through establishments in neighboring cities. TRC's own analysis of Placer data analyzing the source of customer traffic at five drive-through restaurants in neighboring cities showed that Carlsbad residents accounted for nearly 25% of the total drive-through volume of these restaurants from May 2023 to May 2024. In short, a quarter of the sales tax revenues generated by these restaurants for their respective cities are paid by Carlsbad residents. Drive-Through Restaurant Prohibition Creates VMT Some members of the public suggested to the Planning Commission that removing the City's ban on drive-through food and beverage services would increase Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), creating greater vehicle outputs of greenhouse gases. Everyday Destinations. Extraordinary Locations. CARLSBAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE Page two We respectfully disagree. Indeed, we would argue the opposite. It is the ban that creates more VMT by forcing Carlsbad residents (particularly those who reside in the City's inland neighborhoods) to drive to existing restaurants along the I-5 corridor or, worse, to drive-through restaurants in other cities. Conversely, allowing conditionally permitted drive-through restaurants in Local Shopping Center zones, for instance, provides Carlsbad residents close-in, easy access to drive-through food and beverage services within a mile or two of their home. TRC believes replacing the blanket prohibition on new drive-through restaurants with a formal discretionary review process to allow such uses will preserve the City's ability to thoroughly vet drive- restaurant applications on a case-by-case basis, reverse the loss of drive-through sales tax revenues to other cities, and reduced VMT and GHG emissions. We hope you agree. Byron de Arakal Consulting Director Entitlement Planning and Special Projects Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Get Outlook for iOS Teresa Acosta Monday, April 28, 2025 9:26 AM City Clerk Fw: Drive Throughs --A thoughtful & Practical Approach is needed image003.png; image002.png; image001.png; image004.png; image00S.png; image006.png; image007.png; image008.png; image009.png; image01 0.png From: JR Phillips <jr@phillipsandco-re.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 9:20 AM To: Teresa Acosta <Teresa.acosta@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: JR Phillips <jr@phillipsandco-re.com> Subject: Drive Throughs --A thoughtful & Practical Approach is needed Council Member, Please give careful consideration to lifting the moratorium on Drive Th roughs and replacing it with a more site specific, well thought out practical approach that will allow for the practical evolution of certain sites and opportunities for the city. This should not be an all or nothing decision, but rather a calculated update to address the changing times and the needs of the city. I trust you will be calculated and thoughtful in your decision making. Thank you for your service. Warmest Regards, ph iHiPS. ~@®® JR Phillips jr@phillipsandco-re.com ca dre 01900878 □ (760) 402-5321 ~ (888) 883-6065 cl (866) 883-1882 ii:ii Subscribe to our newsletter schedule a fisting appointment what our clients have to say search for properties review pholhps + co. ~a business built on your trust + referralse *The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination, or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. 1 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Mike McMahon <2mmcmahon@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 11 :28 AM City Clerk Item 10 NEW DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANTS Honorable Mayor and Carlsbad City Council, I urge you to keep the restriction in place for drive-thru restaurants. All Receive -Agenda Item # (0 For the Information of the: I C C~ This city has raised this question before, only now we are much more environmentally aware of the impact of driving our car and the emissions it produces. Adding more idling cars at more drive- thrus is directly in opposition to Carlsbad's stated vision and sustainability goals. At a time when our city has declared a climate emergency AND is moving forward to reduce transportation greenhouse gas emissions through detailed strategies and measures in our Climate Action Plan, Item 1 O (if the ban is lifted) is actually encouraging us to use our cars more. We need to keep Carlsbad's community character and quality of life. It couldn't have been said better by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce letter to city council Feb 18, 1997 on drive-thrus, "The chamber is very concerned about the proliferation of unsightly businesses and traffic congestion in our city and we are pleased with the city's ongoing efforts to have concise design reviews, parking standards and other guidelines to prevent traffic congestion and mediocrity". Thank you for your consideration, Michael McMahon Carlsbad resident CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou recognize the se nder and know the content i sa fe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: ( City of Carlsbad Dr. Melanie Burkholder City Council Member, District 1 City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.carlsbadca .gov 442 -339-2830 (City Hall) 442-637-2853 (mobile/text) Melanie Burkholder Monday, April 28, 2025 11 :42 AM City Clerk Fw: Drive Through Moratorium -thoughts from a parent, bus iness owner, resident From: Shoshannah Hart <shoshannah@parkerandhart.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 11:06:00 AM To: Priya Bhat-Patel <Priya.bhat-patel@carlsbadca.gov>; Teresa Acosta <Teresa.acosta@carlsbadca.gov>; Kevin Shin <kevin.shin@carlsbadca.gov>; Melanie Burkholder <Melanie.Burkholder@carlsbadca.gov>; Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive Through Moratorium -thoughts from a parent, business owner, resident Hello Council Members and Mayor Blackburn, I am a Carlsbad business owner, a board member of the Carlsbad Chamber, a parent of two young kids, and I live on the border of Encinitas and Carlsbad. I also own property in Vista and often make the drive from Vista to Cardiff, where my kids go to school. We used to do this drive daily (before we moved closer to school) and we often stopped at starbucks or panera to get my kids a snack or to get myself coffee. My kids are in carseats and it is cumbersome to get them in and out of the car. We will skip spending money in Carlsbad in order to find a drive through. We spend hundreds of dollars a month at Starbucks and other drive th roughs and it pains me that many other parents, who are Carlsbad residents, drive slightly further in order to do the same in the name of convenience. We urge you to vote to end the Moratorium to keep Carlsbad dollars in Carlsbad. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. 1 Warm regards, Shoshannah Hart, Esq. Parker & Hart, LLP Carlsbad Office: 760.308.2019 Silicon Valley Office: 408.559.3489 shoshannah@parkerandhart.com This message is intended only for the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Lynne <4thesea@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 12:44 PM City Clerk Don't lift the drive thru ban! I am a concerned Carlsbad resident that values my city's beauty and health. Reversing the drive thru ban will negatively impact my city. It will increase pollution in the air (from emissions) and will promote more use of plastics and other disposable eating supplies. Possible tax revenue generated ($8k/yr from drive thru vs non drive-thru) is minimal and is offset by needed traffic and environmental studies ($200k+) and BILLIONS of dollars in climate costs: $850k fire prevention; increased water rates, property and auto insurance rates; economic collapse from uninsurability; lost tourism dollars ($2.2B industry) from coastal erosion, algae bloom and aggressive sea animals; damage from floods, fires, drought, heat. A friend of mine made the spreadsheet below that further details why lifting the drive-thru ban is bad for Carlsbad. The current ban aligns with Carlsbad's Core Values and Vision as well as its Climate Action Plan. Carlsbad Community Vision and Climate Action Plan The core values and vision statements emerging from this process serve as a guide for city leaders as they carry out their service to all who live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad Core Values and Vision Does reversing the drive-thru ban support Carlsbad Core Values, Vision, and Climate Action Plan? Small town feel, beach community character and connectedness NO. Drive-thrus can increase traffic congestion, block emergency vehicles, increase accidents, and injure gedestrians. Open space and the natural environment NO. Drive-thrus replace open/green space with concrete. Access to recreation and active, healthy lifestyles NO. Drive-thrus increase air pollution and unhealthy eating. NO. Small local businesses are less The local economY, business diversity and tourism. Strengthen the likely to be able to afford to build city's strong and diverse economy and its position as an drive-thrus than large fast food chains. employment hub in north San Diego County. Promote business diversity, increased specialty retail and dining opportunities, and Carlsbad's tourism. Walking, biking, public transportation and connectivity NO. Drive-thrus reduce pedestrian safety, increases traffic congestion 1 Sustainability. Build on the city's sustainability initiatives to emerge NO. Drive-thrus increase emissions, single use packaging and utensils, as a leader in green development and sustainability. Pursue public/ litter. private partnerships, particularly on sustainable water, energy, recycling and foods. History, the arts and cultural resources NO NO High quality education and community services. Support quality, comprehensive education and life-long learning opportunities, provide housing and community services for a changing population, and maintain a high standard for citywide public safety. NO. Drive-thrus diminish small town Neighborhood revitalization, community design and livability. city feel, increase traffic, decrease Revitalize neighborhoods and enhance citywide community design and space for pedestrians and cyclists, livability. Promote a greater mix of uses citywide, more activities along the reduce social interaction and coastline and link density to public transportation. Revitalize the downtown community engagement. Village as a community focal point and a unique and memorable center for visitors, and rejuvenate the historic Barrio neighborhood. Climate Action Plan NO. Studies have shown that drive- 51 % of Carlsbad greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is from thrus can generate ug to 1,000 grams transportation. of carbon dioxide ger vehicle, Goal: reduce GHG emission to meet state targets: 50% below 2016 degending on the waiting time. emissions by 2035, 85% below 2016 levels by 2045? Please leave the drive-thru ban alone! Support your citizens who love a clean, healthy and climate wise city! By leaving the ban as it stands you also support face to face, in person dining which will help increase socialization of our community members who need more face and less screen time. Sincerely, Lynne Seabloom 2750 Windsor Court Carlsbad, CA. 92010 4thesea@gmaill.com CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: April 28 , 2025 maryoren < maryoren@aol.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 2:14 PM City Clerk No New Carlsbad Drive-thrus Re: Maintain 1998 No New Drive-thru Commitment Dear Carlsbad Leaders - All Receive -Agenda Item n\Jl For the Information of the: 6K(~UN~ J p:i~ ~< cc / ACM~DCM (3)'.J Here we are, it's April 2025 and let's just say it's confusing to be nice -that back in 1998, informed leadership declared local drive-thru permits were part of the problem -and now after all we've learned about climate change -local drive-thru permits are up for reconsideration? How could leadership 25 years ago recognize idling cars for five minutes and more -as avoidably bad -and now leadership is cons idering saying-it's not? What's going on here. I know it's redundant but I keep asking myself, what? Carlsbad is an environmentally responsible, clean , pedestrian friendly community, supporting safe conditions for residents and visitors enjoying our shops and streets on foot and bicycles better than ever thanks to great work happening with clearly marked cross walks and painted bike lanes. Let's continue to invite those in our community to get out of their cars for their coffee, burgers etc., get off their phones and maybe make some friends while they're at it. Carlsbad, please do the right thing. No new drive-thru permits no matter the revenue temptation, it comes at a very high price, our quality of life and the future of all the Carlsbad kids and families counting on us to do the right thing for 25 plus more years to come! Let's turn of the ignition, get out of our cars, breath in our beautiful ocean air, feel the wind in our face, enjoy all the beauty that is here while enjoying that nice cup of coffee. It's 2025 and time to remember our roots and responsibility and protect and embrace the beauty that is Carlsbad! Cheers! Mary Oren Carlsbad resident 26 years Sierra Club Member CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: Sharon Bodon <sharonbodonca@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 2:52 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Vote NO on overturning the Drive Through Ban I Support Maintaining Carlsbad's Drive-Thru Ban Carlsbad, Our Wonderful Village by the Sea In recent years, Carlsbad staff, city council, and residents have invested time and resources to make our city a great place to live by developing a Community Vision and Climate Action Plan (CAP). Drive-thru's increase: • • • Air pollution and carbon emission from cars idling in line. Drive-thru line average: • 6 minutes. Chick-Fil-A: 8 minutes. If • the average motorist avoided idling for just 3 minutes every day of the year, CO, • emissions would be reduced by 1.4 million tonnes annually, or the equivalent of taking 320,000 cars off the road . • • • • Energy consumption from electric signage and intercoms • • • • Waste from disposable packaging and utensils • Please show your commitment to: Carlsbad Community Vision and Climate Action Plan (attached below) The core values and vision statements emerging from this process serve as a guide for city leaders as they carry out their service to all who live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad. Thank you for all you do! Sharon Bodon Carlsbad Resident Carlsbad Core Values and Vision Small town feel, beach community character and connectedness 1 Does reversing the drive-thru ban support Carlsbad Core Values, Vision, and Climate Action Plan? NO . Drive-thrus can increase traffic congestion, block emergency vehicles, increase accidents, and injure 12edestrians. Open space and the natural environment NO. Drive-thrus replace open/green space with concrete. Access to recreation and active, healthy lifestyles NO. Drive-thrus increase air pollution and unhealthy eating. NO. Small local businesses are less The local economy, business diversity and tourism. Strengthen the likely to be able to afford to build drive- city's strong and diverse economy and its position as an thrus than large fast food chains. employment hub in north San Diego County. Promote business diversity, increased specialty retail and dining opportunities, and Carlsbad's tourism. Walking, biking, public transportation and connectivity NO. Drive-thrus reduce pedestrian safety, increases traffic congestion Sustainability. Build on the city's sustainability initiatives to emerge NO. Drive-thrus increase emissions, single use packaging and utensils, as a leader in green development and sustainability. Pursue public/ litter. private partnerships, particularly on sustainable water, energy, recycling and foods. NO History, the arts and cultural resources NO High quality education and community services. Support quality, comprehensive education and life-long learning opportunities, provide housing and community services for a changing population, and maintain a high standard for citywide public safety. NO. Drive-thrus diminish small town Neighborhood revitalization, community design and livability. city feel, increase traffic, decrease Revitalize neighborhoods and enhance citywide community design and space for pedestrians and cyclists, livability. Promote a greater mix of uses citywide, more activities along the reduce social interaction and coastline and link density to public transportation. Revitalize the downtown community engagement. Village as a community focal point and a unique and memorable center for visitors, and rejuvenate the historic Barrio neighborhood. Climate Action Plan NO. Studies have shown that drive- 51 % of Carlsbad greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is from thrus can generate LIQ to 1,000 grams transportation. of carbon dioxide 12er vehicle, Goal: reduce GHG emission to meet state targets: 50% below 2016 de12ending on the waiting time. emissions by 2035, 85% below 2016 levels by 2045? CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Leslie Coles <4leslieaco1es@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 3:23 PM City Clerk No more drive thru permits Drive thru eateries waste gas and add to air pollution. There is often more trash and noise. I see no positives in adding additional drive thru businesses. Thank you.I CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Scott <scottp88888@gmail.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 3:56 PM City Clerk Maintain the ban on drive-thru restaurants I respectfully ask the City Council to MAINTAIN the 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants. Fast food chain drive-thru lines = emissions and traffic congestion = billions of$ in climate costs + more than $200k in our tax dollars for traffic and environmental studies. The federal government is prioritizing fossil fuel over public welfare. We need to do what we can at the local level to reduce emissions, pollution, and climate disasters for the sake of our health, safety, finances, and future generations. Thank you! 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Diane Nygaard <dnygaard3@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 4:06 PM City Clerk # 10-Options for Drive Through Restaurants Honorable Mayor and City Council The old adage-"if it's not broke don't fix it" really applies here. Carlsbad has benefited tremendously from the ban on drive through restaurants. It made sense when it was adopted, and it makes even more sense today. Carlsbad prides itself on taking its community vision seriously, and maintaining a high quality of life for all residents. Allowing more drive th roughs would move the city backwards. The minimal increase in revenue that might result is overshadowed by the adverse impacts that all will feel: air pollution, greenhouse gasses, traffic congestion, and visual blight. Many of the arterials in the commercial zones are already at LOS F. This land use favors auto travel and makes the use of alternative transportation more difficult. Why would the city take any action to support expanderd auto use, especially in already congested areas, at the expense of other transportation modes? The updated CAP now shows that the transportation sector, primarily because of autos, accounts for over 51 % of the GHG in Carlsbad. Drive th roughs increase idle time and will unnecessarily increase GHG. The city is responsible for reducing GHG, not establishing policies that will increase them. What action will the city need to take to offset these increased GHG emissions? These are costs that will be borne by the city, not the businesses that are causing them. We urge you to select Option# 1 and keep the existing ban in place. Diane Nygaard On behalf of Preserve Calavera 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Karen Ludlow <jackar287@roadrunner.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 6:44 PM City Clerk Carlsbad Restaurant Drive-thru Rules Thank you for providing this information and asking for input. I believe the current ban should be eliminated, and the following should be put in place, with careful thought to not causing traffic and safety issues: • Allow new drive-thrus only in local shopping center areas. • Allow new drive-thrus in areas zoned for restaurants and commercial. Ms. K. Ludlow en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: nancy szymczak <nanzyk@yahoo.com > Monday, April 28, 2025 8:13 PM City Clerk Drive thru ban Please do not allow more drive thrus! They add nothing good to our city but do add more pollution & congestion. Let people get out of their cars & get a little exercise & experience all the wonderful things about Carlsbad that you can't get from sitting in your car. Thank you. Nancy Szymczak Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Chih-Wu Chang <chihwu .chang@gmail.com> Monday, April 28, 2025 8:44 PM City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Teresa Acosta; Priya Bhat-Patel; Kevin Shin; Melanie Burkholder Agenda Item 10 -"Possible Options to regulate new drive-thru restaurants." Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to support maintaining Carlsbad's Drive-Thru ban. It was reported that a single Chick-fil -A location earns approximately $19,442 per day, meaning an average Chick-fil-A location's annual profits are slightly over $7 million. It was also reported that drive-thru will increase 8% profit of a restaurant. The question is at what cost and if allowing more drive-thru will amplify the city's value and family-friendly image . Drive-thrus create a constant stream of idling cars that emit air pollution, which harms people and can increase the chance of asthma or other respiratory illnesses. While drive-thrus are a convenient way to conduct business, they harm people's health, hurt vibrant neighborhoods, increase inequity, and strain the city's finances. I care about the environment and residents' well -being. It is hard to support a drive-thru to increase a restaurant's profit while damaging the environment and harming residents' health. I urge you not to lift the ban on drive-thru. You may not agree with my argument, but I believe you have the city's best interest in mind . Sincerely, Chih-Wu Chang Carlsbad Resident for over 20 years and proud graduates of Citizens Academy and Citizens Police Academy. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Teresa Acosta Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 9:03 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: Agenda item #10 Possible Options to regulate new drive-thru restaurants From: Diana A <dra805@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 8:54 AM To: Keith Blackburn <keith.blackburn@carlsbadca.gov>; Priya Bhat-Patel <priya.bhat-patel@carlsbadca.gov>; Teresa Acosta <teresa.acosta@carlsbadca.gov>; Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov>; Kevin Shin <kevin.shin@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Agenda item #10 Possible Options to regulate new drive-thru restaurants Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to express my strong opposition to removing Carlsbad's long-standing ban on new drive-thru restaurants. Reversing this forward-thinking policy would be a serious step backward for our community-one that undermines our shared vision, environmental goals, and the small-town character that makes Carlsbad so special. My biggest concern is this would add to the traffic congestion in my district within the Palomar /I-5 con-idor which is one of the most unfriendly bike/pedestrian pathways due to high volume of traffic. In addition, our City is very, very business friendly and goes above and beyond to ensure businesses thrive. However, at some point decisions need to be made to protect the residents of Carlsbad and ensure we continue to have clean air and a healthy environment. In 1998, Carlsbad led the way by enacting a ban on new drive-thrus to preserve community aesthetics, reduce traffic congestion, improve pedestrian safety, and limit air pollution. Since then, our city has only become more committed to sustainability, walkability, and quality of life. Lifting the ban would conflict directly with the values in our Community Vision and Climate Action Plan (CAP)-both of which prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting health, and protecting the coastal environment. Drive-thrus contribute significantly to: -Air pollution and carbon emissions from idling cars ( an average of 6-8 minutes per vehicle). -Energy waste through signage, intercoms, and lighting. -Litter and landfill waste from disposable packaging and utensils. -Traffic congestion especially in already impacted areas like Palomar Airp01i Road and the I-5 c01Tidor, making them even less safe and walkable. Arguments for lifting the ban often point to marginal tax revenue gains. But those gains-about $8,000 per year per drive-thru-are negligible compared to the $200,000+ in research costs already spent, and the far greater long-term costs of climate change: increased fire prevention budgets, flood and erosion damage, higher insurance rates, and declining tourism (a $2.2 billion industry). Some claim that electric vehicles mitigate these impacts. In reality, EV adoption has plateaued in California in 2024, and federal efforts to advance clean energy have slowed. This makes local action even more critical. Cities like Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Annapolis are following Carlsbad's example and implementing their own drive-thru bans. Why should we now go in the opposite direction? 1 Others cite convenience for families and individuals with mobility issues. But we should challenge large fast food corporations to innovate and serve those needs in environmentally responsible ways, rather than accepting outdated, high-impact infrastructure. Our Community Vision emphasizes: - A small-town beach feel-drive-thrus increase traffic and diminish walkability. -Sustainability-drive-thrus increase emissions, energy use, and single-use waste. -Support for local businesses-local restaurants deliver over twice the economic impact of chains and are far less likely to benefit from drive-thru infrastructure. -Healthy, active lifestyles-walkable communities suppo1i well-being, while drive-thrus encourage sedentary behavior and fast food consumption. We are at a climate and planning crossroads. Let's honor our past leadership and continue investing in a sustainable, healthy, and connected Carlsbad-not in short-sighted, outdated development models. Please vote NO on lifting the drive-thru ban and stay true to the values that define and unite us. Respectfully, Diana Agui1Te, MBA, PMP, LSSBB Citizen's Academy Graduate Ce1iified CA Naturalist Homeowner & TaxPayer D3 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Misty O'Healy <mistyohealy@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 9:44 AM Council Internet Email; City Clerk Re: Protect Carlsbad's Future: Keep the Drive-Thru Ban in Place Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community. In 1998, a past council had the vision to enact the drive-thru ban - a decision that still benefits us today. Now, you have the same power to shape a future 30 years from now that values health, safety, community, and our planet. Minimal short-term economic benefits from fast-food chains are no justification for sacrificing our long- term sustainability, livability, and reputation as a forward-thinking city. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted researching ways to undo smart policy. We urge you to reject any effort to lift the ban and instead stay focused on bold, future-ready solutions. The generations that follow are counting on your courage today. Thank you for being true stewards of our future. Regards, Misty O'Healy, Carlsbad CA 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:36 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: Drive thru ban From: Shanon Lancas <lancasfamily@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:18 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive thru ban Dear City Council Members, Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community. In 1998, a past council had the vision to enact the drive-thru ban - a decision that still benefits us today. Now, you have the same power to shape a future 30 years from now that values health, safety, community, and our planet. Minimal short-term economic benefits from fast-food chains are no justification for sacrificing our long- term sustainability, livability, and reputation as a forward-thinking city. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted researching ways to undo smart policy. We urge you to reject any effort to lift the ban and instead stay focused on bold, future-ready solutions. The generations that follow are counting on your courage today. Thank you for being true stewards of our future.hope you have a good rest of your day! Sincerely, Shanon Pirl Lancas 3467 Camino Michelle Carlsbad, CA 92009 CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Elaine L <changel09@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:51 AM City Clerk; Council Internet Email Protect Carlsbad's Future: KEEP the Drive-Thru Ban in Place Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community. In 1998, a past council had the vision to enact the drive-thru ban - a decision that still benefits us today. Now, you have the same power to shape a future 30 years from now that values health, safety, community, and our planet. Minimal short-term economic benefits from fast-food chains are no justification for sacrificing our long- term sustainability, livability, and reputation as a forward-thinking city. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted researching ways to undo smart policy. We urge you to reject any effort to lift the ban and instead stay focused on bold, future-ready solutions. The generations that follow are counting on your courage today. Thank you for being true stewards of our future. Sincerely, Elaine Lu Carlsbad, CA CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Carlsbad City Council, Lesa Thode <Lesa.Thode@proton.me> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:55 AM Council Internet Email; City Clerk Please uphold the Drive-thrus moritorium I understand that there's going to be a vote today to consider modifying the long-standing moratorium on drive-thrus in Carlsbad. Please hold the current moratorium and resist pressures from corporations who seek to expand their profits without regard to its impact on the congestion, pedestrian and cyclist safety local supply chains, liveable wages, neighboring businesses, the health of their consumers and employees in the communities they feast on. Please don't water down Carlsbad 's unique charm renowned for ts proximity to carefully grown agriculture, a vibrant resort and restaurant culture, thoughtful planning rooted in sustainability, all in a magical town by the Sea. In addition to these wonderful attributes, Carlsbad offers so many convenient and affordable opportunities to pick up meals without exiting one's vehicle: All grocery stores have apps and curbside pick up lanes us do many restaurants. There are at least 45 restaurants in Carlsbad that offer kids eat free programs to help parents defray the cost of feeding a family on a budget. Of course we now have the convenience of surfaces like doordash and Uber eats to bring food right to our doorsteps. The city offers so many fun food truck and Farmers events that are great for families, especially on the weekends. And of course we have 14 existing fast food places with drive-thrus in Carlsbad that families can choose from and only a couple of them ever really have lines of more than three cars at a time. Imagine what increase radon levels and higher temperatures will do to our famous Carlsbad Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, Lagoons and Beaches. I'm saying no to changes to the memorandum, you will also be protecting the good faith our existing local restaurateurs who bring us acclaim with both Michelin star ratings and fun affordable family eateries, continually commit to Carlsbad in their work with organizations like Plus Box, the Food Bank, Produce Good, the Rotary Club, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, the Ralph Machado Foundation, and all the local schools they offer special discounts, donations. and fund raising events. Please protect our health and air quality. Let's consider that pick-up service is actually faster than drive-thru and does not contribute to the same amount of pollution or adverse effects to pedestrians, other drivers, and employees standing by to take orders when cars stop idling. Apparently mobile pickup orders often have the shortest wait times, with some studies showing wait times being up to 2.4 times faster than drive-thru ... And restaurants are focusing to streamline and optimize mobile pickup services over drive-thru. So why would we as a city make changes to a failing business model? Why would we counter all the taxpayer money we have dedicated to forward-thinking planning and environmental sustainability to date just to bring in an antiquated business model that threatens so many things that our community values? 1 You all have done such a marvelous job in your time as protectors of this town. Please uphold the drive-thru moratorium. You have lots of support from the people who live and love this town and we offer you our courage to say no to voracious corporate chains. Thank you for your consideration and service to current and future residents and visitors of Carlsbad. Keep Carlsbad Cool. Say no to drive-thru harms to our health and city. Sincerely, Lesa Thode, District 3 Sent from Proton Mail Android CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11 :12 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: No New Drive-thru Carlsbad Agenda Item 10 From: maryoren <maryoren@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:38 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: No New Drive-thru Carlsbad Agenda Item 10 April 29, 2025 Re: Agenda Item 1 O Maintain 1998 No New Drive-thru Commitment Dear Carlsbad Leaders - Here we are, it's April 2025 and let's just say it's confusing to be nice -that back in 1998, informed leadership declared local drive-thru permits were part of the problem -and now after all we've learned about climate change -local drive-thru permits are up for reconsideration? How could leadership 25 years ago recognize idling cars for five minutes and more -as avoidably bad -and now leadership is considering saying-it's not? What's going on here. I know it's redundant but I keep asking myself, what? Carlsbad is an environmentally responsible, clean, pedestrian friendly community, supporting safe conditions for residents and visitors enjoying our shops and streets on foot and bicycles better than ever thanks to great work happening with clearly marked cross walks and painted bike lanes. Let's continue to invite those in our community to get out of their cars for their coffee, chicken or beef burgers etc., get off their phones and maybe make some friends while they're at it. Carlsbad, please do the right thing. No new drive-thru permits no matter the revenue temptation, it comes at a very high price, our quality of life and the future of all the Carlsbad kids and families counting on us to do the right thing for 25 plus more years to come! Let's turn off the ignition, get out of our cars, breath in our beautiful ocean air, feel the wind in our face, enjoy all the beauty that is here while enjoying that nice cup of coffee. It's 2025 and time to remember our roots and responsibility and protect and embrace the beauty that is Carlsbad! Cheers! Mary Oren Carlsbad resident 26 years Sierra Club Member 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11 :13 AM City Clerk Subject: FW: Say no to Drive Thru's -----Original Message----- From: Leslie Gomez <dsnsbyl@roadrunner.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:50 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Cc: Priya Bhat-Patel <priya.bhat-patel@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Say no to Drive Thru's All, Please reject further expansion of Fast Food Drive th roughs in the City of Carlsbad. In San Diego County, 42% of the pollutants that contribute to smog come from mobile sources like cars, trucks, and SUVs. In the US, 3.8 million gallons of fuel are wasted by idling every day, It Saves Money! 10 seconds of idling wastes more fuel than restarting. It Helps the Planet! An idling Car wastes up to .5 gallons of fuel per hour, emitting 10 lbs. of carbon dioxide. It's also better for your Car! Idling can damage engine components. Leslie Gomez 2297 Morgan Rd Carlsbad, Ca 92008 dsnabyl@roadrunner.com CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Scott <scottp88888@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11: 17 AM City Clerk Maintain the drive thru ban I respectfully ask the City Council to MAINTAIN the 1998 ban on new drive-thru restaurants. Fast food chain drive-thru lines = emissions and traffic congestion = billions of$ in climate costs + more than $200k in our tax dollars for traffic and environmental studies. The federal government is prioritizing fossil fuel over public welfare. We need to do what we can at the local level to reduce emissions, pollution, and climate disasters for the sake of our health, safety, finances, and future generations. Thank you! Scott Treiber Carlsbad, CA 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Dear City Council members, Cele Gannon <celelater@yahoo.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11 :34 AM Council Internet Email City Clerk No to more Fast Food Drive Through It is my opinion that going backwards is not a good look for Carlsbad. We are oceanfront, environmentalists and healthy residents. A community once known for farming and a mineral spring. Professional athletes from all over the world come here to make their homes. We are not FF drive through people. Ok so we have In and Out, I would never want to lose that but we don't need anymore. Please vote no. Keep Carlsbad Clean. Thank you, Cele Gannon 7038 Ivy St Carlsbad, CA 92011 Sent from my iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: Vanessa Forsythe <vforsythe13@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 9:14 AM To: City Clerk; Keith Blackburn; Priya Bhat-Patel; Kevin Shin; Melanie Burkholder; Teresa Acosta Subject: Support Drive Thru Moratorium Dear Mayor Blackburn and City Council Members 1° t carlsbad Drive-Thru Ban Fact Sheet The moratorium on drive thrus that was established in 1998 showed foresight by Carlsbad city leaders and you should vote to maintain it. The limited benefit of a slight increase in tax revenue from outside chain food services is not sufficient to counter the negative safety, environmental and cultural impacts expansion of these drive-thrus thrus would have on our Carlsbad community. Other communities are now banning further drive-thrus because of encountered harms. Attached is a fact sheet indicating specific concerns related to drive thrus including: congestion, increased green house gasses; car, bike and pedestrian accidents; competition to local small businesess and the employment provided; loss of community interaction and connection; and changing the local and tourist recognition of Carlsbad as a Village by the Sea. For those not able or willing to get out of their car alternatives exist for pickup and delivery. Hear our community voices and vote to maintain the moratorium on drive-thrus. Sincerely Vanessa Vanessa Forsythe RN MSN 2177 Vista La Nisa Carlsbad CA 92009 California Nurses for Environmental Health & Justice Climate Health Now CleanEarth4Kids "To refuse to participate in the shaping of our future is to give up. Do not be misled into passivity either by false security (they don't mean me) or by despair (there's nothing we can do). Each of us must find our work and do it. " -Audre Larde CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Cynthia Decuir <cynko@roadrunner.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11 :45 AM City Clerk Protect Carlsbad Future (and reputation with other responsible cities) Clerk, please see this issue gets on the docket tonight, 4/29/25, Please keep the Drive-Thru Ban in place. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community as reflected in your 1998 Drive-Thru Ban. Wake up and do the right thing again. Respectfully, Cynthia Decuir 2462 Lorna Ln, Carlsbad 92008 District 1-Melanie Burkholder CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear City Council Members, Elyse O'Neill <elyse.d.oneill@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11 :59 AM Council Internet Email; City Clerk Keep the Drive Thru Ban Thank you for your leadership and commitment to our community. In 1998, a past council had the vision to enact the drive-thru ban - a decision that still benefits us today. Now, you have the same power to shape a future 30 years from now that values health, safety, community, and our planet. Minimal short-term economic benefits from fast-food chains are no justification for sacrificing our long- term sustainability, livability, and reputation as a forward-thinking city. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted researching ways to undo smart policy. We urge you to reject any effort to lift the ban and instead stay focused on bold, future-ready solutions. The generations that follow are counting on your courage today. Thank you for being true stewards of our future. Sincerely, Elyse O'Neill Carlsbad, CA 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Hi, Sheri Menelli <sheri@rjmmusic.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:08 PM City Clerk Ban on drive through restaurants I'm for keeping the ban on drive through restaurants. I like the way the town currently is and so NO to drive throughs. BTW, i live in zip 92009 thanks Sheri Menelli Sheri Menelli RJM Music Technology, Inc Sign up for the RJM Newsletter https://tinyurl.com/RJMNEWS CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council, Eileen <efreedsun@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:33 PM City Clerk Drive-thrus are not good for Carlsbad As a resident of Carlsbad it's hard to believe you would start allowing drive-thru restaurants despite all that is known about the impact on our environment. So many things are starting to change our beautiful seaside town since we moved here 9 years ago. Growth is being allowed to boom more than Carlsbad allowed it to back then, unsafe intersections like Carlsbad Blvd. and Tamarack aren't being re-done as promised, and now you're considering allowing drive-thru eating establishments to move forward. Let's do all we can to maintain and promote the beautiful, clean, safe town most of us moved here to live in and not ruin our air quality and our safety by allowing this to go forward. Thank you, Eileen Freedland & John Sundberg 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Valerie Jahan <vljahan@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:40 PM City Clerk Comment for agenda item 10 Re: the ban on drive thru restaurants in Carlsbad. I am opposed to removing the ban for drive thru restaurants in Carlsbad. Traffic on the streets is more crowded and more dangerous if the city allows idling cars to constrict traffic further. The pollution from the cars in line are also a big concern. I encourage a no vote on the issue of removing the ban on drive thru restaurants. Thankyou. Valerie Jahan, 3304 Donna Drive, Carlsbad. Sent from Valerie's iPhone CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear city council members: Beverly Marston <bevmarston7@gmail.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:48 PM City Clerk Options for regulating new drive-through restaurants As a constituent who has resided in Carlsbad since 1987, I am very concerned about the possibility of not continuing the moratoriums on drive-thrus. My concerns include traffic congestion increases, impact on small mom and pop establishments, vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and the fact that fast food workers do not have the same benefits as those employed as cooks and white staff at sitdown restaurants. Additionally, fast food, restaurants negatively impact the character of the Carlsbad red community. Thank you for your attention. Bev Marston bevmarston7@gmail.com CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:51 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Protect Carlsbad Future Generations: Keep the Drive-Thru Ban in Place -----Original Message----- From: Cynthia Decuir <cynko@roadrunner.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 11:37 AM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Protect Carlsbad Future Generations: Keep the Drive-Thru Ban in Place Dear Council, (and District 1-Melanie Burkholder) What happened to your good sense in 1998 -to enact the ban that still benefits us and our grandchildren? Those who will not restore the ban, or who chose a "compromise" which is not a ban, will be remembered at election time; we are aware of how our district representatives are voting. Please do the right thing: consider the long-term benefit over short-term profits. The same goes to the Chick-Fil-A business owners. Sine rely, Cynthia and Laurence Decuir 2462 Lorna Lane, CA 92008 District 1 -Melanie Burkholder p.s. To Priya: I supported your first election because you said you supported climate protection. Shame on you if you have so changed your ways. CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:52 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Agenda Item #10 -re: drive-thru restaurants From: drdianeb@aol.com <drdianeb@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:01 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Agenda Item #10 -re: drive-thru restaurants Honorable Mayor and Council: Please allow drive-thrus and reverse the 1998 ban. While I don't believe more drive-thrus would be a good idea in the Village, they would do fine in other areas of the city, per your staff maps. 1) Many families rely on drve-thrus for quick trips when they are on the go. Taking 3 kids out of carseats and going into a restaurant, is difficult for one parent. When my child had a minor procedure w/sedation and I needed a particular type of food item for her, I had to drive to Oceanside to find a drive-thru near me as I could not leave her in the car. Also, disabled people are forgotten about when these decisions are made. 2) With the increase in EVs, hybrids, & gas powered vehicles with stop-start ignitions, there is much less vehicle pollution than in the past. 3) Drive-thrus can be approved on a case by case basis by the PC and/or Council, thus preventing eyesores. Nearby cities have restricted signage, so a giant ugly sign is not going to happen if the city says no. The city still has control. Thank you for your consideration. Diane Bedrosian Carlsbad resident, D2 CAUTION: Do not o en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:52 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Agenda 10 item, New Drive-Thru Restaurants From: Mary Hassing <mehassing@msn.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:07 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Agenda 10 item, New Drive-Thru Restaurants Dear Mayor Blackburn and Council Members, I write to ask you to reject the proposal to lift the ban on drive-thru restaurants in the city. The ban enacted by the Council in 1998 has served our city well, limiting traffic congestion and pollution from idling vehicles and preserving the character of our streets. Carlsbad is a lovely city and I am proud to call it home. Tonight's meeting is an important chance for you to reject an expansion of lines of cars blocking traffic and sometimes spilling into streets. We have enough of them in North Carlsbad. Please do not add to the problem. Vote no. Sincerely, Mary Hassing Carlsbad, CA en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:53 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Item # 10 regarding the drive through ban From: Barbara Diamond <diamondbarb@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 12:27 PM To: Council Internet Email <Council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Item# 10 regarding the drive through ban Dear Carlsbad City Council members, Thank you for your time and energy devoted to leading Carlsbad through this pivotal time in which resources and needs are in competition. In 1998 the council wisely passed a ban on drive-through restaurants but unfortunately left the door open to revisit the issue which we are tackling now. Assuming that you continue the ban, please don't leave the door open for revisiting this issue in the future. If some business challenges this, make a law that the business must pay for all studies and the cost of extra staff time to reopen the issue and not use the tax payers' money. These are many good reasons to maintain the ban on drive-through restaurants but I would like to focus on maintaining the beauty and charm of our village and other areas of Carlsbad as well.Thinking about other coastal communities I just picked two for an example. San Clemente CA has many drive-through restaurants with more likely to open soon. According to the internet, several traditional, long established restaurants have closed their doors. San Clemente has several beautiful features such as the Mission, the old railroad station, antique shops, but because of the composition of the business and traffic patterns, the overall gestalt is a jumbled mix. By comparison. Carmel CA has a tranquil ambience and coincidentally has only ONE drive-through 1 restaurant. Our community would be better served to strive to be like Carmell and maintain the beauty and charm that we still have, despite the pressures to provide more affordable housing and traffic patterns that promote bike safety. I am asking the Council to maintain the ban on drive-through restaurants and if possible provide encouragement for restaurants to close or their drive-through and try ordering on the internet as an alternative. Do not propose opening this decision at a later date and if business push back, write legislation requiring business to pay for all additional costs. Thank you for your serious consideration, Barbara C.Diamond Carlsbad 92008 ~Barbara Diamond~ 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Council Carol Scurlock <cascurlock@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :35 PM City Clerk do not remove drive thru ban Please do not remove the ban on drive thru restaurants. I just passed Inn Out and traffic was backed into the traffic lane waiting for the drive through. We have enough traffic issues -do not add the drive through removal. thank you carol scurlock 92008 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: drdianeb@aol.com Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :41 PM City Clerk Subject: Fw: Agenda Item #10 -re: drive-thru restaurants -----Forwarded Message ----- From: drdianeb@aol.com <drdianeb@aol.com> To: council@carlsbadca.gov <council@carlsbadca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 12:00:50 PM PDT Subject: Agenda Item #1 0 -re: drive-thru restaurants Honorable Mayor and Council: Please allow drive-thrus and reverse the 1998 ban. While I don't believe more drive-thrus would be a good idea in the Village, they would do fine in other areas of the city, per your staff maps. 1) Many families rely on drve-thrus for quick trips when they are on the go. Taking 3 kids out of carseats and going into a restaurant, is difficult for one parent. When my child had a minor • procedure w/sedation and I needed a particular type of food item for her, I had to drive to Oceanside to find a drive-thru near me as I could not leave her in the car. Also, disabled people are forgotten about when these decisions are made. 2) With the increase in EVs, hybrids, & gas powered vehicles with stop-start ignitions, there is much less vehicle pollution than in the past. 3) Drive-thrus can be approved on a case by case basis by the PC and/or Council, thus preventing eyesores. Nearby cities have restricted signage, so a giant ugly sign is not going to happen if the city says no. The city still has control. Thank you for your consideration. Diane Bedrosian Carlsbad resident, D2 1 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Kathy Railings <kathyrallings@yahoo.com> Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :43 PM Council Internet Email; City Clerk Protect Carlsbad's Future -Uphold the Drive-Thru Ban Dear City Council Members: Thank you for your ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental justice in Carlsbad. In 1998, a forward-thinking council made the bold decision to ban drive-thrus - a policy that continues to serve our community well. Today, you have the same opportunity to shape a future that prioritizes public health, safety, and environmental responsibility. There is no compelling reason to reverse this smart, future-focused policy. Allowing fast-food drive-thrus would compromise Carlsbad's livability, sustainability goals, and our identity as a progressive, community- centered city. Taxpayer resources should not be spent exploring ways to weaken policies that are already working. Instead, I urge you to stay focused on bold solutions that protect and enhance our quality of life for generations to come. 1 Thank you for your stewardship and vision. Sincerely, Kathy Rallings Carlsbad, CA CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i safe. 2 Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Liz < lizvolunteer247@gmail.com > Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1 :47 PM Council Internet Email; City Clerk; Kyle Van Leeuwen Protect Carlsbad's Future: Keep the Drive-Thru Ban in Place Carlsbad Drive-Thru Ban Fact Sheet.pdf Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers, Thank you for your dedication to Carlsbad's community character, economic vitality, environment, and long- term resilience. We know the decision before you is not simple-but lifting the 1998 drive-thru ban would ultimately harm, not help, our families and this wonderful city we are lucky to call home. Drive-thrus bring short-term convenience but long-term consequences: increased greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, pedestrian hazards, and air pollution. These lead to billions in climate-related costs-fire mitigation, toxic smoke, rising insurance and water rates, and losses to our $2.2 billion tourism economy. The minimal tax gain from a drive-thru-just $8,000 a year-is negligible compared to the $200,000+ for needed studies and the far greater environmental and health costs, as well as loss of local economic vitality. Reversing the ban would undermine our Community Vision and Climate Action Plan at a time when climate change demands stronger action, not weaker. It would signal that corporate pressure matters more than community well-being. Other cities like Minneapolis and Annapolis are just now catching up to Carlsbad by banning new drive-thrus- recognizing that sustainability and community health are more valuable than fleeting financial gains. Why would Carlsbad choose to go backward? Bold local leadership is essential. Cities like Carlsbad must be the front line for meaningful climate action- reducing emissions, protecting community health, and building resilience against worsening disasters. We should not let corporate fast food chains seeking profit at the expense of our air, health, and safety dictate our values or our future. Instead, let's challenge them to innovate in ways that help resource-challenged families access affordable food without increasing pollution and congestion-investing in solutions that serve both people and the planet. The 1998 City Council showed vision and courage to lead, inspire, and protect what matters most-our clean air, our water, our future .. Now it's your turn to continue that legacy and be remembered as the council-and the community-that chose courage over convenience, and made decisions today that future generations who will live, work, and thrive in the city you are shaping today will thank us for. Please see the attached fact sheet for more information and Carlsbad Fire Zone map below for a reminder of what's at stake. We urge you to reject any effort to lift the ban and instead stay focused on bold, future-ready solutions. Thank you for your commitment to our shared future and for embracing the responsibility of true stewardship. Respectfu I ly, Liz Treiber 1 Carlsbad resident ~ Compare old (2007-2011 ) w,th new (2025) '~ recornrnended FHSZ 111 LRA • Ca rlsoad V Instructions Map Legend Swipe 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Area, as Recommended by the State Fire Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zone ... Very High .. High Moderate d I t I . t -• ~.. • ,. rr',-.•,+ ---,:..i.t .• : 'u-: ~;,S, -: • : -~-.. • .. •~ ... -.... ~-; ·"'·;.·,,;~"i'j, _'.;., · D •. '-'i ·ex'p'erience:a·rcgis.cofn 6/ CJ\ :.:. ,, -~--•• Q-_,}: _ ~.~. r.::..-~~-~--: !. ---~-~t:)._:: ~,~~:~~t' CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 2 Support Maintaining Carlsbad's Drive-Thru Ban Email clerk@carlsbadca.gov by 2pm Tuesday 4/29 and/or attend the City Council meeting 4/29 5:15-6:30pm. Carlsbad, Our Wonderful Village by the Sea In recent years, Carlsbad staff, city council, and residents have invested time and resources to make our city a great place to live by developing a Community Vision and Climate Action Plan (CAP). Continue Legacy of Forward Thinking Leadership In 1998, when few cities were considering this issue, Carlsbad passed a ban on new drive-thru restaurants to protect Carlsbad's community character, quality of life and aesthetics, reduce traffic congestion, and increase traffic safety. We have the same concerns today, made even more urgent as we've all witnessed the devastating impact of acceleration of climate change, e.g., fires, drought, floods, coastal erosion. Drive-thru's increase: • Air pollution and carbon emission from cars idling in line. Drive-thru line average: 6 minutes. Chick-Fil-A: 8 minutes. If the average motorist avoided idling for just 3 minutes every day of the year COz emissions would be reduced by 1.4 million tonnes annually. or the equivalent of taking 320.000 cars off the road. • Energy consumption from electric signage and intercoms • Waste from disposable packaging and utensils Other cities are finally catching up to Carlsbad and imposing drive-thru bans, e.g., Minneapolis, Atlanta, Annapolis. Why should Carlsbad go backwards to lift their ban and waste time and money ($200,000+) researching options that go against the Carlsbad Community Vision and CAP? Who prompted the City Council to ask staff to devote taxpayer dollars to research reversing the ban? Fast food chains' arguments for reversing the ban: "Economic boost" from fast food chain drive-thru's. REBUTTAL: LOCAL restaurants produce more than twice the local economic impact of dining at a chain restaurant. Possible tax revenue generated ($8klyr from drive thru vs non drive-thru) is minimal and offset by needed traffic and environmental studies ($200k+) and BILLIONS of dollars in climate costs: $850k fire prevention; increased water rates, property and auto insurance rates; economic collapse from uninsurability; lost tourism dollars ($2.2B industry) from coastal erosion, algae bloom and aggressive sea animals; damage from floods , fires. drought. heat. "With the state moving so rapidly towards electric vehicles and hybrids ... environmental concerns are much more mitigated." REBUTTAL: Electric car sales in CA stagnant in 2024. With the federal administration now intent on decreasing clean energy, it's up to local governments and citizens to reduce the devastation of climate change. "Families with small children, elderly, those with mobile disabilities ... are having a hard time coming into restaurants." REBUTTAL: Let's challenge fast food chains with their large corporate budgets to find innovative ways to provide convenient AND sustainable options which decrease their environmental footprint. "Hypocrisy to allow bank and pharmacy drive-thrus." REBUTTAL: fewer people use bank and pharmacy drive-thru's now with online banking and mail order pharmacies. We are at a tipping point and need to work together on solutions to slow climate change, create a healthy sustainable future, and have a positive impact on our community, instead of wasting precious time and money to go backwards. Carlsbad Community Vision and Climate Action Plan The core values and vision statements emerging from this process serve as a guide for city leaders as they carry out their service to all who live, work and play in the City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad Core Values and Vision Does reversing the drive-thru ban support Carlsbad Core Values, Vision, and Climate Action Plan? Small town feel, beach community character and NO. Drive-thrus can increase traffic congestiQn, blogk connectedness emergenc~ vehicles, increase accidents, and injure Qedestrians. Open space and the natural environment NO. Drive-thrus replace open/green space with concrete. Access to recreation and active, healthy lifestyles NO. Drive-thrus increase air pollution and unhealthy eating. The local economy, business diversity and tourism. NO. Small local businesses are less likely to be able to afford to build drive-thrus than large fast food chains. Strengthen the city's strong and diverse economy and its position as an employment hub in north San Diego County. Promote business diversity, increased specialty retail and dining opportunities, and Carlsbad's tourism. Walking, biking, public transportation and connectivity NO. Drive-thrus reduce pedestrian safety, increases traffic congestion Sustainability. Build on the city's sustainability initiatives NO. Drive-thrus increase emissions, single use packaging and utensils, litter. to emerge as a leader in green development and sustainability. Pursue public/ private partnerships, particularly on sustainable water, energy, recycling and foods. History, the arts and cultural resources NO High quality education and community services. Support NO quality, comprehensive education and life-long learning opportunities, provide housing and community services for a changing population, and maintain a high standard for citywide public safety. Neighborhood revitalization, community design and NO. Drive-thrus diminish small town city feel, increase traffic, decrease space for pedestrians and cyclists, livability. Revitalize neighborhoods and enhance citywide reduce social interaction and community engagement. community design and livability. Promote a greater mix of uses citywide, more activities along the coastline and link density to public transportation. Revitalize the downtown Village as a community focal point and a unique and memorable center for visitors, and rejuvenate the historic Barrio neighborhood. Climate Action Plan NO. Studies have shown that drive-thrus can generate 51 % of Carlsbad greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is LIQ to 1,000 grams of carbon dioxide Qer vehicle, from transportation. de12ending Qn the waiting tim~. Goal: reduce GHG emission to meet state targets: 50% below 2016 emissions by 2035, 85% below 2016 levels by 2045? Ana Alarcon From: Sent: To: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Council Internet Email Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:38 PM City Clerk FW: Agenda item#10 Follow up Completed From: Mered Oren <meredoren@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 1:38 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Agenda item#10 All Receive -Agenda Item# l1) For the Information of the: if!ITY COUNCIJ-✓ oal ZP rb,✓ c;c , ACM_ DCM (3) ::Z I am not in favor of item 10. I believe the law against drive through business's, enacted years ago, works well. If the entities that are proposing to have locations in Carlsbad want to be here, they should abide by the current rules, and their patrons should do what we all have been doing for years ... get out of your car. Mered Oren Carlsbad resident Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for Android CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:38 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Drive -thru ban--support From: Jason Folkman <jfolkmanneh@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:22 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Drive -thru ban--support Dear Carlsbad City Council, Honestly, I do not live in Carlsbad, but in Encinitas. I wish my city would have a ban like yours of drive-thru restaurants. Drive-thurs promote driving and running of car motors while waiting in line, and also promote the consumption of unhealthy foods. Drive thrus take up more space with asphalt. If I were you, I would definitely vote to keep the ban. Carlsbad is the envy of surrounding cities. Sincerely, Jason Folkman Encinitas CA 92024 We have three branches of government for a reason. The Legislative Branch is Article L 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:47 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Ban on drive through restaurants From: Julia Darling <jvdarling24@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 2:42 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Ban on drive through restaurants Please maintain the current ban on drive throughs in the interest of a more sustainable environment Julia Darling Carlsbad CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless 1 Ana Alarcon From: Council Internet Email Sent: To: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 4:22 PM City Clerk Subject: FW: Carlsbad drive through ban From: William Luecke <wluecke@comcast.net> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 3:39 PM To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov> Subject: Carlsbad drive through ban Hello, My husband and I strongly support the Carlsbad drive through ban! Please do not amend or lift the ban . Thank you, Lidia Mori and William Luecke en attachments or click on links unless ou reco nize the sender and know the content i 1 Drive-Thru Restaurant Regulations Eric Lardy, City Planner Kyle Van Leeuwen, Senior Planner Community Development Department April 29, 2025 {city of Carlsbad 2 PURPOSE ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations •Respond to City Council direction received May 21, 2024 •Provide options for regulation of new drive- thru restaurants ranging from continued prohibition to citywide allowance C cityof Carlsbad 3 BACKGROUND •Concerns were raised in mid-1990s •Impact of commercial development, especially LEGOLAND •Impact of new drive-thru restaurants •Ordinance No. NS-439 adopted January 1998 •Prohibited all new drive-thru restaurant uses citywide ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations 4 CURRENT ENVIRONMENT •COVID-19 pandemic lead to more pickup and delivery services •Council interest in reevaluation of prohibition ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations 5 LAND USE REGULATION •Zoning: Restrictions on location, intensity, and density of use types •Permitting Requirements: By-right development meeting standards or discretionary approval by decision makers ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations 1111111 C cityof Carlsbad 6 OPTION 1 – NO CHANGE •Keep the prohibition •No change in current code •The city will continue to prohibit new drive- thru restaurant uses, citywide ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad 7 OPTION 2 – OPEN TO CHANGE •Keep the prohibition •Acknowledgment that the City Council would consider individual, case-by-case requests for new drive-thrus •Does not guarantee City Council would adopt changes ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad 8 OPTION 3 – SHOPPING CENTERS ONLY •Local serving shopping centers (C-L Zone) •Many centers have sites designed for drive-thru restaurants •Many properties near freeways and major roads are not C-L zone ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad 9 OPTION 4 – “RESTAURANT” ZONES •New applications C-L, C-T, & C -2 Zones •Most common zones for restaurant use •Covers properties interested in new drive- thru restaurant use ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad 10 OPTION 5 – “COMMERCIAL” ZONES •New applications: C-L, C-T, C -2, & C-M Zones •C-M zone adds area north of airport •Covers properties interested in new use, only industrial and office zones left off ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad 11 SUMMARY OF OPTIONS ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations Option 1 - Keep the prohibition (no change) Option 2 - Keep the prohibition; Case-by-case requests may be considered Option 3 - Allow in local shopping center areas only Option 4 - Allow in areas zoned for restaurants Option 5 - Allow in areas zoned for “commercial” development X COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT •6 emailed newsletters to 12,000+ •8 social media posts reaching 13,500+ •2 news releases •City website •Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce •Carlsbad Village Association •Planning Commission •Economic Dev. Subcommittee ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations Checking in on Carlsbad's drive-thru rules Following the development of several major projects in the LEGOLAND California, Costco (Cartsbad's first "big box· st known as Cartsbad Premium Outlets, residents became ino about protecting Carlsbad's community character and quali To address those concerns, as well as worries about traffic and community aesthetics, in 1997 the City Council directe potentially regulating drive-thru restaurants. The City Council ultimately passed a ban on new driv • As a result, today Carlsbad has just the original 12 dr1· already in place when the ban took effect. • We originally had 13, but one closed, and that propert What do you think about drive-thrus? I As a preliminary step, cny staff will present options to th\ the City Council's Economic Development Subcommittel These public meetings will also be an opportuntty for yo and provide input. Both meetings will be held in the Ctty Carlsbad Village Drive. Planning Commission meeting Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m. City Council Economic Development Subcommittee Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. How sho1.Jtd Carlsbad keep or change its ban on drive-thru restaurants?• City staff will present options to the Planning Commission and the City Council's Economic Development Subcommittee in November for feedback. Tell us what you think. In person meetings at City Council Chamber • 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive -Planning Commission meeting O Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5 p.m. -city Council Economic Development Subcommlttee t,Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. • Email comments in advance to planning@car1sbadca.gov Learn about the options: https://1oom.ly/1b5Nff0 City of Carlsbad @carlsbadcagov • Oct 28 How should Carlsbad keep or change its ban on drive-thru restaurants?~ f1 Review options and let us know what you think. Give input at upcoming public meetings on 11/6 and 11/19 or via email. More info: loom.ly/1b5NFfO #Carlsbad #Getlnvolved @carlsbadbiz 13 WHAT WE HEARD ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations •Support for lifting the prohibition •Creates economic opportunities for existing and new businesses •Provides options to revitalize undeveloped or underperforming properties •Convenience for families, seniors, people with disabilities •Support for keeping the prohibition •Reduces car use and emissions, supporting sustainability goals •Preserves community character •Prevents parking lot congestion 14 NEXT STEPS •Option 1 or 2 No further actions •Option 3, 4, 5 Staff prepares amendments for consideration ITEM 10: Drive-Thru Regulations C cityof Carlsbad