Culver City Weighs Ban on Drive-Thrus Amid Concerns

A city in California is contemplating a ban on drive-thrus after some locals raised worries that an upcoming In-N-Out could degrade air quality, increase traffic, and create safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

In Culver City, the City Council recently implemented a 45-day pause on new drive-thru permits while they work on a proposed ban, as reported by LAist. This decision follows a recommendation from the city’s Mobility Subcommittee made earlier in May.

If the ban passes, it will apply solely to new businesses.

The In-N-Out location would be the first drive-thru to open in Culver City since 1997. Plans for the fast-food restaurant include 61 parking spots and a drive-through lane capable of holding 26 vehicles.

Interestingly, when the city enacted the moratorium, no formal permit applications had been submitted by the burger chain, according to a city spokesperson.

In-N-Out has refrained from making public comments on business matters, as indicated by their spokesperson.

Opponents of the In-N-Out plan argue that it could compromise the city’s walkability and safety. Vanessa Martin, a resident and supporter of the drive-thru ban, expressed her concerns, saying, “Crowding is inevitable, development is inevitable. We want to be proactive and smart about it.” Her wife, Cynthia, has even started an online petition urging residents and the City Council to resist In-N-Out’s proposal, claiming it could lead to traffic congestion and pose safety risks.

Another local, Paul Hewitt, has begun distributing flyers criticizing the plan as a “terrible idea.”

Culver City Councilor Bubba Fish, part of the Mobility Subcommittee, argued that the city “needs to create streets that are more walkable, bikeable, and safer for all forms of transportation, and drive-thrus are the antithesis of that.”

However, critics of the ban suggest that drive-thrus are essential for consumers, especially those with disabilities and families with children. Giotto Condi, president of the California Restaurant Association, described the push to ban drive-thrus as “short-sighted,” noting that it effectively prohibits quick-service restaurants.

It’s worth mentioning that around 70% of fast food sales are made through drive-thrus, according to the American Planning Association.

Previous attempts to ban drive-thrus in California have occurred, with Culver City already enforcing restrictions in its downtown area. Other cities like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo have long-standing drive-thru bans. Recently, Carlsbad eased its citywide ban, allowing new drive-thrus on a case-by-case basis.

In 2021, when San Diego considered a partial ban, the California Restaurant Association contended that such a move would hinder access to goods and services for specific groups, including those with disabilities.