Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Jul 9
Culver City Imposes 45-Day Drive-Thru Freeze as Proposed In-N-Out Faces Traffic Concerns
Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Jul 9

Culver City Imposes 45-Day Drive-Thru Freeze as Proposed In-N-Out Faces Traffic Concerns

2 articles · Updated · Fox Business · Jul 9

Summary

  • A 45-day moratorium approved last month blocks permits for new drive-throughs in Culver City while staff drafts a possible citywide ban.
  • The move followed resident opposition to a proposed In-N-Out, which critics say would worsen air quality, traffic and pedestrian and cyclist safety.
  • In-N-Out had not yet filed its formal permit application; the project would be the city’s first new drive-thru since 1997, with 61 parking spaces and a lane for 26 vehicles.
  • Supporters of a ban say drive-throughs undermine walkable, bikeable streets, while restaurant industry opponents argue bans restrict quick-service access for families and people with disabilities.
  • Culver City already bars drive-throughs downtown, and other California cities including Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo have long maintained citywide bans.

Insights

If some cities find no safety risks, why are others banning drive-throughs to make streets safer?
Do drive-through bans create walkable utopias or just inconvenience residents and businesses?
With the rise of electric cars, are drive-through bans an outdated solution to vehicle pollution?