In a unanimous vote, St. Paul City Council members have passed tighter restrictions for new drive-thru businesses and restaurants in the city.
The ordinance restricts where new drive-thrus can be constructed, requiring them to be built to the side or rear of the building and at least 60 feet away from any residential properties. They also can’t be built near light rail or bus rapid transit stations.
Banks, credit unions, and pharmacies are required to have a minimum of six “stacking spaces” per drive-thru lane, where cars can line up and wait without blocking traffic or impeding pedestrians. Fast-food restaurants must have 12 stacking spaces, and coffee shops require 14.
The ordinance also requires businesses to have access points for pedestrians from buildings to abutting streets that don’t require crossing drive-thru lanes…