Proposed Changes to Drive Through Regulations

The City of Tacoma is once again considering amendments to its Comprehensive Plan. The nine proposed amendments would go into effect this July, if approved. One of the proposed amendments would make changes to the regulations governing drive-throughs in the Tacoma.

The original proposal was for an outright prohibition on drive-throughs in downtown Tacoma, and the more urban of the mixed-use centers. The modified proposal calls for limits on drive-throughs in those areas, without their outright elimination. Highlights include a requirement in X Districts (downtown and mixed-use) that stacking lanes to be located behind the main building and a requirement that drive-throughs be be located entirely within the building in Downtown and the UCX-TD (Urban Center Mixed-Use Tacoma Dome) Districts. These proposed amendments aim to reduce impacts on pedestrian and transportation streets, increase pedestrian safety, and minimize visual and noise impacts of drive-throughs on their surroundings.

Current zoning allows drive-throughs in districts except residential, but with some design requirements in downtown, shoreline, and mixed-use districts. The proposal to place more limits on drive-throughs in the more pedestrian-dependent districts suggests that drive-throughs and walkable neighborhoods are, at least to some degree, not compatible.

Would limiting drive-throughs in mixed-use centers be a good thing? Do these restrictions go far enough? Too far?

Read more about the proposed drive-through regulations and other Comprehensive Plan amendment proposals at www.cityoftacoma.org/planning.