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Title 17 — Unified Development Code

Chapter 4.13 — DRIVE-THROUGH USES

Indio Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Indio

§ 4.13.01. Purpose and Applicability.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish specific standards for drive-through facilities provided with other commercial uses, including but not limited to restaurants and financial institutions. These development standards shall apply to all drive-through uses in the City.

§ 4.13.02. Design Objectives.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

A drive-through retail facility shall only be permitted if the Director first determines that the design and operation will avoid congestion, excessive pavement, litter, and noise.

§ 4.13.03. Location Standards.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

The drive-through shall not be located along a primary street-facing frontage. If a drive-through facility must be located along a primary street-facing frontage, it shall be designed per Section 4.13.04.E. (Additional Design Guidelines).

§ 4.13.04. Standards.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

A. Drive-Through Aisle Design.

  1. The entrance/exit of any drive aisle shall be a minimum of 50 feet from an intersection of public rights-of-way (measured at the closest intersecting curbs).

  2. The drive aisle shall be designed with a minimum 10-foot interior radius at curves and a minimum 10-foot width.

  3. The drive aisle shall not be located between the property line and front of the building.

B. Drive-Through Stacking Area.

  1. A clearly identified area shall be provided for vehicles waiting for drive up or drive-through service that is physically separated from other onsite traffic circulation. The Director may approve alternatives to the requirements of this Subsection where it is determined that the alternate design will, given the characteristics of the site, be equally effective in ensuring on- and off-site pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety and minimizing traffic congestion.

  2. The stacking area shall accommodate a minimum of five cars for each drive-up or drivethrough window in addition to the vehicle receiving service.

  3. The stacking area shall be located at and before the service window (e.g., pharmacy, teller, etc.).

  4. Separation of the stacking area from other traffic shall be by concrete curbing or paint striping on at least one side of the lane.

  5. Stacking areas adjacent and parallel to streets or public rights-of-way shall be prohibited.

  • C. Screening. The drive-through aisle shall be fully screened from the sidewalk or street with landscaping or walls and berms.

  • D. Parking. Parking shall be in compliance with Chapter 3.03 (Parking and Loading).

  • E. Additional Design Guidelines.

    1. Well-designed facades, including windows, doors, wall composition, colors, and materials should be used along all street frontages to create interest and pedestrian-oriented facades.

    2. The drive-through canopy should be integrated with the building architecture through horizontal and vertical architectural features and treated with the same level of detail as the primary facade.

      • a. Landscaping, including but not limited to landscape berms and sight obscuring trees and vegetation, shall be utilized along the area adjacent to the drive-through portion of the building to provide additional screening of the drive-through functions.

      • b. Drive-through canopies shall extend one car length past the drive-through window and three car lengths prior to the drive-through window. This shall also apply when there are dual drive-through lanes.

    3. Walk-up windows should be located near outdoor dining areas or other pedestrian areas to encourage accessibility and limit conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Walk-up windows should be emphasized through architectural details and include an awning, roof overhang, or similar protection from the elements.

  1. Pedestrian and bicycle routes through the site should be separated from vehicular parking, driveways, and stacking areas. Pedestrian circulation should be accentuated through the use of raised pedestrian crossings, textured and/or colored paving, accent plantings and trees, fencing, trellises, lighting, and/or similar elements.

    1. Decorative paving should be used at project entries and in pedestrian areas to improve safety and enhance the pedestrian experience.

    2. Parking lots should be extensively landscaped and connected to buildings with welldesigned pedestrian paths and paseos.

CHAPTER 4.14. EMERGENCY SHELTERS

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▸ Contents — Indio Zoning Code
Indio Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 17 — Unified Development Code
    Overview
    1. Chapter 1.01 — PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
    2. Chapter 1.02 — ZONES AND ZONING MAP
    3. Chapter 1.03 — HOW TO USE THIS CODE
    4. Chapter 2.01 — PURPOSE AND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
    5. Chapter 2.02 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
    6. Chapter 2.03 — MIXED-USE ZONES
    7. Chapter 2.04 — NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONES
    8. Chapter 2.05 — PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
    9. Chapter 2.06 — SPECIFIC PLAN AND PROJECT MASTER PLAN ZONES
    10. Chapter 2.07 — OVERLAY ZONES
    11. Chapter 3.01 — RULES OF MEASUREMENT
    12. Chapter 3.02 — GENERAL SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL ZONES
    13. Chapter 3.03 — PARKING AND LOADING
    14. Chapter 3.04 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
    15. Chapter 3.05 — SIGN REGULATIONS
    16. Chapter 3.06 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
    17. Chapter 4.02 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
    18. Chapter 4.03 — ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
    19. Chapter 4.04 — ANIMAL KEEPING
    20. Chapter 4.05 — AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND REPAIR/FUELING STATIONS
    21. Chapter 4.06 — BAIL BONDS
    22. Chapter 4.07 — CANNABIS ACTIVITY
    23. Chapter 4.08 — CHECK CASHING BUSINESSES
    24. Chapter 4.09 — CHILD DAY CARE IN A HOME (SMALL AND LARGE) AND …
    25. Chapter 4.10 — CONVENIENCE MARKETS
    26. Chapter 4.11 — COTTAGE FOOD OPERATIONS
    27. Chapter 4.12 — COTTAGE INDUSTRY
    28. ▸ Chapter 4.13 — DRIVE-THROUGH USES
      Overview
      1. § 4.14
    29. Chapter 4.15 — HOME OCCUPATIONS
    30. Chapter 4.16 — LIVE/WORK
    31. Chapter 4.17 — MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARK
    32. Chapter 4.18 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT (ACCESSORY)
    33. Chapter 4.19 — (RESERVED)
    34. Chapter 4.20 — OUTDOOR STORAGE
    35. Chapter 4.21 — PAWNSHOPS
    36. Chapter 4.22 — RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARKS
    37. Chapter 4.23 — RESALE/CONSIGNMENT/THRIFT SHOPS
    38. Chapter 4.24 — SMOKE SHOPS
    39. Chapter 4.25 — TATTOO/BODY ART/PIERCING ESTABLISHMENTS
    40. Chapter 4.26 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS/WIRELESS FACILITIES
    41. Chapter 4.27 — TEMPORARY USES
    42. Chapter 6.01 — PURPOSE
    43. Chapter 6.02 — REVIEW AND DECISION-MAKING BODIES
    44. Chapter 6.03 — COMMON PROCEDURES
    45. Chapter 6.04 — PERMITS AND APPROVALS
    46. Chapter 6.05 — OTHER TYPES OF PLANS
    47. Chapter 6.06 — GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS
    48. Chapter 6.07 — NON-CONFORMING PROVISIONS
    49. Chapter 6.08 — ENFORCEMENT AND ABATEMENT
    50. Chapter 7.01 — DEFINITIONS OF TERMS AND LAND USE TYPES
    51. Chapter 7.02 — SIGN TERMS AND TYPES

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