Title 17 — Unified Development Code

Chapter 4.13 — DRIVE-THROUGH USES

Indio Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · 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

§ 4.14.01. Purpose and Applicability.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish standards for emergency shelters consistent with Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) . Emergency shelters shall conform to all development standards of the zone in which it is located, except as modified by the standards in this Chapter.

§ 4.14.02. Standards.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

Emergency shelters shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:

  • A. Location. Emergency shelters shall be located at least 300 feet from another emergency shelter.

  • B. Number of Residents. No more than 50 clients may be present on the premises at any one time.

  • C. Length of Occupancy. Occupancy by an individual or family may not exceed 60 days. Extensions up to a total stay of 180 days may be provided if no alternative housing is available, upon determination by the Director.

  • D. Common Area. The shelter shall provide at least 10 square feet per bed of public or communal gathering space, exclusive of hallways.

  • E. Parking Reduction. The Director may reduce the number of on-site parking spaces required by Section 3.03.05 (Off-Street Vehicle Parking Requirements) where a shelter is located on a bus route or other evidence is provided to indicate that less parking will be needed. The shelter shall, however, provide at least one space for each staff member who will be on duty when residents are present, and at least one space for residents.

  • F. Outdoor Activities. All functions associated with the shelter, except for children's play areas, outdoor recreation areas, and parking, shall take place within the building proposed to house the shelter. There shall be no space for clients to congregate in front of the building, and there shall be no outdoor public telephones.

  • G. Designated Smoking Area. The shelter shall provide a designated smoking area, preferably outside, that is not visible from public rights-of-way.

  • H. Noise. The use shall be conducted in conformance with the noise standards set forth for multifamily housing in the noise element of the General Plan.

  • I. Supervision. On-site management shall be provided any time that clients are present at the shelter.

  • J. Management and Security Plan. The operator of the shelter shall submit a management and security plan for approval by the Director. The Plan shall address issues identified by the Director, including emergencies, transportation, client supervision, security, client services, staffing, and good neighbor issues.