San Fernando Municipal Code Div. 7 Drive-Through Establishments

This section provides standards for the location, development, and operation of drive-in and drive-through facilities in compliance with the development standards within the underlying zone district, which shall be designed and operated to effectively mitigate problems of congestion, excessive pavement, litter, noise, traffic, and unsightliness.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

(a) Drive aisle length. The drive-through aisle shall provide a minimum of 140 feet of queuing length, of which at least 60 feet shall be provided before an on-site menu board. The drive aisle shall be measured along the centerline, from the entry or beginning of a drive-aisle to the center of the farthest service window area.

(b) Drive aisle width. Drive aisles shall have a minimum ten-foot interior radius at curves, and a minimum 12-foot width.

(c) Drive aisle separation. Each drive aisle shall be separated by curbing and landscaping from the circulation routes necessary for ingress or egress from the property, or access to any off-street parking spaces.

(d) Drive aisle entrance. Each entrance to a drive aisle and the direction of traffic flow shall be clearly designated by signs and/or pavement markings, as deemed necessary by the director.

(e) Walkways. To the extent possible, pedestrian walkways should not intersect the drive aisles. Where they do, they shall have clear visibility and be emphasized by enhanced paving or markings, as deemed necessary by the director.

(f) Circulation plan. A parking and vehicle circulation plan encompassing adjoining streets and alleys shall be submitted for review and approval. Such plan shall provide for safe pedestrian access from parking lots to the main door and shall comply with applicable requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.

(g) Trash receptacle provision. A minimum of one outdoor trash receptacle shall be provided onsite.

(h) Noise generating equipment. No noise-generating compressors or other such equipment shall be placed on or near any property line adjoining any residential zoned property.

(i) Speaker system noise. Drive-through speaker systems shall emit no more than 50 decibels four feet from the vehicle and the speaker, and shall not be audible above the daytime ambient noise levels beyond the property boundaries. The system shall be designed to compensate for ambient noise levels in the immediate area and shall not be located within 30 feet of any residentially zoned property.

(j) Screening. Each drive aisle shall be appropriately screened with a combination of landscaping, low walls, and/or berms to prevent headlight glare from impacting adjoining land uses, public rights-of-way, and parking lots, as deemed necessary by the director.

(k) Decorative wall. A six-foot-high, solid decorative masonry wall shall be constructed on each property line that adjoins a residential developed parcel. The design of the wall and the proposed construction materials shall be subject to the approval of the director.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

(a) Hours of operation. When located on a site adjacent to or separated by an alley from any residentially zoned property, a drive-through establishment shall not operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(b) Litter. Employees shall collect on-site and off-site litter generated by customers at least once per business day.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)