Whataburger plans ambitious new location in Sarasota

A proposal to lease a site at 4001 Saint Tamiami Trail for a new Whataburger restaurant was discussed in a recent government meeting. The proposed location spans 33,105 square feet and is subject to various zoning and planning requirements.

The development review chief planner outlined several key conditions that must be met for the project to proceed. These include the submission of a site data table detailing required and proposed development standards, as well as specifications for the height of a flagpole, which must comply with zoning regulations.

Additional requirements focus on the building's facade, mandating that windows cover at least 50% of the length and 25% of the ground-level wall area on one facade facing either South Tamiami Trail or Roselawn Street. The proposal must also include detailed elevations to demonstrate compliance with these standards.

The meeting highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive garbage collection area, screening for mechanical equipment, and a sidewalk system connecting to both South Tamiami Trail and Roselawn Street. The sidewalk must be at least five feet wide, with clearly identifiable crosswalks that cannot rely solely on thermoplastic striping.

Parking regulations were also emphasized, requiring a minimum width of 8.5 feet for parking spaces and landscaping for at least 10% of the total parking lot area. Terminal islands must include specific landscaping features, and no signage or outdoor speaker boxes can be located within 25 feet of residentially zoned properties.

The proposal must also address drive-through lane requirements, including a minimum stacking lane length of 60 feet and clear identification of these lanes through striping or landscaping. Menu boards are limited to 32 square feet and must be positioned no higher than 8 feet above ground level.

Advisory recommendations included reducing the number of parking spaces to preserve open space and relocating the drive-through to minimize impacts on nearby residential properties. Additionally, a solid waste management plan is required, including calculations for recycling and refuse facilities.

The meeting underscored the importance of adhering to local regulations to ensure the successful development of the new restaurant while addressing community concerns.