The City of Fenton's Board of Adjustment meeting on December 17, 2024, focused on a proposed development featuring a coffee shop and a Jimmy John's restaurant, both equipped with double drive-throughs. The discussion highlighted the unique parking requirements for drive-through establishments compared to sit-down restaurants, which have not been updated since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The developer, Tory, who operates multiple Jimmy John's locations in Missouri, emphasized that the majority of sales would come from drive-through and carryout services, with walk-in purchases accounting for only 25% of total sales. This shift in consumer behavior raised concerns about the city's parking space requirements, which mandate more spaces for drive-through restaurants than for traditional dining establishments. The current plan calls for 42 parking spaces, which aligns with city code but may be excessive given the anticipated usage patterns.

A significant point of contention was the need for a variance from the landscape buffer requirements. The proposed site layout restricts planting on certain sides due to the necessary parking spaces and existing infrastructure limitations, including proximity to a large basin managed by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). The developer argued that recent similar developments in the area have not included buffer zones, suggesting a precedent for their request.

The design includes a double lane for the Jimmy John's drive-through, allowing for efficient order pickups and minimizing congestion. The coffee shop will have its own dedicated drive-through lane, with separate entrances and exits to streamline traffic flow. Employee parking will be strategically placed to avoid conflicts during peak hours, ensuring that customer access remains unobstructed.

In conclusion, the Board of Adjustment's discussions underscored the evolving landscape of fast-food service in Fenton, reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior and urban planning. The outcome of the variance request will be pivotal in determining the feasibility of this development, which aims to enhance dining options in the community while addressing modern operational needs.