Culver City, California, is considering a ban on new fast-food drive-thrus, a move that has ignited debate among residents and industry stakeholders. The proposal, which would only affect new establishments and not the city's eight existing drive-thrus, comes after the fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger announced plans for a new restaurant with a drive-thru near a busy intersection.
Environmental and Traffic Concerns
Supporters of the potential ban cite concerns over increased traffic, air pollution, and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The proposal aligns with a vision for Culver City to become a more walkable and bike-friendly community. "More walkable, bikeable, safer streets for people of all modes, and drive-throughs are the antithesis of that," said Culver City council member Bubba Fish.
An online petition opposing the In-N-Out drive-thru garnered hundreds of signatures, with organizers arguing that the development would exacerbate traffic and negatively impact neighborhood air quality. "Density is inevitable, and development is inevitable. We want to be proactive and smart about it," stated Culver City resident Vanessa Martin.
Business and Accessibility Arguments
Opponents argue that drive-thrus are crucial for the business model of fast-food restaurants, with industry experts estimating that approximately 70 percent of sales come through drive-thru lanes. The California Restaurant Association called the potential ban "shortsighted," suggesting it would effectively ban quick-service restaurants without explicitly stating so.
Furthermore, drive-thrus are seen as essential for certain customer groups, including parents with young children, older individuals, and people with disabilities who may find it difficult to enter a restaurant. "You’re essentially banning quick-service restaurants without specifically stating that," said Jot Condie, president of the California Restaurant Association.
Some residents expressed mixed feelings, with one noting that a ban might be acceptable if parking was better managed. Others argued that drive-thrus are often more organized and efficient than large parking lots, which they see as a worse use of space.
Precedent and Future Steps
If enacted, the new In-N-Out drive-thru would be the first approved in Culver City since 1997. The proposed restaurant includes over 60 parking spaces and a drive-thru lane designed to accommodate more than two dozen vehicles. Restrictions on drive-thrus are not unprecedented in California; Culver City already prohibits them in its downtown district, and cities like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo have enforced similar bans for decades. Carlsbad has also recently eased its long-standing restrictions to allow for individual project reviews.
The Culver City Council has approved a temporary 45-day delay on new drive-thru permits while a permanent ordinance is drafted. The council is expected to decide whether to extend this moratorium. Any permanent ban would require further public review and a final vote.
In-N-Out, a West Coast-based chain, has been expanding its presence, with plans for new restaurants in New Mexico by 2027 and over 430 locations across several states as of 2026.