Citywide Ban on New Drive-Thrus Moves Forward in Minneapolis

The city of Minneapolis doesn't want any more drive-throughs in the city, in an effort to cut down on emissions, car trips, and conflict points in the public realm.

1 minute read

May 21, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Starbucks Drive-Thru

melissamn / Shutterstock

"Minneapolis officials are now moving to ban new drive-throughs in an effort to cut down on vehicle traffic and meet the city’s sustainability goals," reports Miguel Otárola.

The city's Planning Commission recently voted in support of an amendment to the city's zoning code "that would prohibit new drive-throughs citywide," according to Otárola.

City councilmembers and the text of the amendment have listed numerous desired outcomes for the ban, including lowered emissions, less congestion, and safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

In 2016, the city approved a law that limited drive-throughs to six zoning districts in the city. Otárola also places the new citywide amendment in context of the other ongoing and recent planning efforts in the city of Minneapolis, like the City Council's approval of the Minneapolis 2040 plan and the upcoming effort to implement that transportation vision of that plan.

Friday, May 17, 2019 in Star Tribune

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30 - Yale Environment 360