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

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.