TWIN FALLS, Idaho — In-N-Out Burger earlier this month requested a special use permit application with the city of Twin Falls. With plans of adding a new location, the drive-thru special use permit was denied during a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Tuesday night.
The permit was voted against 2-5-0, with many concerns voiced over excess traffic, general welfare and preserving the Perrine Bridge. With tourism and truck drivers, the intersection of the proposed location is already one of the busiest in the city, averaging around 40,000 vehicles per day.
The drive-thru itself and extended hours have been denied by the Twin Falls City Planning and Zoning Commission. The restaurant itself is permitted in the "C-1, Commercial Highway District."
The proposed location is planned accordingly to be one of the first buildings visitors see when they cross the Perrine Bridge into Twin Falls. The proposed burger joint would take over the existing lot of Outback Steakhouse.
In-N-Out Burger planned a 3,887 square-foot building that would require 42 parking spaces. Documentation states that during peak hours, there can be a total of 191 vehicle trips in the drive-thru.
"Everyone I’ve talked to who’s had a negative comment on this all want In-N-Out in Twin Falls," commission member Susan Petruzelli said. "I just want to be clear about that. I don’t think this is the location as our bridge and visitor center is so important. I think this will have a negative effect to that historic area.”
Many of the public concern shared during the meeting was also the location of the proposed building, not the restaurant itself.
As of now, there are no plans on whether or not a new location will be proposed to ensure efficient traffic measures. The applicant of In-N-Out Burger is also able to appeal the council's decision.
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