Aldermen might nix future drive-throughs

Drive-throughs might soon be a thing of the past for the town of Carrboro after the Board of Aldermen asked town staff to look at the changing town land use ordinances.

During its meeting Tuesday night, the board unanimously recommended for town staff to look at removing drive-throughs as an acceptable use of land in Carrboro.

Alderman Damon Seils brought the issue to the board.

The changes to the land use ordinance would only affect future establishments, banning the construction of new drive-throughs, said Mike Brough, the town’s attorney.

No current drive-throughs, like the one at the Wendy’s at 100 S. Greensboro St., would be torn down.

Notable:

The aldermen approved an amended definition of a building to include a pergola, or a shaded patio area often used for relaxation.

If a pergola is less than fifteen feet a side it is not considered a building, according to the amended ordinance. These smaller pergolas can be located closer to property boundaries.

Seils said he was concerned about what would happen if someone constructed an octagonal pergola that would clearly be very large — but as long as each side was fifteen feet or less it would be legal.

Brough said in cases such as an octagonal pergola, a member of the town staff will be dispatched to the property to inspect the structure. Large pergolas would be flagged by staff.

Quotable:

The issue of amending the definition of a recreational facility to be expanded to an indoor facility sparked debate among some of the aldermen.

Alderman Sammy Slade said he thought a developer could claim to have a space set aside as a recreational area but in fact just have an empty space.

“There’s a big difference between a room full of yoga mats versus a room full of equipment,” Slade said.

“You can run around in an empty space.”

But Brough said the town has to identify that relevant equipment is present in a designated recreation center. A staff member will ensure developers are honest.