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2d ago

Culver City Extends Moratorium and Moves to Bar New Drive‑Thru Restaurants

Council members gave city staff about 10 months to write zoning rules meant to reduce idling, improve pedestrian safety and align new development with the General Plan.

The In-N-Out at Anchor’s Landing in Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco on May 18, 2026.
Animal-style fries, a grilled cheese and a Double-Double at In-N-Out Burger at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco on April 25, 2023.
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Overview

  • The Culver City Council voted unanimously to extend an emergency moratorium for roughly 10 months and 15 days, a decision made Monday that pauses approval of any new drive‑thru permits.
  • The extension immediately blocks projects including a proposed near‑4,000 square‑foot In‑N‑Out at Sepulveda and Sawtelle while planners draft an ordinance that could permanently bar new drive‑thrus.
  • Local residents organized extensive public comment and a Change.org petition, arguing that drive‑thrus would increase traffic, idling emissions and safety risks for children walking to nearby schools.
  • In‑N‑Out’s proposal calls for seating, a 61‑space lot and a drive‑thru lane designed to hold about 26 cars, and the company has not obtained construction permits for the site.
  • Next steps include a Planning Commission review and a final City Council vote before the moratorium expires, existing drive‑thrus would be grandfathered and the move follows similar limits adopted by other California cities.