St. Paul drive-through rules tightened; new zoning tweaks limit sites and require safer designs
St. Paul's City Council has approved citywide restrictions on new drive-throughs, banning them downtown and significantly limiting them along transit corridors and in pedestrian-oriented zones while imposing detailed standards for queue length and circulation. The ordinance requires designs that keep drive-through lanes from crossing primary pedestrian approaches to storefronts and accompanies simplified standards in mixed-use zoning areas to promote safer, more walkable development.
đź“Š Relevant Data
In 2024, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, down 4.3% from the previous year but still nearly 20% higher than a decade ago.
Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data — Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
Drive-through facilities negatively affect pedestrian safety because drivers are less likely to be alert, increasing the risk of accidents.
Prohibit or Limit the Use of Drive-Through Services — Sustainable City Code
Americans visit drive-thru lanes approximately 6 billion times a year, contributing to traffic congestion in urban areas.
Drive-thrus are creating problems for cities and towns — CBS News
In St. Paul, drive-throughs inhibit trip chaining for pedestrians, which is a strategic advantage for local businesses, and they create safety concerns by encouraging vehicle movements in pedestrian areas.
Drive Throughs Zoning Study TO — City of St. Paul
đź“Ś Key Facts
- On March 5, 2026, the St. Paul City Council formally approved new rules governing future drive‑throughs citywide.
- The ordinance applies to new drive‑throughs (future projects) across St. Paul rather than existing facilities.
- New drive‑throughs will be prohibited in downtown St. Paul and significantly restricted along transit corridors and in certain pedestrian‑oriented zones.
- The rules establish detailed standards for queue length and circulation to reduce traffic and operational impacts.
- Design requirements now prohibit drive‑through lanes from crossing primary pedestrian paths to storefronts, tightening safety and walkability expectations for new projects.
đź“° Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The St. Paul City Council has formally approved new rules governing future drive‑throughs citywide.
- New drive‑throughs will be prohibited in downtown and significantly restricted along transit corridors and in certain pedestrian‑oriented zones, with detailed standards for queue length and circulation.
- The ordinance requires designs that prevent drive‑through lanes from crossing primary pedestrian paths to storefronts, tightening safety and walkability expectations for new projects.