The Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on Nov. 10 of a special use permit allowing the removal of nine parking spaces at 13212 North Saguaro Boulevard so a proposed Dairy Queen can extend a drive-through lane.

Director Wesley told the commission the zoning overlay permits parking reductions of up to 50 percent by special use permit and that staff’s area-wide count shows spare capacity: “Staff does recommend approval of this request with a couple of conditions,” he said, naming a revised site plan showing the grease interceptor relocated and a requirement that employees not park in the immediately affected spaces.

Applicant architect Jack Leonard said the revised layout increases the inner turn radius and stacking capacity compared with the former Dairy Queen layout. Owner Amit Verma said the store will offer mobile-order pickup at the front and a 28-seat interior and patio; he added the operator will monitor queuing, place cones and signage, and encourage employees to park off-site.

Commissioners debated circulation and adjacency risks. Commissioner Gray said reversing drive-through flow might avoid obstructing neighboring tenants, while staff and the applicant responded that reversing flow would place the ordering position on the passenger side and that the revised turning radius and a 30-foot drive aisle should reduce blockage.

Vice Chair Corey moved to recommend approval of “SUP 25 to allow reduction of 9 parking spaces subject to the conditions listed, including relocating the grease interceptor and requiring employees to park off-site.” The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Corrigan Aye, Gray Nay, Schlossberg Aye, Steven Aye, Vice Chair Corey Aye, Chairman Kovacevic Aye (5-1).

The recommendation goes to Town Council for final action; staff will require the applicant to submit a revised site plan showing the relocated grease interceptor and to document employee parking arrangements before council consideration.