The Columbia Falls Planning Commission voted to adopt the staff report and recommended the City Council approve an initial/conditional use permit for a drive‑through espresso kiosk proposed by applicants Jacqueline Smith and Carl Broussette.

The commission’s recommendation followed a planner’s presentation that the proposed coffee kiosk is located on a commercially zoned corner lot (CV2/B2) and meets the zoning growth‑policy alignment. City planner Eric summarized the permit conditions the applicants must meet, including placement on a permanent foundation and connection to city sewer and water, a minimum 4‑foot landscaping buffer along the north and east property lines, paved driveways (minimum 10 feet for single lanes, 20 feet for two‑way), a building permit for the foundation and a health‑department food service permit. "This is an application for a drive‑through espresso stand," Eric said, listing the required permits and site improvements.

Commissioners focused discussion on driveway configuration and on‑site improvements. Commissioner Justin asked for clarification of two diagrams in the application’s packet; the applicants and planner clarified that Railroad Street will have two separate driveway openings while the primary curb cut on the other street will be a single wide driveway. Justin also raised whether an existing shed on the property should be relocated before new construction; commissioners agreed the shed will need to be moved to meet utility and site‑layout requirements, though they did not add a separate condition beyond the standard permitting and public‑works review.

After deliberation, Commissioner Justin moved to adopt the staff report; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor. The commission then voted to recommend approval of the initial/conditional use permit to the City Council. "Motion passes, and this will go to City Council, who has a final say," the chair said.

Planner Eric told applicants the Council will consider the recommendation at its Aug. 19 meeting (7 p.m.). An applicant said the team plans to form an LLC and clean up and restructure the property as construction progresses: "we are gonna go and apply for our LLC, but we also intend as we progress through construction, we will clean up the property," the applicant said.

The City Council makes the final decision on conditional and initial use permits; the commission’s action was a recommendation based on the staff findings. The application file lists additional approvals that must be secured during building‑permit and public‑works review, including driveway permits, sign permit and public health clearance.