Updated September 2024

Project background

Project is under construction. The project proposes remodeling the building, parking lot, and landscaped areas to reopen the Galaxy Drive-In as Wells Roadside. Wells Roadside will serve burgers and other food in a similar manner as previous restaurants by continuing the drive-in and patio dining. Wells Roadside, however, is proposing to be open all year by enclosing the canopy during the winter months.  

The remodel refresh the building and landscaping. Some parking spaces will be relocated on the property, but the number of spaces will not be reduced.   

The project requires the following applications to be considered by the planning commission and city council:

  • Amendment to the existing conditional use permit that allows a drive-in. The amendment is required to accommodate the new site plan which involves reducing the number of drive-in spaces and increasing the number of outdoor seating spaces. 
  • A conditional use permit to operate a restaurant with intoxicating liquor. This conditional use permit is being reviewed in conjunction with an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow restaurants with intoxicating liquor to be located at least 25 feet from a residential property instead of the existing 100-foot setback. Please note that this CUP and the zoning amendment are two separate applications. The conditional use permit will not be approved if the zoning ordinance is not approved. Additionally, the approval of the zoning ordinance amendment does not mean the CUP to allow a restaurant with intoxicating liquor at this location will be approved. The CUP request has to be reviewed on its own merits. The building currently meets code to sell beer and wine only. 
  • A variance to allow a zero-foot setback instead of the required 5-foot setback for the north parking lot. The intent of the variance is to widen the drive aisle so cars can get into and out of the existing parking spaces on the north side of the building. 
  • A variance to allow the drive aisle on the north side of the building to be less than the required 24-foot width. This is an existing legal non-conformity, and the variance would make the condition legal. As noted with the above variance request, the drive aisle width will be brought closer to compliance. 
  • A variance to the required parking. The proposal requires approximately 10 more spaces than it has on site and on-the street directly adjacent to the site. 
  • Zoning text amendment to allow restaurants with intoxicating liquor to be located as close as 25 feet to a property line adjacent to a residential property instead of the required 100 feet. If approved, this new 25-foot setback would apply to all restaurants with intoxicating liquor located within the C-1 neighborhood commercial zoning district, including the proposed Wells Roadside. 

Public meetings

  • March 19, 2024 – Neighborhood meeting was conducted. Approximately 18 people signed in at the meeting.
  • April 3, 2024 – Planning commission conducted the public hearing and tabled consideration to the April 17,2024 planning commission meeting to give time for a building code issue to be resolved. Planning commissioners spoke in favor of the project, and will provide a recommendation at the April 17, 2024 meeting if the building code issue is resolved.
  • April 17, 2024 – Planning commission recommended approval of the requested applications. Building code issues are resolved. 
  • May 6, 2024 – City council approved the requested applications. 

Documents and resources