Council May Take Bite Out of Drive-Thru Eateries

It started in 1969 when Jack in the Box opened the first drive-thru window here.

Now Jack, McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., and newcomers Del Taco, Taco Bell and Burger King could be the last fast food restaurants with drive-thru lanes along Del Obispo Street.

The City Council, prompted by increased traffic along the curved street, voted unanimously to approve a 45-day moratorium on issuing building permits for such restaurants until a study conducted by the Planning Department is completed.

There’s also an image to protect for a city known for the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

City Councilman Dave Swerdlin said the city also might consider removing left turn signals from Ortega Highway onto Del Obispo.