City Council discusses Chick-fil-A, car wash projects

By Michael Chaldu · Wed Mar 25 2026

City Council discusses Chick-fil-A, car wash projects

Councilmembers, citizens sift through issues of proposed developments, including traffic, noise, and lighting

ATASCADERO — The addition of Atascadero's first Chick-fil-A fast-food location, along with a new car wash and other retail space, at the intersection of El Camino Real and San Ramon Road just east of Highway 101, was the main topic for the Atascadero City Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24.

In a Public Hearing, the council heard a first reading for zoning changes to be made at the site, which includes the current retail site that includes Home Depot, Staples, and Starbucks on the east side of El Camino Real. Also part of that site is a parking lot on the west side of El Camino Real, next to the Spring Hill Suites hotel.

In presenting the item, Community Development Director Phil Dunsmore and Associate Planner Erick Gomez described the plan to the council. The Chick-fil-A would be built on a patch of land at 940 El Camino Real, next to the parking lot near the hotel, with a multi-unit retail space the other side of the parking lot. The car wash would be built at 805 El Camino Real, on the other side of the street next to the already established Staples, near the Home Depot.

The zoning changes include a Conditional Use Permit for the car wash, as current zoning does not allow the business for that site, as well as exceptions requested for parking and signage.

While the councilmembers, for the most part, supported the addition of a Chick-fil-A in town, they brought up issues with traffic, both with potential drive-thru lines at the site, and its effect on traffic going in and out of the business.

Councilmember Seth Peek was the first to bring up the city's In-N-Out Burger location on San Anselmo Road and asked if Chick-fil-A would be mostly drive-thru and have heavy traffic on site.

Carlos Arias, representing Chick-fil-A, said they expect more than half doing the drive-thru, but noted that, unlike In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A has a two-lane drive-thru that wraps around the back of the building toward the drive-thru, lessening the possibly of cars extending into the parking lot.

"That's been a game-changer for us from an innovation standpoint," Arias said. "It helps our efficiency, along with the ability to order from an app beforehand, which gets people through the line quicker."

Later, in Public Comment, Atascadero resident Geoff Auslin remarked how he had been at the Chick-fil-A in Santa Maria, and said the drive-thru there was done very well, with two lanes and outside employees taking orders and directing traffic.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Heather Newsom asked about the effects the new developments would have on the surrounding traffic like the nearby four-way stop and on- and offramps to Highway 101.

"Having spent quite a bit of time in this town, I've seen the stacking and been in those lines," she said, and referring to the In-N-Out in town, "I anticipate everything going on in San Anselmo, because Chick-fil-A has a following of its own."

However, Public Works Director Nick DeBar said his staff has done studies and he doesn't foresee a huge effect on El Camino Real traffic.

Another issue had to do with noise, mainly from the proposed car wash that would have dryers blowing. Councilmember Susan Funk said the noise from the dryers could be distracting to nearby residents, but Gomez said there were silencer packages that alleviated the noise, and Connor Best, representing Westar Associates, the project applicant, said the car wash operator, who is yet to be selected, would be cognizant of that.

One aspect the councilmembers suggested was to limit the car wash hours, with closing time no later than 7 p.m. There was an indication in the proposal that the new car wash would be open until 9 p.m.

During Public Comment, residents, most of whom live near the proposed businesses, expressed their concerns about the noises as well as the lighting around the businesses and requested shield on the lightpoles to cut down on the brightness that may shine through nearby windows.

Best said that while Westar isn't responsible for all the lights on the site, the firm could contact those who are and get those conditions done.

Back to traffic, another issue with residents was motorists driving up to Ferrocarril Road thinking it will take them to the highway, but then realizing it's not a through road and entering residential areas to turn around.

"We need signage that it’s a dead end," said Steve Rabon, who lives on De Anza Court, a cul-de-sac off Ferrocarril. "People are driving around trying to get on the freeway, and we have seniors and walkers there, which could be dangerous."

Ultimately, the first reading of the development amendment was put up for vote with the following changes:

The amendments were passed with a 5-0 vote, and councilmembers expressed anticipation for the businesses to open and gratitude to the developers.

"Thank you very much," said Mayor Charles Bourbeau. "Thank you for investing in Atascadero."

The City Council meets next on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m.

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