In-N-Out Burger Gets the Green Light in San Carlos

Planning Commission Approval

On Monday night, the San Carlos Planning commission voted 5-0 to give In-N-Out Burger the go-ahead to build a restaurant at the intersection of Holly Street and Industrial Road in San Carlos.  This hurdle needed to be cleared before the vacant northeast corner of the intersection could be transformed into the latest outlet of arguably the hottest fast-food restaurant chain in all of California.

In-N-Out has an almost cult-like following, with a very simple strategy of offering nothing but great burgers, fries and drinks.  They even have their own “secret” menu, which makes ordering even that much more fun.   But the popularity of this restaurant, and the throng of  loyal followers expected to flood the drive-thru lanes, has some local neighbors worried.

Exception to the Sign Ordinance

In the process of the permit review, In-N-Out was granted a variance to the City's sign ordinance, thus allowing it to erect a 65-foot pole for its trademark sign, which itself will be over twice the size of the previous limit.   The sign, and the possibility of increased traffic and noise prompted many neighbors to voice their concern at the Planning Commission meeting.  But in the end, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the project.

Double-Double on the Horizon

According to this article in the San Jose Mercury News,  the next step is for In-N-Out to submit their plans for obtaining the necessary building permits.   Once approved, the construction can begin.  Although an opening date has not yet been set, speculation is that it will be around April-May of 2011.   In the meantime, those who need to get their animal-style fix need only go to the Redwood City location on Veterans Avenue, which is already under construction and will open well before the San Carlos outlet.