In-N-Out to Open in Encinitas After City Planners OK Permits

In-N-Out’s request for permits to open in Encinitas was unanimously approved Thursday evening by the city Planning Commission.

The popular hamburger chain—which received approval for a major use permit, design review permit and coastal development permit—received the 5-0 blessing after a brief discussion on how an outlet here would affect traffic.

The restaurant—which hopes to open at 130 Calle Magdalena and take over parcels at 305 Encinitas Blvd. and 325 Encinitas Blvd.—would boost traffic by 944 daily trips in the area, according to associate city planner Todd Mierau.

Two speakers from the public said they were concerned how the traffic would affect the nearby preschool and other businesses.

Concerns of traffic were addressed by In-N-Out representative Kim Kennedy who said patrons can pick up their orders in the drive-thru within 4 minutes because of technology.

The proposed restaurant would be 3,750 square feet with plans to expand the parking lot from 112 parking spaces to 117 parking spaces.

The company also plans to build a drive-thru, create a new pedestrian path on Calle Magdalena and have a  temporary trailer during the construction of the restaurant, according to the staff report. 

Unless the Planning Commission vote is appealed, In-N-Out will be added to the city’s menu of fast-food offerings.

Final actions may be appealed to the City Council accompanied by the required filing fee within 15 calendar days, Mierau said.

Once construction begins, it could take just five months before the restaurant opens, according to Carl Van Fleet, In-N-Out’s vice president of planning and development.

The Encinitas location would be the region’s 18th.

How do you feel about In-N-Out coming to Encinitas? What’s your favorite menu item? Tell us in the comments.