Myrtle Beach, SC, January 15, 2026
Myrtle Beach is contemplating a zoning update that may allow drive-thru restaurants along Robert M. Grissom Parkway, currently prohibited. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth by attracting new small businesses and fostering entrepreneurial innovation. The proposal includes specific criteria to ensure responsible development, reflecting the city’s commitment to balancing community needs with economic opportunities. As the process unfolds, community input will be essential in shaping the future of the area.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What significant zoning change is Myrtle Beach considering?
Myrtle Beach is weighing a zoning amendment to allow drive-thru restaurants along Robert M. Grissom Parkway, an area where they are currently prohibited. This initiative seeks to foster new economic growth and business opportunities.
What are the current regulations for drive-thrus in the Grissom Parkway area?
Currently, drive-thru restaurants are generally not permitted in the Mixed-Use, Medium Density (MU-M) district along Grissom Parkway. However, drive-thru banks and pharmacies are already allowed under existing zoning.
Who requested this zoning change, and what specific conditions are part of the proposal?
C. F. Smith Property Group submitted the request, proposing a condition that drive-thru order boards must be at least 400 feet from the closest single-family residential property.
Why is the city considering this amendment for Grissom Parkway?
The city aims to stimulate economic development, create jobs, attract private investment, and provide increased convenience for residents and visitors along the crucial Grissom Parkway corridor.
What is the approval process for this zoning amendment?
The request has received a recommendation of approval from city staff and will now proceed through public hearings and require two readings and final approval by the City Council.
Myrtle Beach Weighs Zoning Update: Drive-Thrus on Grissom Parkway Could Spark New Economic Horizons
Myrtle Beach stands at the precipice of a significant zoning adjustment that could reshape its commercial landscape, particularly along Robert M. Grissom Parkway. A request has been submitted to the city to amend its zoning code, potentially paving the way for drive-thru restaurants in an area where they are currently prohibited. This initiative represents a potential win for entrepreneurial innovation and private investment, offering new avenues for Myrtle Beach SC business growth and job creation.
The proposed change embodies a proactive approach to fostering economic growth, recognizing the evolving needs of both businesses and consumers. By considering amendments to existing regulations, the city can demonstrate a commitment to supporting Myrtle Beach small business expansion and attracting new ventures that contribute to the local economy. Thoughtful adjustments to zoning can remove unnecessary barriers, allowing local entrepreneurs to pursue innovative business models and thrive in a dynamic market.
The Proposal: Opening Doors for Development on Grissom Parkway
Currently, drive-thru restaurants are generally not permitted in the Mixed-Use, Medium Density (MU-M) district within Myrtle Beach, with exceptions primarily for establishments along Kings Highway that met specific size and operational criteria before June 10, 2014. However, a request from C. F. Smith Property Group seeks to revise this section of the Myrtle Beach Zoning Code to allow drive-thru restaurants along Robert M. Grissom Parkway.
The proposal includes specific conditions designed to integrate new developments responsibly, such as requiring order boards to be situated at least 400 feet from the nearest single-family residential property. It’s important to note that drive-thru banks and pharmacies are already permitted under current city zoning, indicating a precedent for convenient service options in the area.
The Zoning Amendment Process in Myrtle Beach
Amending the city’s zoning code involves a structured and transparent process. The request, which has already received a recommendation of approval from city staff, will now proceed through multiple stages. These typically include public hearings and two readings before the City Council, ensuring that community input and comprehensive planning principles are thoroughly considered. The Planning & Zoning Department plays a crucial role in formulating policies and ordinances that guide the physical, social, and economic growth of Myrtle Beach.
Economic Potential Along a Key Corridor
Robert M. Grissom Parkway is a vital four-lane connector highway, providing access to major attractions like Coastal Grand Mall and Broadway at the Beach, and serving as a crucial alternative to US 17 and Kings Highway. This strategic location makes it ripe for increased commercial activity. Allowing drive-thru restaurants could stimulate new development, create jobs, and attract further private investment, contributing significantly to the region’s overall economic health.
The development of new businesses, including drive-thrus, fosters a competitive environment that encourages innovation and offers convenience to residents and visitors. Restaurants, in particular, are powerful drivers of local economies, providing employment opportunities, enhancing property values, supporting local suppliers, and generating essential tax revenue for the community. Tourism, a cornerstone of the Grand Strand’s economy, directly benefits from diverse dining options, supporting numerous businesses and jobs across the region.
Key Features of the Proposed Zoning Amendment
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Current Regulation | Drive-thru restaurants generally prohibited in MU-M district. Exceptions exist for Kings Highway under specific conditions (less than 5,000 sq ft, in place before June 10, 2014). | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Proposed Change | Allow drive-thru restaurants along Robert M. Grissom Parkway. | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Requester | C. F. Smith Property Group | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Specific Criteria Proposed | Order boards must be at least 400 feet from the closest single-family residentially zoned property. | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Existing Drive-Thru Facilities | Banks and pharmacies are currently permitted. | Myrtle Beach, SC |
| Approval Process | City staff recommendation of approval, requires two readings and City Council approval as an ordinance. | Myrtle Beach, SC |
Fostering a Dynamic Future for Myrtle Beach
The potential amendment to allow drive-thru restaurants on Robert M. Grissom Parkway exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban planning that seeks to balance community needs with economic opportunity. It underscores the city’s broader economic development goals, which include fostering a dynamic environment that offers unparalleled opportunities and ensures a prosperous community for all.
As Myrtle Beach continues to evolve, strategic decisions regarding zoning and development are crucial for sustaining vitality. Initiatives that empower private enterprise and streamline regulatory processes can unlock significant potential for growth and innovation, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Engaging with these developments and supporting local businesses is key to shaping a thriving future for Myrtle Beach.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
