City of Burlington Announces Permit Application for New Chick-fil-A Development

BURLINGTON, WA — The City of Burlington’s Community Development Department has announced a notice of permit application for a proposed Chick-fil-A, Inc. development at 680 Highway 20 & 808 Nevitt Road. The application, submitted by Steve Schwartz on behalf of Chick-fil-A, was received on December 12, 2024, and deemed complete on December 17, 2024. The notice was issued the same day, and the public comment period for the proposal is open until January 1, 2025.

Project Overview

The proposed development involves the construction of a new 4,986 square foot Chick-fil-A fast-food restaurant, complete with a double drive-thru, an outdoor dining area, and an optional indoor playground. The new restaurant will replace the existing 10-room motel currently on the site, which will be demolished as part of the project. This Chick-fil-A location will be the second in or around the Bellingham Metro Area/Whatcom County, with another location currently under review at 4030 Cordata Parkway in Bellingham.

Permit Details

The permit application, identified as CUP 2-24, includes conditional use and site plan review applications. Preliminary submissions have included civil engineering plans, a geotechnical soils report, a lighting plan, and a traffic study. More detailed engineering and building plans are expected to be reviewed at a later stage before construction begins.

Environmental Review

Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), the City of Burlington is utilizing the optional DNS (Determination of Non-Significance) process, allowing the city to determine whether additional mitigation measures are required based on the project’s environmental impacts. Public comments on environmental concerns must be submitted to the Burlington Planning Department by 5:00 P.M. on January 1, 2025.

Public Comment Period

The City of Burlington has scheduled a public meeting to discuss the project, with further details to be announced. Those interested in the specifics of the development or the upcoming public hearing dates can contact the Burlington Community Development Department via mail or email. Written comments on the project, including environmental concerns, must be submitted by January 1, 2025.

Documents related to the proposal, including studies and reports, are available for review at the Planning Department or upon request.

For further inquiries or to access project documents, please contact the Burlington Community Development Department at:

City of Burlington
833 S. Spruce Street
Burlington, WA 98233
Email: [email protected]

This proposed development represents a major shift for the area, transitioning from motel accommodations to a popular fast-food restaurant, bringing new dining options and potential economic activity to the community. Residents are encouraged to participate in the public comment process to share their thoughts and concerns regarding this transformation.