C. F. Smith Property Group has requested a zoning code amendment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to permit drive-thru restaurants along Robert M. Grissom Parkway in mixed-use areas, subject to specific criteria like order boards being at least 400 feet from nearby single-family residential zones.
Parkway Overview
Robert M. Grissom Parkway serves as a key 7-mile connector in Myrtle Beach, running from Harrelson Boulevard near the international airport through commercial hubs like Broadway at the Beach to SC Highway 31 in Carolina Forest. The corridor mixes single-family homes, multifamily residences, and businesses, making it suitable for balanced development.​
Current Zoning Rules
Myrtle Beach’s mixed-use medium density district currently bans drive-thru restaurants except for pre-2014 structures under 5,000 square feet abutting Kings Highway. Drive-thru banks and pharmacies are already allowed, setting a precedent for the proposed expansion.
Proposed Changes
The amendment would add eligibility for restaurants on Grissom Parkway meeting the 400-foot buffer, without targeting specific chains or sites. City staff recommends approval, advancing it to two council readings for ordinance adoption.
