COEUR d'ALENE — A Starbucks drive-through in downtown Coeur d'Alene has been approved by city officials.

Although there was originally concern regarding allowing a drive-through business on Sherman Avenue and Seventh Street in the downtown corridor, the Coeur d'Alene Planning Commission voted to allow Starbucks to use the location. Coeur d'Alene Community Planning Director Hilary Anderson told The Press Wednesday there was also a great deal of discussion regarding that area of the city being pedestrian-oriented as well.

"The Planning Commission felt like a Starbucks would be an improvement over the Zip Stop," Anderson said. "They had a thoughtful discussion and recognized that allowing a drive-through use at this location would allow any drive-through, not just a Starbucks."

The commission, according to Anderson, stipulated that Starbucks, or any other future drive-through businesses, has to be designed to meet the downtown design guidelines, which requires the building to be moved closer to the street and have parking either at the rear or on the side of the business.

In addition to approving of the drive-through, Anderson said the commission made a separate motion to review streets deemed pedestrian-oriented.

"They agreed that the downtown has become more pedestrian friendly and walkable since the downtown design guidelines were adopted, and that there would be merit to expanding the list of streets that are pedestrian-oriented to recognize this transition," Anderson said.