US Bank gets pushback from Kansas City Board over proposed branch

Kansas City's Board of Zoning Adjustment has rejected U.S. Bank's proposal to build a new branch with a drive-thru ATM at 3441 Main St., a vacant former Burger King site near the Armour streetcar stop, according to a report by Hoodline.

With its lease at 1 W. Armour Blvd. expiring in 2027, U.S. Bank sought to relocate across the street while keeping a drive-thru. However, the city's 2017 Main Street overlay strictly restricts drive-thrus along the transit corridor to promote walkable, dense development. City planner Ahnna Nanoski noted the request undermined these transit goals, suggesting a walk-up ATM instead.

Under Missouri law and city code, the zoning board cannot grant land-use variances—only design exceptions for specific hardships. Board commissioner Jaz Hays found little merit in the bank's case and distinguished it from a nearby McDonald's drive-thru, which was approved because it rebuilt an existing footprint rather than adding a new facility.

Bank representatives warned that losing the drive-thru could force the branch—which holds $60 million in consumer deposits—to close, as 88% of its customers use the feature. Neighborhood residents opposed the plan, pointing to a nearby Chase branch that operates successfully without a drive-thru.

U.S. Bank may now request a rehearing or file a court appeal.