Planning Commission Agenda Packet 02252026

P25-0671 and -0672, 1252 Quarry Lane, Suite A Planning Commission 6 of 8 Noise Conditional uses must be consistent with PMC Chapter 9.04 (Noise Regulations), which are designed to promote stability of existing conforming land uses and protect them from inharmonious or intrusive impacts from new land uses. For industrially zoned properties, PMC Chapter 9.04.050 specifically limits noise to a maximum of 75 dBA1 at any point outside the property line at any time. Staff finds the proposed use to be compatible with surrounding development and unlikely to result in a substantial increase in ambient noise at nearby sensitive receptors. The site is already influenced by existing background noise from Valley Avenue, Stan ley Boulevard, and the Union Pacific rail corridor. All primary activities, including worship services, teaching, and music, would occur entirely within the enclosed building and would be similar in character to other commercial, educational, and assembly-type uses that have operated within the Valley Business Park without reported issues. The applicant has proposed operational limits and physical sound-attenuation measures to further reduce potential impacts. Amplified speech and music would generally be limited to Sunday mornings, weekday evenings, and occasional Saturday daytime events. T he project includes professional acoustical design and installation of interior sound -absorbing wall panels and batt insulation at shared and exterior walls. Newly constructed sanctuary walls are specified to achieve a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, with additional wall assemblies and existing exterior construction providing layered attenuation. Based on the applicant’s acoustical specifications, interior sound levels associated with speech and music would be substantially reduced before reaching adjacent suites or the building exterior, supporting compliance with the PMC’s 75 dBA exterior standard. Staff also recommends conditions of approval to ensure ongoing compatibility, including: (1) keeping exterior doors closed during services and events; (2) advising attendees and employees to minimize outdoor noise and loitering; and (3) reserving the City’s right to reevaluate the CUP and impose additional conditions if substantiated complaints occur, such as limiting occupancy or hours of operation or requiring additional soundproofing. With the incorporation of these operational limits, construction measures, and recommended conditions, staff believes the proposed use would not create harmful noise intrusions, would remain within applicable PMC noise standards, and would be compatible with existing and future surrounding uses. 1 A-weighted decibels, a measurement of sound level that adjusts for the way the human ear perceives different frequencies. Unlike raw decibel (dB) measurements, which capture all sound pressure levels equally, dBA applies a filter that reduces the influence of very low and very high frequencies —where human hearing is less sensitive— while emphasizing mid-range frequencies (around 250–5,000 Hz), where the ear is most responsive. This makes dBA a more accurate representation of perceived loudness and the potential impact of noise on human health and comfort. It is widely used in environmental noise monitoring, occupational safety (e.g., workplace hearing protection requirements), and product ratings (like dishwashers, HVAC units, and vehicles).