Planning Commission Agenda Packet 07222026

P26-0419, 1069 Serpentine Lane, Suite A Planning Commission 7 of 8 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, Stanley Boulevard, and the Union Pacific rail corridor. All primary activities, including worship services, 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 not proposed any amplified speech or music as part of the facility's operations. Based on this, interior sound levels associated with any speech and music would be expected to comply 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. Given the lack of amplified speech or music associated with the proposal 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. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of this application was sent to surrounding property owners and tenants within a 1,000- foot radius of the subject parcel, and it was published in the Valley Times newspaper on July 9, 2026. At the time this report was published, staff had not received any public comments. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities. The proposed use is for the operation of a religious facility within an existing building zoned for the proposed use, with no significant expansion of the existing building or use. The proposed use does not involve any hazardous substances, all necessary public services and facilities are available, and the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive. Therefore, no additional environmental review is required. 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).