A. Purpose and Applicability. This Section provides locational and operational standards for religious assembly uses, only when located in a residential zone. The provisions in this Section shall apply to religious assembly uses located in residential zones where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development and Design Standards).
B. City Standards. Except as specified in this Section, the premises on which a religious assembly use is located shall comply with the regulations and restrictions applicable to the residential zone in which it is located. Additionally, all new religious assembly uses allowed within residential zones shall comply with all of the following standards.
1. Parcel Size. The minimum parcel size shall be one acre or 43,560 square feet.
2. Location. A religious assembly use shall have frontage on a site with a minimum of two separate access points to secondary or larger roadways as designated in the City’s General Plan.
3. Separation - On-Site. The main assembly hall and all other on-site structures shall be separated from the nearest parcel used for residential purposes by a minimum of 25 feet.
4. Circulation.
a. The location of the religious assembly use and the on-site improvements shall provide for safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
b. Vehicular access shall be provided in compliance with Subparagraph 2. (Location), above.
c. The applicable review authority may require the presence of one or more parking attendants and/or police officers to ensure the safe operation of parking facilities, pedestrian circulation, and traffic circulation on the public right-of-way.
5. Hours of Operation. The applicable review authority shall determine the allowable hours of operation for a religious assembly use, taking into consideration appropriate factors that include but are not limited to: size of the proposed facility, number of anticipated regular members, number and scope of the specific activities to be conducted on the site, the circulation pattern of the adjoining residential neighborhood, potential vehicular and pedestrian congestion, and proximity to adjoining residences.
6. Noise.
a. Regardless of the decibel level and taking into consideration the noise levels generated by religious assembly uses, all noise generated from a religious assembly use shall not unreasonably offend the senses or obstruct the free use and comfortable enjoyment of neighboring properties.
b. Mitigation measures may be required to minimize noise impacts (e.g., approved location of parking and loading areas, the provision of sound attenuation barriers, etc.).
c. All noise generated from a religious assembly use shall be in compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 4.34 (Noise Regulations).
7. Overconcentration. A religious assembly use shall not be located within a 300-foot radius of another existing religious assembly use, disregarding the corporate boundary of the City, unless the applicable review authority grants an exception. The review authority, in granting an exception,shall first find that the proposed concentration will not be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or general welfare of persons residing in the neighborhood of the proposed use.
8. Parking.
a. Parking and loading requirements shall be in compliance with Chapter 10.30 (Off-Street Parking and Loading).
b. Parking shall not be allowed within required front or street-side setback areas.
c. An area for the safe and acceptable means of drop-off and pick-up of persons using the religious assembly facility shall be provided.
9. Signs. Signs shall be in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 10.34 (Signs).
10. Wall Required. A six-foot high solid decorative masonry wall shall be constructed and properly maintained along all property lines abutting residential zones, except in the front setback area or within a corner cutoff intersection area, in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 10.28 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls).
11. Site Plan and Design Review Required. A detailed site plan and architectural elevations shall be subject to the approval of a Site Plan and Design Review in compliance with Chapter 10.94 (Site Plan and Design Review). (Ord. 935 § 3 (part), 2015)