Opinion ID: 3038212
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Denial of Guru Nanak’s First CUP Application3

Text: Guru Nanak is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the teachings and practices of the Sikh religion. In 2001, Guru Nanak attempted to obtain a conditional use permit (CUP)4 for the construction of a Sikh temple—a gurudwara—on its 1.89-acre property on Grove Road in Yuba City (“the Grove Road property”). The proposed use included about 5,000 square feet dedicated to an assembly area and related activities. The proposed temple site would have held religious ceremonies for no more than seventy-five people at a time. The Grove Road property was in an area designated for low-density residential use (R-1), intended mainly for large lot single family residences; churches and temples are only conditionally permitted in R-1 districts, through issuance of a CUP. The Sutter County Planning Division, part of the County Community Services Department, issued a report recommending that the Planning Commission grant a CUP for the 3 The details of Guru Nanak’s first CUP application were not included in the record on appeal. Therefore, we rely on the district court’s summary of the relevant facts, which facts are not disputed by the parties. 4 The Sutter County Zoning Code describes the purpose of utilizing use permits for certain proposed uses of land: The County realizes that certain uses have operational characteristics that, depending on the locations and design, may have the potential to negatively impact adjoining properties and uses. Such uses therefore require a more comprehensive review and approval procedure in order to evaluate and mitigate any potentially detrimental impacts. Use permits, which may be revocable, conditional or valid for a term period, may be issued by the Planning Commission for any of the uses or purposes for which such permits are required or permitted by the terms of this Chapter. Guarantees to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions may be required by the Commission. Sutter County Zoning Code § 1500-8210 (May 2002). See infra Part I.C. for further discussion of CUPs. 8594 GURU NANAK SIKH v. COUNTY OF SUTTER Grove Road property. The report stated that while the permit presented potential conflicts with established residences in the area, the conflicts could be minimized by specifically recommended conditions that would be consistent with the General Plan of Sutter County. However, at a public meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny the CUP. The denial was based on citizens’ voiced fears that the resulting noise and traffic would interfere with the existing neighborhood. Following the Commission’s denial, Guru Nanak began searching for a different parcel of property for the proposed temple.