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Commission approves place of worship at 3606 E. Highland Ave amid parking concerns; conditions added
Summary
The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 24‑22 to convert an existing 2,600 sq ft suite at 3606 E. Highland Ave into a public place of assembly (religious facility), 6‑2, with added conditions narrowing the approved space and operations to address neighborhood concerns about parking and intensity.
The San Bernardino Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 24‑22, by a 6‑2 vote, to allow a new public place of assembly (a religious facility) in an existing roughly 2,600‑square‑foot suite at 3606 East Highland Avenue. The commission adopted Resolution No. 2025‑007 and found the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15301, staff said.
Staff presented the proposal and noted the suite sits in the Highland Square Commercial Center within the CG‑1 (Commercial General 1) zone. Staff also reported two written comments had been received and that staff had revised the draft resolution to add conditions (identified as Conditions 2 and 10 in the staff report) to limit the approval to the plans and to prevent operation beyond the approved suite and square footage without returning to the commission.
Commissioners raised concerns about parking impacts on the center. Staff said code‑based parking for a public assembly use is calculated from the principal sanctuary area; staff estimated the sanctuary area is approximately 1,000 square feet and the center provides 43 parking spaces, which meets the code requirement (roughly 30 spaces by staff’s calculation). Staff noted the new facility’s weekly main congregational service is the highest attendance event.
Applicant representative Ali Chunky told the commission the congregation’s main weekly service would be on Friday for about 30 minutes (approximately 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and estimated a maximum need of 20–25 parking spaces at peak attendance. He described the congregation as predominantly family‑oriented and said carpooling is common. “The main service for our congregation is for half an hour on a Friday weekly basis ... we’re going to need around maximum between 20 and 25 parking spots,” Chunky said.
Staff explained the revised conditions limit the permitted use to the approved suite and plans; staff added the commission retains authority to revoke the permit if the applicant operates beyond the authorized scope. After discussion, Commissioner Daley moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; Vice Chair Quill seconded. The roll call reflected two no votes (Vice Chair Quill and Commissioner Carloni); six members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The commission’s action approves the use as conditioned; staff and the applicant were available to answer follow‑up questions about operations and compliance.
