Planning commission continues decision on permanent MRI trailer at Sonoma Valley Hospital pending design and noise study

The Sonoma Planning Commission on Oct. 16 voted to continue consideration of a use permit and design‑review request for the permanent placement of an MRI trailer at 347 Andrew Street, the Sonoma Valley Hospital campus, requesting additional design details and a sound study before returning the item to the commission.

City planner Jacob Dunn summarized the proposal and staff recommendation, saying the trailer is on public land, would not increase site coverage or height, and that the project includes repainting the trailer to match the hospital and potentially adding screening or buffering to address noise. Dunn also noted staff’s suggestion to close or block the Andrew Street driveway if the two on-street spaces there are permanently removed.

Commissioners focused on three practical concerns: noise from the trailer and its generator, the unit’s temporary/containerized appearance, and circulation/access. Commissioner Barnett said the containerized trailer — which staff and hospital representatives confirmed was installed last year — appears temporary and may not provide the noise attenuation of a permanent structure, and he pressed for measured decibel data. Commissioner Willers said the hospital should provide a formal sound study showing decibel levels and what mitigation structure would be required to meet residential noise standards.

Hospital staff said the northern trailer would not replace the existing west‑end MRI and that the unit would be accessed via an interior hospital corridor; the project team plans to add an awning or covered connection so patients would not need to go outside. Hospital representatives told the commission they would work with architects on paint and screening to make the trailer visually compatible with the campus.

Dunn told commissioners the hospital currently meets parking standards: 109 spaces are required and the campus provides about 175 spaces across satellite lots. Staff said the two Andrew Street spaces are currently closed and had been proposed for reopening; staff suggested the commission consider permanently closing that access if the spaces are not needed.

After discussion, Commissioner Willers moved — and the commission seconded — to continue the item to a date uncertain so the hospital could return with a complete design‑review package (including paint color and landscaping), a noise (decibel) study for the generator and proposed screening/attenuation plans. The motion passed on roll call with a 5–0 vote and two members absent.

Next steps: the hospital and project architect are expected to provide the requested design materials and the sound‑study results before the commission takes further action.