Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Business Noise topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Juan Capistrano council returns Tea House AUP to probation after repeated noise complaints
Summary
After staff documented three neighborhood complaints about amplified music and late private events, the City Council moved the Tea House accessory use permit back to probationary status for one year and amended its conditions to explicitly ban DJs and public‑address systems; the motion passed 3–1.
Mayor Bourne and city staff brought a review of Accessory Use Permit 21‑001 for the Tea House on Los Rios to the City Council after three neighborhood complaints alleging amplified music and private events that exceeded the 9:30 p.m. cutoff (staff presentation by Joel Rojas). Staff recommended narrowing event allowances and clarifying the amplified‑music prohibition to explicitly ban DJs and public‑address systems.
Tea House owner Damon Orozco told the council the reported incidents were “three isolated incidents in over 40 events” and said the business had implemented changes and had no more weddings or receptions booked (Damon Orozco). Supporters — including Benjamin Medina, director of operations at the Chamber of Commerce — urged the council to preserve the Tea House’s ability to host community events and local fundraising (Benjamin Medina).
Neighbors and other speakers described a pattern of repeat complaints and urged stronger enforcement. Council members expressed concern that warnings and a $100/$200 citation had not prevented a third violation in consecutive months. Council member Frias initially proposed suspending private events for a year; Mayor Bourne offered a substitute motion to return the AUP from permanent status to probationary status for one year, require verification of complaints before revocation, and to explicitly add public‑address systems and DJs to the amplified‑music prohibition.
The council debated narrower time restrictions and whether to reduce allowed annual private events; Mayor Bourne and other members emphasized balancing business vitality and neighbor protections in the historic Los Rios district. The motion to make the AUP probationary with the added prohibitions passed by a 3–1 vote.
Council staff and the Tea House owner said they would monitor compliance during the probationary year and return to the council for a review. If substantiated complaints are received and verified during that period, the council indicated it would consider revoking the AUP entirely.
The council’s action modifies the AUP conditions and places the permit on probation for one year; the council recording shows the vote tally as 3 in favor, 1 opposed.
