Los Gatos planning commission continues West Valley Muslim Association hours request after hours of public testimony

The Los Gatos Planning Commission on March 25 heard more than five hours of testimony on a request by the West Valley Muslim Association to modify a conditional use permit so the institution can hold pre‑sunrise and later nighttime indoor prayers during the year and extended nightly services during Ramadan. After lengthy questioning, technical testimony and contrasting public comments, the commission voted to continue the matter to a special meeting on March 31 at 6:00 p.m.

Staff presented the application as a narrowly focused request to change operating hours only; the project planner, Jocelyn Scheman, told the commission the proposal would not alter the building or expand occupancy and that planning staff were recommending approval subject to detailed conditions and a one‑year compliance review. Town attorney Gabrielle Wheelen summarized the governing legal standard under the town code and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), telling the commission that an applicant challenging a restriction must typically show a substantial burden on religious exercise and that any restriction must be the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling government interest.

Razi Mohiudin, the WVMA founder and the applicant,…