Los Gatos Mosque Seeks Expanded Hours for Ramadan, Neighbors Raise Concerns

Planning Commission defers decision, hopes mediation can resolve traffic and noise issues

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:41pm

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The Los Gatos Planning Commission unanimously voted to continue discussions with the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) and its Farley Road neighbors over the mosque's request to extend its hours of operation during the holy month of Ramadan. The WVMA cited the need to accommodate religious practices, while some residents complained about increased traffic, noise, and light pollution affecting the character of the neighborhood.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges religious institutions face in balancing their spiritual needs with the concerns of surrounding communities. The debate over the mosque's operating hours touches on issues of religious freedom, land use, and community relations that many cities grapple with as their populations become more diverse.

The details

The WVMA applied for modifications to its conditional use permit in 2024, requesting extended hours to accommodate pre-dawn, night, and nightly prayers during Ramadan. The mosque said there is no evidence that the expanded hours would exceed the town's noise laws, citing a sound study. However, some residents complained about vehicle noise, light pollution, and worshippers arriving and departing outside of operating hours. The planning commission discussed potential remedies like installing a speed sign and requiring more contact information for the mosque's leadership, but could not reach a consensus. The discussion was rescheduled for April 22 in hopes that mediation between the two sides could help resolve the impasse.

  • The WVMA applied for the CUP modifications in September 2024.
  • A public hearing was held on March 25, 2026.
  • The planning commission discussed the issue on March 31, 2026 and deferred it to April 22, 2026.

The players

West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA)

The local mosque that applied for the conditional use permit modifications to expand its hours of operation during Ramadan.

Farley Road Neighbors

Residents living near the WVMA mosque who have raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and light pollution from the mosque's activities.

Los Gatos Planning Commission

The local government body responsible for reviewing the WVMA's conditional use permit application and making a decision.

Razi Mohiuddin

The founder of the WVMA who emphasized that the prayer times follow the lunar calendar and cannot be changed.

Amina Darwish

A leader of services and special programs at the WVMA who spoke in favor of the changes, citing the importance of community for Muslim Americans.

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What they’re saying

“'A mosque cannot be a mosque if it cannot offer congressional prayers.'”

— Razi Mohiuddin, Founder, West Valley Muslim Association

“'It's been a challenging time being Muslim in America — in a post-9/11 America — and with the loneliness pandemic exacerbated by COVID, building community is more critical than ever for everyone.'”

— Amina Darwish, Leader of services and special programs, West Valley Muslim Association

What’s next

The planning commission will resume discussions on the WVMA's conditional use permit application on April 22, 2026, with the hope that mediation between the mosque and its Farley Road neighbors can help resolve the impasse over the proposed expanded hours.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between religious institutions and surrounding communities over land use and zoning issues. While the WVMA argues the expanded hours are necessary for its religious practices, the Farley Road neighbors are concerned about the impact on the character of their residential neighborhood. Finding a balance that respects both the mosque's needs and the community's concerns will require compromise and creative solutions from all parties involved.