Agenda Item IV.D. -Land Development Code Update
6 views
Skip to first unread message
Walter Vazquez
May 20, 2026, 4:36:55 PMMay 20
to comm...@downtownplanningsd.org
20 May 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to the San Diego Land Development Code that would increase or relax allowable noise limits for concert events held at Gallagher Square and Petco Park.
I own a condominium at Parkloft in the East Village neighborhood, directly adjacent to the ballpark and concert venue area. While residents understand and support reasonable entertainment activity in a vibrant downtown environment, the current situation has already become excessive during certain large-scale concert events — particularly electronic dance music (EDM) events held during New Year’s celebrations.
During these events, the bass vibration and amplified sound levels have been extraordinarily disruptive inside residential buildings well beyond what should reasonably be expected in a mixed-use neighborhood. The noise has continued late into the evening and early morning hours, causing repeated sleep disruption, stress, and significant interference with the quiet enjoyment of residential property. The low-frequency bass impacts are especially problematic because they penetrate walls and windows even when buildings are closed up.
Most concerning to me personally, these recurring noise disturbances directly contributed to the loss of a long-term tenant in my Parkloft condominium. My tenant, who had occupied the unit for approximately fourteen years, ultimately chose to leave due in substantial part to the repeated severe noise impacts associated with these concert events. Losing a stable, long-term tenant after more than a decade of occupancy represents a significant financial and personal consequence tied directly to the City’s management of these events.
The East Village continues to evolve as a true residential neighborhood, not merely an entertainment district. Thousands of residents now live in proximity to Petco Park and Gallagher Square. Any amendment that further weakens noise protections risks undermining residential livability, property values, tenant retention, and confidence in downtown housing investment.
I respectfully urge the City to reject any amendment that would increase permissible concert noise levels or reduce enforcement protections for nearby residents. Instead, the City should focus on:
- Enforcing existing noise standards consistently
- Limiting late-night amplified events
- Requiring stronger bass mitigation measures
- Improving sound monitoring and accountability
- Protecting the rights of downtown residents who permanently live in the area
A vibrant downtown requires balance. Residents should not be expected to endure extreme noise intrusion that materially affects their homes, sleep, and quality of life in order to accommodate expanded concert operations.
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
W. David Vazquez
800 The Mark Lane
The Mark Owner/Resident
Parkloft Property Owner
San Diego, California
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed amendment to the San Diego Land Development Code that would increase or relax allowable noise limits for concert events held at Gallagher Square and Petco Park.
I own a condominium at Parkloft in the East Village neighborhood, directly adjacent to the ballpark and concert venue area. While residents understand and support reasonable entertainment activity in a vibrant downtown environment, the current situation has already become excessive during certain large-scale concert events — particularly electronic dance music (EDM) events held during New Year’s celebrations.
During these events, the bass vibration and amplified sound levels have been extraordinarily disruptive inside residential buildings well beyond what should reasonably be expected in a mixed-use neighborhood. The noise has continued late into the evening and early morning hours, causing repeated sleep disruption, stress, and significant interference with the quiet enjoyment of residential property. The low-frequency bass impacts are especially problematic because they penetrate walls and windows even when buildings are closed up.
Most concerning to me personally, these recurring noise disturbances directly contributed to the loss of a long-term tenant in my Parkloft condominium. My tenant, who had occupied the unit for approximately fourteen years, ultimately chose to leave due in substantial part to the repeated severe noise impacts associated with these concert events. Losing a stable, long-term tenant after more than a decade of occupancy represents a significant financial and personal consequence tied directly to the City’s management of these events.
The East Village continues to evolve as a true residential neighborhood, not merely an entertainment district. Thousands of residents now live in proximity to Petco Park and Gallagher Square. Any amendment that further weakens noise protections risks undermining residential livability, property values, tenant retention, and confidence in downtown housing investment.
I respectfully urge the City to reject any amendment that would increase permissible concert noise levels or reduce enforcement protections for nearby residents. Instead, the City should focus on:
- Enforcing existing noise standards consistently
- Limiting late-night amplified events
- Requiring stronger bass mitigation measures
- Improving sound monitoring and accountability
- Protecting the rights of downtown residents who permanently live in the area
A vibrant downtown requires balance. Residents should not be expected to endure extreme noise intrusion that materially affects their homes, sleep, and quality of life in order to accommodate expanded concert operations.
Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,
W. David Vazquez
800 The Mark Lane
The Mark Owner/Resident
Parkloft Property Owner
San Diego, California
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages