Planning Commission continues review of events permit at Sheriff's Posse grounds after noise complaints

The Monterey County Planning Commission on June 10 continued consideration of PLN220125, a permit amendment involving events at the Sheriff's Posse grounds, to a date certain of Aug. 12, 2026 after public comment and a motion approved unanimously.

Staff told the commission the applicant had formally requested a continuance to Aug. 12 and paused for public input. Neighbors who live near the grounds said concert promoters brought loud shows that generate traffic and blocked driveways. One neighbor said calls to the sheriff's office about noise have been frequent, and that "the promoters making money. The Posse is making money at our expense," urging commissioners to permit routine uses while restricting large promoter-run concerts.

An adjacent neighbor told the commission the Posse grounds were otherwise well managed for rodeos, club events and private gatherings and said they supported continued, permitted uses that do not include major concerts.

Applicant representative Anthony Lombardo asked the commission to accept the requested continuance because the applicant's board was out of state and a key participant was not present; he said he did not believe noticing had been posted properly and sought to avoid proceeding without the affected party.

Commissioners sought clarification about public notification and how members of the public can be added to the interested parties list; project planner Taylor Price said he would provide contact information after the hearing for anyone seeking notice. Commissioner Deal made the motion to continue the item; Commissioner Roberts seconded and the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The motion carried unanimously.

The item will return to the commission on Aug. 12, 2026. Staff advised neighbors to register as interested parties to receive direct notice and urged anyone who files a sheriff's-office noise complaint to request a call back so the report is logged and acted upon.