The problems that come with mixed-uses like this run the gamut from simple noise complaints to concerns over chemical exposure. Industrially zoned areas are theoretically areas where 24-hour operations, with loud noise or harmful chemicals can go on, because there are no homes, schools or community centers among them.

"Residents don't want to be near something that is noisy or smelly, and if you're doing something that is noisy or smelly, you don't want residents around," said Sunnyvale Planning Officer Trudi Ryan.

If a project that places a church next to a shipping company or paint company is approved, the industrial businesses may need to change their operations to avoid noisy processes during church services or remove chemicals that could be harmful to residents, especially children.

On Sept. 20--to allow time to study the issue--the city of Sunnyvale placed a 45-day moratorium on using commercial and industrial space for amusement or recreational purposes. On Oct. 25, the city council voted to extend the moratorium until the end of March.

Proposals that came in after Sept. 20 will not be considered.

"It's much more complicated than 'Sunnyvale doesn't want to lose industrial property,'" Ryan said. "It's about trying to find the right uses for our property."

While placing facilities like churches in industrial areas is nothing new--Ryan said the city has been getting similar requests for almost 15 years--the demand has risen recently, which led to the break for study.

According to a council report presented on Oct. 25, there were five requests total from 1995 to 2001. Since 2002, there have been 36, and 14 of those came in 2005. In addition, the report says that city staff gets an average of 11 inquiries related to the issue each week.

While land is not cheap anywhere in the South Bay, industrial property values are typically lower than those in residential areas, so the spaces are financially appealing. In addition, Ryan said some churches have considered selling their buildings in residential areas and buying industrial land. They can then use the money left over from the sale to expand their operations or provide new services.

But the issue is just as much one of supply as it is demand. After the "dot-bomb," several years ago, Sunnyvale was left with a surplus of industrial and commercial property. So not only is industrial/commercial land cheaper, but the buildings are often larger than those found in residential areas.

The moratorium is set to end in March 2006, unless repealed or extended by the Sunnyvale City Council. To study the issue, Ryan said the city is planning to hold community outreach meetings, but no schedule has been developed yet.