City Council reviews Waldorf inspired school plan for Willamson property expansion

The Buellton Planning Commission meeting held on July 3, 2025, focused on a significant proposal for a new educational facility in the city. The meeting highlighted plans for a Waldorf-inspired private school, which aims to serve preschool through grade four students. The proposed school will be located on a 0.68-acre city-owned property, adjacent to the Meadow Ridge neighborhood and near Riverview Park.

The school is designed to include four classrooms, an administrative building, and a restroom facility, with a maximum capacity of 50 students. The operational hours are set from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, with classes running from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Drop-off and pick-up times are scheduled to minimize traffic congestion, and a shuttle service will be available for students.

The project will feature yurt structures, which are expected to blend with the agrarian design style of the area. A five-foot perimeter fence is proposed for security, along with fully shielded lighting to reduce impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. The school is intended as a temporary use of the site, allowing for future development once it is established.

The commission discussed the need for a conditional use permit for the school, as educational facilities are allowed in the residential zoning with specific approvals. The proposal is seen as a beneficial use of the property, providing educational opportunities while maintaining the site's natural features.

Next steps include a city council meeting to approve a license agreement, which will determine the operational timeline for the school. The commission expressed optimism about the project, viewing it as a positive addition to the community.