City reviews Surplus Lands Act implications for proposed school site at Beaulton

The Buellton Planning Commission meeting on July 3, 2025, focused on significant discussions surrounding the Surplus Lands Act and its implications for local development. City officials addressed concerns raised by residents regarding the potential designation of city-owned parcels as surplus land, which could lead to their availability for housing development.

City representatives explained that the Surplus Lands Act requires municipalities to identify surplus lands, which are properties without established plans. The city currently owns several parcels that may be affected by this legislation, particularly those proposed for a new school. If the school is constructed and a license agreement is granted, these parcels may not need to be listed as surplus for the duration of the agreement. However, uncertainty remains if the school project does not proceed, as the city would then face challenges in designating the property to avoid it being classified as surplus.

During the meeting, city officials also addressed several questions from the public regarding the status of contracts and agreements related to the school project. They clarified that no binding contracts or memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been signed, and any agreements would require approval from the city council after the Planning Commission's decision on the conditional use permit.

Additional topics discussed included parking arrangements for staff and students, traffic mitigation plans for drop-off and pick-up, and the potential impact on local school district revenues due to student enrollment shifts. City officials noted that the loss of revenue for local schools could not be accurately determined and emphasized that the Planning Commission's decisions should focus on city policy rather than property values.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of local governance and the need for clear communication between city officials and residents as development plans progress. The Planning Commission's next steps will involve further deliberation on the conditional use permit, with the outcome likely influencing future discussions on the school project and its implications for the community.