Buellton planning commission deadlocks on conditional use permit for private Hundred Hills school at Williamson property

The Buellton Planning Commission on Wednesday heard roughly three hours of testimony and staff presentations on a conditional use permit for a private, Waldorf‑inspired school proposed for the city‑owned Williamson property, but a split 2–2 vote on a motion to deny left the commission without a final decision and sent the matter to the City Council.

The proposal, brought by founders of Hundred Hills School, would place a temporary private elementary program (preschool through grade 4 initially) on about 0.68 acres of the Williamson addition to Riverview Park. Planner Irma Tucker told the commission, “The length of approval for this permit shall not exceed 5 years from the date of approval,” and that a separate license agreement, to be negotiated by the City Council, would determine the precise term and rental terms.

Why it matters: the property is city‑owned parkland the council purchased and has planned for public uses; neighbors worried the permit would convert public green space to a private use, increase traffic on Sycamore Drive and Valley Dairy Road, and trigger state review under the Surplus Lands Act. Proponents said the school fills a local shortage of preschool and elementary options and would pay cash rent and operate as a temporary, low‑impact tenant.

Staff presentation and key details

City planner Irma Tucker and city staff laid out the project and environmental review. The proposed campus would use three contiguous city parcels treated as one site under local zoning (RS‑6). Tucker said the school intends up to 50 students phased in over several years, with four classroom yurts and an…