City planning staff told the Buellton Planning Commission the department is tracking multiple active construction projects, several expired applications, and a major long-range planning effort to update the citys general plan.

Staff reported three multifamily housing projects under construction along McMurray Road: Village Senior Apartments (50 affordable senior apartments north of Village Park), Polo Village (near completion; interior work underway), and the Buellton Garden Apartments (listed in the packet as 89 affordable units at the south end of McMurray Road). The packet also showed several previously listed projects that have since been withdrawn or expired, including a gymnastics studio application and a bowling-alley project.

Planning staff said the Home2 Suites and Hyatt Place hotel project in the Village Specific Plan area is close to building-permit readiness, pending several items the city is working through with the applicant.

On long-range planning, staff said the city will begin a comprehensive update to the Buellton general plan, a process expected to take about two years. Staff plans to post materials to the city website and Buellton Engage page, distribute an initial public survey by QR code and provide hard-copy forms in the planning office. The commission will be involved throughout the process.

Staff also said concept plans for "Median 3" (a landscaped median near Village Park that has been discussed previously and that conceptually included a small museum, walking paths and a small amphitheater) will be returned to the commission in response to prior comments. Finally, staff said it is working on zoning ordinance amendments connected to the citys housing element and on revising the ADU ordinance in response to HCD comments.

Staff encouraged commissioners and residents to contact the planning department for project details, to view posted materials on Buellton Engage, and to take part in upcoming volunteer cleanup events discussed at the Green Team meeting.