Buellton planning panel approves weekly farmers market on Avenue of the Flags

The Buellton City Planning Commission on Monday approved resolution 25-09 to allow a weekly farmers market on Avenue of the Flags, authorizing a pilot market to operate every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. during an initial March–October season and imposing conditions on signage, vendor permits and special events.

Planning staff described the proposal as a use envisioned in the Avenue of the Flags specific plan. Staff said the market would be held primarily on Median 2 (the southern portion shown on the site plan) with Median 3 reserved for park-like amenities and, potentially later, entertainment such as food trucks or live music under a separate special events permit. “The market at this time is proposing to take place every Monday from 2 to 6PM, March through October,” Planning staff said during the presentation. Staff estimated roughly 13 vendor spots and preliminary weekly attendance of around 250 people.

Applicant Brenda Browning, who staff said has operated several markets in Los Angeles, Riverside and Ventura counties, told commissioners she hoped the market would provide family-friendly uses and add vitality to downtown. “We had so many people from the Gildan area attend and asked if I could please do one here,” Browning said.

The commission’s approval includes a five-year conditional use permit (CUP) term, annual staff review, and a requirement that vendors obtain applicable county health and agricultural commissioner approvals. Staff recommended allowing up to two temporary banners on Median 2 provided they be taken down at the end of each market day; any food trucks, amplified sound or other entertainment would be reviewed through a special events permit that could include additional barricading or power needs.

Several commissioners asked whether the market would close streets or block businesses’ parking. Planning staff clarified that the application does not propose main road closures and that the avenue’s primary travel lanes would remain open; the only potential closure would be the narrow cross-connection between Medians 2 and 3 under a future special events permit. Staff also noted that the medians and adjacent parking are city-owned public parking.

During public comment, Ray Mortazay, owner/manager of the San Marcos Motel at 536 Avenue of Flax, asked the commission not to close his driveways during market hours and said past multi-day events that closed access had led to guest cancellations and noise concerns. “Please look into making a nice venue for all kinds of events… Again, I beg you not to close the road and our driveways during the farmers market hours,” Mortazay said. Commissioners and staff responded with possible mitigation measures including on-site assistance for guests and reiterated that the main avenue lanes would remain open under the current proposal.

A commissioner moved to approve staff’s recommended resolution; the motion was seconded and passed in a recorded vote with four recorded 'Aye' votes. The commission recorded: Commissioner Contreras — Aye; Commissioner Kump — Aye; Chair Reese — Aye; Vice Chair Sirkia — Aye. The motion carried and the CUP was approved.

Next steps identified by staff include the applicant securing a special events permit for any entertainment or expanded uses, vendor health approvals from county agencies, and a separate license agreement to be considered by the Buellton City Council (expected in January or early February). The CUP will expire after five years unless renewed or modified by the commission following staff review.