The Buellton City Council on Thursday cleared the way for a new weekly farmers market along the Avenue of Flags.
The council unanimously voted to approve a five-year license agreement with operator Brenda Browning for a Monday market at Avenue of Flags Medians 2 and 3.
The first market is planned for March 16. The market is expected to run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekly from March through October, with an option to extend to 7 p.m. during the summer.
The Buellton Planning Commission approved a five-year conditional use permit for the market in December. The permit allows Browning the option to expand to a year-round schedule in the future and requires an annual special event permit application to confirm the schedule and address any operational issues.
Planning staff said the market will use Median 2, a parking lot median, for vendor booths, while the north end of Median 3 will host food trucks, live music and family activities. Browning told the council that vendor spaces were already at capacity for the March 16 opening.
To accommodate the event, Median 2 and the cross street between Medians 2 and 3 will be closed to vehicles on Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.
Planning Director Andrea Keefer said that unlike some of the larger events along the Avenue of Flags, the roadway will remain open during the market.
Buellton Mayor David Silva asked about parking impacts for nearby businesses during market hours. Keefer said she was not aware of any specific outreach, but explained that there are about 150 additional parking spaces along the Avenue of Flags independent of Median 2.
Silva requested that the city continue outreach to businesses along the avenue. Staff said they would explore reserving one or two spaces in front of each business so that customers still have a place to park during market hours.
Councilwoman Carla Mead asked whether dogs would be allowed at the market. Browning said dogs will not be permitted under Santa Barbara County Public Health Department rules and that signage will be posted to notify attendees.
She said Public Health also requires the market to secure additional restrooms and water. Browning said nearby businesses, including Olivera’s and the 76 station, agreed to help.
“Olivera’s is even letting us use his spigot of water,” Browning said.
Under the license agreement, the city will charge a base fee of $1 per year. Keefer said the city set a nominal fee because establishing a farmers market has been a long-term goal.
“To have a private operator come in and do so eliminates many of the logistical and staffing challenges we have faced when trying to get one started ourselves,” she said.