A new development in Los Alamos will move forward, bringing a mixed-use building with commercial shops, housing and office space to an empty lot.

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on Wednesday approved an application to build the project in a 4-0 vote, allowing it to reach the next stage of the approval process.

The development, titled the Meyer Mixed-Use Project, will be a two-story structure spanning 15,953 square feet. The site is located at 580 Bell St. in Los Alamos.

The space will include cottages, an apartment, two short-term rental spaces, retail areas for small businesses, and a wellness studio.

Britt Meyer, the applicant, told the commission that she and her husband purchased the vacant space with the intent to develop it. Meyer was born in Santa Maria, like her mother, and was raised in Los Olivos.

She added that she and her husband, Ian Meyer, decided to move home during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to family.

“We couldn’t afford a home,” Meyer said, “but we bought this land and wanted to add to the community.”

The project was originally submitted to county staff in 2021 but was rejected after it was discovered that the measurements of the designs exceeded the proposed square footage. The applicants resubmitted the application later with changes to the size.

During public comment, Tim Seifert supported the project and said he had worked with the Meyers on the project, adding that he believed in their dream of supporting the community.

“I believe this design is a beautiful design and will be nothing but a boon to Los Alamos,” Seifert said.

During deliberations, Commissioner John Parke supported the project and said it would meet the needs of the community. He added that in local workshops, residents have asked for this kind of development.

Commissioner Roy Reed also supported the project and said he was happy to hear that it had been developed with former Planning Commissioner Dan Blough before his passing.

He added that he appreciated the time the Meyers had taken to develop the plan and consider the community.

“I think it (will) be a beautiful gateway into all the old town of Los Alamos,” Reed said. “I think it fully achieves, if not exceeds, the goals of the many who worked on the Bell Street and Los Alamos community plans.”