A proposed equestrian facility in the Santa Ynez Valley encountered an obstacle in the form of Santa Barbara County Planning Commission’s concerns about special events such as weddings, leading to a postponement Wednesday morning. 

Planning commissioners voted unanimously to delay a decision for the River Ranch LLC proposal by Gary and Lisa Novatt at 750 E. Highway 246, between Buellton and Solvang.

After some commissioners aired concerns about allowing special events such as weddings, the applicants’ representative, Brett Jones, agreed to limit those events to only those related to equestrian activities.

Rather than rushing to take action Wednesday, the panel put off a formal decision so they, and the public, could review the revisions.

“I think to do this right we still should have a continuance and alternative findings,” Third District Commissioner John Parke said. 

“I would urge that we give staff the time to do this correctly,” First District Commissioner C. Michael Cooney said, adding a delay “makes more sense.” 

The equestrian facility would provide boarding and breeding operations for up to 75 horses, as well as an equestrian event center for education, shows, clinics, and other special events up to 12 times per year. 

The 63-acre site south of Highway 246 historically has been home to retired horses and other livestock. 

New structures proposed include a 45,000-square-foot covered riding arena, a 4,200-square-foot reception hall with a 2,127-square-foot covered porch, an 800-square-foot agricultural employee dwelling, and six 2,880-square-foot horse barns.

The project would also include a new uncovered 150-foot diameter round pen, and an uncovered 150-foot by 200-foot riding arena, each surrounded by 5-foot tall steel pipe rail fencing. 

The site already has a single-family home, an employee dwelling, barns and shop so the new structures would add 69,407 square feet to the 13,799 square feet.

The proposal sought 12 events at the site with six allowing up to 250 people and six limited to 150 people each year.

Commissioners also raised traffic concerns since the traffic, including trucks pulling horse trailers, would use busy Highway 246. One requirement calls for widening the driveway to accommodate vehicles accessing the site. 

Parke said the project has been under the radar for the general public. Only one person spoke about the proposal, asking about lighting. 

He urged his fellow commissioners not to approve the proposal if weddings would be held there.

“I can tell you that equestrian facilities on AG-I is not a very controversial subject in the Third District,” Parke said. “Special events on AG-I properties is an incredibly explosive, controversial issue in the Third District.”

The request for a conditional use permit will return to the Planning Commission’s agenda for the Feb. 28 meeting.