Buellton Grants Permit for Seasonal Monday Farmers Market on Avenue of Flags

The Buellton Planning Commission on December 4, 2025, unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit (Resolution 25-09) for a weekly Monday farmers market on the Avenue of Flags, clearing the way for the seasonal event to begin in 2026.

Because the market will operate on city-owned medians, a separate license agreement with the City Council is still required. Staff said the agreement is expected to go before the Council in January or February. 

Applicant Brenda Browning received a five-year permit to operate the market seasonally from March through October. The market is planned for Mondays from 2 to 6 p.m., with the primary Avenue of Flags travel lanes remaining open to traffic. 

During public comment, a local motel manager raised concerns that the market could block access to his property and disrupt business. Staff clarified that the main roadway will remain open and only Median 2 will be closed for vendor space, leaving nearby driveways accessible.

Commissioners expressed support for the proposal, calling it consistent with the Avenue of Flags Specific Plan and a way to boost local business activity and community events.

Staff noted that several additional permits must be obtained before the market can begin operations. The CUP includes an annual staff review, and if the market is successful, it may be expanded to a year-round schedule.

Any activities proposed for Median 3, such as food trucks or live entertainment, will require a separate special events permit that outlines how and when those additions could occur. 

Staff also outlined vendor requirements: all sellers must be certified and hold approvals from County Health and the County Agricultural Commissioner. Vendors must come from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Ventura counties.

The market is expected to open with about 13 vendors, filling all available 10-by-10 tent spaces on Median 2. Five spaces will be reserved for farmers, with the remainder going to other local producers.

Other planned vendors list include a meat seller, a baked-goods vendor, an empanada stand, and a jewelry maker.

The market will use the southern portion of Median 2, which will close on Mondays from noon to 8 p.m. for setup and teardown. The Avenue of Flags travel lanes will remain open throughout the event. 

Median 3, designed as a park-like space, could eventually host food trucks, live music, or other family-friendly activities if additional permits are approved. A small connector between Medians 2 and 3 may also be closed as part of a future special events request.