Buellton City Council
September 12, 2024

CITY OF BUELLTON

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting of September 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246
Buellton, California
Council meetings will be conducted in person and the public is welcome to attend.

Written comments will not be read aloud but can be sent to the City Council via email at [email protected] (please reference agenda item number/subject matter, and include your name and address). The public can observe Council meetings via City TV Live Stream at:
http://www.cityofbuellton.com/government/cityTV.php

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dave King

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL
Council Members, Hudson Hornick, Elysia Lewis, John Sanchez, Vice Mayor David Silva, and Mayor Dave King

REORDERING OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS Speaker Slip to be completed and turned in to the City Clerk prior to commencement of meeting. Any person may address the Council on any subject pertaining to City business, including all items on the agenda not listed as a Public Hearing, including the Consent Agenda and Closed Session. Limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. By law, no action may be taken at this meeting on matters raised during Public Comments not included on this agenda. Public Speakers using a translator are allotted a total of six (6) minutes to speak, unless simultaneous translation equipment is used.

CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
The following items are considered routine and non-controversial and are scheduled for consideration as a group. Any Council Member, the City Attorney, or the City Manager may request that an item be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda to allow for full discussion. Members of the Public may speak on Consent Agenda items during the Public Comment period.

1. Minutes of August 8, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting

2. List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Fiscal Year 2024/2025

City Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 September 12, 2024

3. Monthly Treasurer’s Report – July 31, 2024
 (Staff Contact: Finance Director Shannel Zamora)

4. Ordinance No. 24-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the Buellton Planning Commission” (Second Reading)
 (Staff Contact: City Manager Scott Wolfe)

5. Approval of Bond Reduction for Palm Community Development  (Staff Contact: Public Works Director Rose Hess)

6. Authorization for City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027)  (Staff Contact: Planning Director Andrea Keefer)

PRESENTATIONS

7. Proclamation Recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month

PUBLIC HEARINGS

COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/ITEMS

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Written communications are included in the agenda packets. Any Council Member, the City Manager or City Attorney may request that a written communication be read into the record.

COMMITTEE REPORTS This Agenda listing is the opportunity for Council Members to give verbal Committee Reports on any meetings recently held for which the Council Members are the City representatives thereto.

BUSINESS ITEMS (POSSIBLE ACTION)

8. Annual Report for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 from Visit Santa Ynez Valley
 (Staff Contact: Finance Director Shannel Zamora)

9. Consideration of Arts and Culture Project Applications:

A. Buellton Fall Festival 2024
B. Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Days
 (Staff Contact: Recreation Coordinator Allison Firey)

10. Status Update on Highway 246 Traffic Calming Measures  (Staff Contact: Public Works Director Rose Hess)

City Council Meeting Agenda Page 3 September 12, 2024

11. Resolution No. 24-25 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration (23-MND-01) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Willemsen Addition to River View Park Project Located southeasterly of River View Park, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 099-660-032, -033, -034, - 035, and 099-670-004, -005, and Making Related Findings Under the California Environmental Quality Act”  (Staff Contact: Planning Director Andrea Keefer)

12. Approval of Library Parking Lot Plans
 (Staff Contact: Public Works Director Rose Hess)

13. Discussion of Possible City Tree Planting Program
 (Staff Contact: City Manager Scott Wolfe)
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (POSSIBLE ACTION)

14. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Conference with Real Property Negotiator
Property: 140 West Highway 246, Buellton, CA (APN: 099-261-027) Agency Negotiator: Scott Wolfe, City Manager
Negotiating Party: United States Postal Service
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

15. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Conference with Real Property Negotiator
Property: 140 West Highway 246, Buellton, CA (APN: 099-261-027) Agency Negotiator: Scott Wolfe, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Postal Realty Trust, Inc.

Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the City Council will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 1

CITY OF BUELLTON

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of August 8, 2024
City Council Chambers, 140 West Highway 246
Buellton, California

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor King called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

Present: Council Members Hudson Hornick, Elysia Lewis, John Sanchez, Vice Mayor David Silva, and Mayor King
Staff: City Manager Scott Wolfe, City Attorney Greg Murphy, Public Works Director Rose Hess, Finance Director Shannel Zamora (Via Zoom), Planning Director Andrea Keefer (Via Zoom), and City Clerk Linda Reid

REORDERING OF AGENDA
None

PUBLIC COMMENTS
A.J. Tarman, Buellton, discussed various traffic concerns in Buellton and requested further speed controls throughout the City.

Chase Sanchez, Buellton, requested that streets and structures in the City be cleaned and restored.

CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Minutes of July 25, 2024 City Council Meeting

2. List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Fiscal Year 2024/2025

3. Monthly Treasurer’s Report – June 30, 2024

City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 August 8, 2024

4. Response to Grand Jury Report – Homeless Encampments in Santa Barbara County:

Becoming Part of the Community Again
MOTION:

Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Vice Mayor Silva, approving Consent Calendar Items 1 through 4 as listed.

VOTE:

Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis - Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Silva - Yes
Mayor King – Yes

PRESENTATIONS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS

5. Ordinance No. 24-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the Buellton Planning Commission” (Introduction and First Reading) Resolution No. 24-24 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Establishing General Jurisdiction and Functions of the Buellton Planning Commission”
RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 24-04, introduce the item for first reading and consider adoption of Resolution No. 24-24.

STAFF REPORT:

City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.

DOCUMENTS:

Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.

SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:

Mayor King opened the public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 24-04 at 6:28 p.m. There being no public comment, Mayor King closed the public hearing at 6:29 p.m.

City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 August 8, 2024
MOTION:

Motion by Council Member Lewis, seconded by Council Member Hornick, adopting Resolution No. 24-24 - “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Establishing General Jurisdiction and Functions of the Buellton Planning Commission”
VOTE:

Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis - Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Silva – Yes
Mayor King - Yes
MOTION:

Motion by Council Member Hornick, seconded by Council Member Lewis approving the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 24-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the Buellton Planning Commission” by title only and waive further reading.

VOTE:

Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis - Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Silva – Yes
Mayor King - Yes

COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/ITEMS
Council Member Sanchez questioned how a vacant Council seat would be filled if a new Mayor is elected to Council. City Attorney Murphy explained the process of potentially filling a vacant Council seat.

Council Member Hornick requested that the Planning Commissioners be given a pay increase. Council Member Hornick requested a future agenda item to discuss budget expenditures for capital improvement projects.

Vice Mayor Silva requested that staff look into increasing the amount of residential Beautification awards. Vice Mayor Silva requested and the Council agreed by consensus to have staff add additional trash cans outside of PAWS Park.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None

City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 August 8, 2024

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor King announced that he attended the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA)’s annual Board meeting in La Palma and provided an oral report for the record.

BUSINESS ITEMS

6. Further Discussion of Public Safety Radio Tower Facility at Fire Station 31 RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council provide the County its preferred style of tower for the antennas.

STAFF REPORT:

City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.

DOCUMENTS:

Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.

SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:

The City Council discussed where the Public Safety Radio Tower would be located, adding a water tower would be an interesting visual addition to the City, and how potential graffiti on the water tower could be mitigated.

DIRECTION:

The City Council agreed by consensus to request Santa Barbara County to choose the water tower style Public Safety Radio Tower adjacent to Station 31.

7. Discussion of Possible Development Incentives for Waypoint (Bowling Alley) Project RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council consider whether the City should investigate development incentives for the Waypoint Project, and direct staff as appropriate.

STAFF REPORT:

City Manager Wolfe presented the staff report.

SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:

The City Council discussed their support for offering development incentives for the Waypoint Project and working with Kosmont Companies to help craft the incentives.

DIRECTION:

The City Council agreed by consensus to direct staff to look into creating development incentives for the Waypoint Project.

City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 August 8, 2024

8. Discussion of Adding Accessible and Inclusive Playground Equipment to City Parks RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council discuss adding accessible and inclusive playgrounds or playground components and direct staff accordingly.

STAFF REPORT:

Public Works Director Hess presented the staff report.

SPEAKERS/DISCUSSION:

The City Council discussed adding new playground areas to the City’s Parks that include ADA playground equipment, seeking input from residents who have knowledge of appropriate ADA accessible equipment, and creating an ad-hoc committee to determine the best ADA playground equipment to be added to City Parks.

DIRECTION:

The City Council agreed by consensus to direct staff to work with residents who have knowledge of appropriate ADA accessible equipment to help determine the best ADA playground equipment to be added to City Parks.

9. Approval of Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant Agreement and Consulting Services Agreement with Move Santa Barbara
RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council approve staff’s recommendation regarding the OTS Grant Agreement and consulting services agreement with Move Santa Barbara, through a purchase order for implementation of the Grant Scope of Work in an amount not to exceed $66,661 and authorize the budget adjustment, adding the Santa Ynez Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Outreach Program to the City’s Public Works budget (001-558-60800) with a budget allocation of $66,661.

STAFF REPORT:

Public Works Director Hess presented the staff report.

DOCUMENTS:

Staff report with attachments as listed in the staff report.

MOTION:

Motion by Vice Mayor Silva, seconded by Council Member Hornick, directing staff to execute the OTS Grant Agreement and consulting services agreement with Move Santa Barbara, through a purchase order for implementation of the Grant Scope of Work in an amount not to exceed $66,661 and authorize a budget adjustment, adding the Santa Ynez Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Outreach Program to the City’s Public Works budget (001- 558-60800) with a budget allocation of $66,661.

City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6 August 8, 2024
VOTE:

Motion passed by a roll call vote of 5-0.

Council Member Hornick – Yes
Council Member Lewis - Yes
Council Member Sanchez – Yes
Vice Mayor Silva – Yes
Mayor King - Yes
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Wolfe provided an informational report for the record.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor King adjourned the regular meeting at 7:45 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. The regular City Council meeting of August 22 will be cancelled.
__________________________
Dave King
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Linda Reid
City Clerk

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 2

To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Shannel Zamora, Finance Director
Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: List of Claims to be Approved and Ratified for Payment to Date for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and Fiscal Year 2024/2025
______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND
Staff is required to submit a check register to the City Council for approval every Council meeting for the most recently completed check register (Attachment 1).

The check register for the period 07/27/2024 through 08/30/2024 has been prepared in accordance to Government Code section 37202 and Buellton Municipal Code section

3.08.070. The check register lists all vendor payments for the specified period above, along with claimant’s name, a brief description of the goods or service purchased, amount of demand, check number, check date and the account number(s) associated with each payment.

The total amount of checks and electronic fund transfers issued for the period of 07/27/2024 through 08/30/2024 was $2,432,686.15.

FISCAL IMPACT
Payments made to the various vendors were consistent with the approved City’s Budget for FY 2023/24 and FY2024/25. Cash is available for the payment disbursements of the above liabilities.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council review and accept the check register for the period 07/27/2024 through 08/30/2024.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Claims

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report

City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 3

To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council

From: Shannel Zamora, Finance Director

Meeting Date: September 12, 2024

Subject: Monthly Treasurer’s Report – July 31, 2024
______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND

California Government Code Section 53646(b)(3) provides mandatory investment reporting requirements for California public agencies. The attached Treasurer’s Report complies with the State’s reporting requirement.

On June 13, 2024, Council adopted the current Investment Policy per Resolution 24-18 which states the City Finance Director, as the investment officer, must submit monthly reports to City Council to demonstrate that sufficient cash flow liquidity is available to meet the succeeding month’s estimated expenditures.

This Treasurer’s Report is for July 31, 2024. Treasurer’s Reports are presented on a monthly basis.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact; this report is intended to show the City Council the financial performance of the City’s investment portfolio of idle funds.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receives and files the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending July 31, 2024.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Monthly Treasurer’s Report – July 31, 2024

[Type text]
A
City of Buellton
Monthly Treasurer’s Report
For the month ending in July 31, 2024
September 12, 2024
This report presents the City’s cash activity and investment portfolio as of July 31, 2024. The report includes:
1) Cash and investments at July 31, 2024 compared to the prior month;

2) A reconciliation of cash and investments to City ledger balances; 3) All investments managed by the City on its own behalf; 4) Beginning of year fund balance, revenues, expenditures and ending fund balance for each fund at July 31, 2024
The following schedule is a summary of the City’s cash and investments based on recorded value as of July 31, 2024 compared with the prior month.

June 30, 2024 July 31, 2024 $ Change
Cash - Pooled $ 6,502,369.89 $ 5,602,619.45 $ (899,750.44) Investments held by the City 17,605,421.99 17,766,229.92 $ 160,807.93 TOTAL CASH AND INVESTMENTS 24,107,791.88 $ $ 23,368,849.37 $ (738,942.51) Summary of activity for the Month and Future Liquidity: The majority of the difference in the recorded value for cash and investments held by the City from last month is mainly due to the disbursement for the Water Reroofing project, Willemsen House renovation, and July 2024 sheriff services offset with revenue from June 2024 transient occupancy tax (TOT) and May 2024 sales tax.

The value of investments also changed due to interest earnings on money market fund and Certificate of Deposits (CDs). The portfolio is sufficiently liquid to meet expected expenditures for the coming six months.

City of Buellton

M o n t h l y T r e a s u r e r ’ s R e p o r t
A s o f J u l y 3 1 , 2 0 2 4
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The following schedule is a reconciliation of Cash and Investments to City ledger:
19,620,067.53
3,242,564.40
(1,917,585.17)
7,846,451.88
(2,778,006.67)
11,626.91
43,397.62
759,224.11
439,124.76
10,566.12
756,154.83
443,099.03
526,883.06
-
-
(634,719.04)
-
28,368,849.37
5,591,853.34
5,544,102.80
10,766.11
2,966,598.81
9,255,528.31
23,368,849.37
999-21000 Wages Payable - -
23,368,849.37
23,368,849.37
23,368,849.37
Per Statements: 7/31/2024
Mechanics General Checking 6,415,994.38
Mechanics Money Market 5,544,102.80
Mechanics FSA 10,766.11
Local Agengcy Investment Fund (LAIF) 9,255,528.31
Multi-Bank Securities Bank 2,966,598.81
Total Cash Per Statement: 24,192,990.41
Claim on Cash vs Total (824,141.04)
Outstanding Items: (824,141.04)
Difference: 0.00
Bank Reconciliation - July 2024
City of Buellton, CA
For the Period Ending 7/31/2024
7/1/2024

BALANCE

CURRENT

ACTIVITY
7/31/2024
BALANCE ACCOUNT # ACCOUNT NAME
006-10000 Claim on Pooled Cash (1,917,585.17) -
020-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 7,680,750.37 165,701.51

CLAIM ON CASH
001-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 19,966,446.96 (346,379.43) 005-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 3,202,741.09 39,823.31
024-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 37,875.12 5,522.50
025-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 743,829.16 15,394.95
021-10000 Claim on Pooled Cash (2,778,006.67) -
023-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 11,484.40 142.51
031-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 719,194.79 36,960.04
032-10001 Claim On Pooled Cash 440,779.99 2,319.04
027-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 437,556.25 1,568.51
029-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 12,790.08 (2,223.96)
091-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash - -
092-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 25,809.99 (660,529.03)
075-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash 524,125.52 2,757.54
090-10000 Claim On Pooled Cash - -
999-10002 Pooled Cash - Money Market 5,521,140.90 22,961.90 999-10003 Pooled Cash - FSA 11,968.30 (1,202.19)
TOTAL CLAIM ON CASH 29,107,791.88 (738,942.51)

CASH IN BANK
Cash in Bank
999-10001 Pooled Cash - General Checking 6,490,401.59 (898,548.25) TOTAL: Cash in Bank 24,107,791.88 (738,942.51)
-
999-10004 Pooled Cash - Brokerage 2,932,017.50 34,581.31 999-10005 Pooled Cash - LAIF 9,152,263.59 103,264.72
TOTAL DUE TO OTHER FUNDS 24,107,791.88 (738,942.51)
TOTAL: Cash in Bank 24,107,791.88 (738,942.51)

DUE TO OTHER FUNDS
999-27000 Due To Other Funds 24,107,791.88 (738,942.51)

M o n t h l y T r e a s u r e r ’ s R e p o r t
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City of Buellton
Investment Summary
July 31, 2024
Currently, short-term excess cash is primarily invested in the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) administered by the State Treasurer. This is a high quality investment available in terms of safety, liquidity, and yield. Due to fluctuations in the marketplace, the City may have some investments with a current market value that is greater or less than the recorded value. This difference has no effect on investment yield as the City intends to hold the securities to maturity. However, generally accepted accounting principles require that market gains and losses be reported as interest earnings or losses at year-end.

Percent of
Portfolio Yield
Maturity
Term
(months) Maturity Date Par Value Market Value
Local Agency Investment Fund - LAIF 52.99% 4.55% n/a n/a $ 9,255,528.31 $ 9,255,528.31 Capital One Bank 0.57% 2.00% 60 8/21/2024 100,000.00 99,807.00 Security Identifier: 14042TCB1
Morgan Stanley Bank 0.57% 1.90% 60 1/23/2025 100,000.00 98,482.00 Security Identifier: 61760A6K0
State Bk India 1.15% 1.60% 60 4/29/2025 200,000.00 195,100.00 Security Identifier: 856285TF8
Sallie Mae Bank 0.69% 0.80% 60 7/1/2025 120,000.00 115,632.00 Security Identifier: 7954506Q3
Spokane Teachers Credit Union 1.03% 0.80% 60 4/15/2027 180,000.00 181,391.40 Security Identifier: 849061AG1
Third Fed Savings 1.40% 3.50% 60 6/28/2027 245,000.00 238,786.80 Security Identifier: 88413QDL9
Morgan Stanley Bank 0.60% 3.75% 60 6/28/2027 104,000.00 102,062.48 Security Identifier: 61773TFC2
Capital One Bank 1.40% 3.75% 60 9/30/2027 244,000.00 243,197.24 Security Identifier: 14042RURO
Hickam Federal Credit Union 0.57% 3.75% 48 1/31/2028 100,000.00 99,519.00 Security Identifier: 42869GAB2
Global Federal Credit Union 1.43% 4.60% 60 4/17/2028 249,000.00 251,390.40 Security Identifier: 37892MAC8
Optum Bk Draper Utah CTF Dep 0.92% 4.45% 60 12/22/2028 160,000.00 161,091.20 Security Identifier: 68405VBV0
First Foundation Bank 0.92% 4.60% 60 5/10/2029 160,000.00 101,415.00 Security Identifier: 68405VBV0
United States Treasury Bill 6.01% 5.11% 6 12/5/2024 1,049,000.00 1,055,086.86 Security Identifier: 912797LF2
Multi-Securities Bank - Cash in Holding 23,637.43
Money Market (Held with Mechanics Bank) 29.77% 4.70% n/a 5,200,000.00 5,544,102.80 Total City Investments 100.00% $ 17,466,528.31 $ 17,766,229.92 Average Yield: 3.32%
Average Maturity (months): 54.92
Certificates of Deposits (Held with Multi-Securities Bank) U.S. Treasury Securities (Held with Multi-Securities Bank)

M o n t h l y T r e a s u r e r ’ s R e p o r t
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The following is a fund balance schedule showing beginning fund balance at July 1, 2024 plus revenues minus expenditures for the period, resulting in ending fund balance at July 31, 2024.

Fund balance includes total assets and liabilities of the City.

As required by Government Code Section 53646 (b) (3), the chief financial officer for the City declares that there is sufficient funds to meet all obligations for the next six months.

Shannel Zamora
Shannel Zamora
Finance Director
Total Expenses July 31, 2024
Balance
536,145.12 1,386,259.87 14,660,940.19
109,753.70 137,140.91 2,900,119.95
006 - Wastewater Capital - - 219,987.21
020 - Water Fund 260,586.74 370,704.65 8,545,110.89
021 - Water Capital - - 282,389.51

93.41 - 500,245.89
5,360.58 - 43,185.28
15,806.82 4,677.50 757,186.34
027 - Local Transportation Fund 360.18 1,666.66 434,976.97 029 - Transportation Planning 7.13 - (102,515.77)
031 - Measure A 776.48 - 792,016.39
032 - American Relief Act Fund 434.71 - 28,173.36
075 - Trust & Agency Fund 516.91 - 24,256.01
090 - Long-Term Debt - - (2,944,392.98)
091 - General Fixed Assets - - 26,454,746.40
-
2,589,449.81 51,208,857.62
26,454,746.40
092 - Capital Improvement Proj Fund (698,567.80) 689,000.22 (1,387,568.02) 52,868,465.65 929,841.78
436,283.45
(102,522.90)
791,239.91
27,738.65
23,739.10
(2,944,392.98)
282,389.51
023 - Housing Fees 500,152.48
024 - Traffic Mitigation Fund 37,824.70
025 - Gas Tax Fund 746,057.02
001 - General Fund 15,511,054.94
005 - Sewer Fund 2,927,507.16
219,987.21
8,655,228.80
Fund Balance Report
City of Buellton, CA 7/31/2024
Fund July 1, 2024
Balance
Total Revenues

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 4

To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Scott Wolfe, City Manager
Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Ordinance No. 24-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the Buellton Planning Commission” (Second Reading)

BACKGROUND
On August 8, 2024, the City Council introduced and held the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-04, an ordinance amending various sections of Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Buellton Municipal Code, to further refine and define the general jurisdiction, functions, powers, and duties; and terms and establishes appointment procedures of the Planning Commission, and terms of service of City Boards and Commissions, generally. The proposed amendments are included in Ordinance No. 24-04.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council consider adoption of Ordinance No. 24-04 – “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Amending Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code Pertaining to the Buellton Planning Commission” by title only and waive further reading.

ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance No. 24-04

ORDINANCE NO. 24-04

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BUELLTON, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE

BUELLTON MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE

BUELLTON PLANNING COMMISSION

WHEREAS, Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code creates the Buellton Planning Commission; establishes its general jurisdiction, functions, powers, and duties; and terms and establishes appointment procedures and terms of City Boards and Commissions, generally; and WHEREAS, Buellton’s land use and zoning policies and regulations have evolved over more than 30 years since the City’s incorporation in 1992; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65102 authorizes the City Council to establish any rules, procedures, or standards for its planning commission that do not conflict with state or federal laws; and
WHEREAS the City Council desires to further refine and define the general jurisdiction, functions, powers, and duties; and terms and establishes appointment procedures of the Planning Commission, and terms of service of City Boards and Commissions, generally, to reflect the current needs of the City of Buellton.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED that the City Council of the City of Buellton:

SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council finds and determines as follows:

A. The purpose of this ordinance is to amend the Buellton Municipal Code Title 2 to further refine and define the general jurisdiction, functions, powers, and duties; and terms and establishes appointment procedures of the Planning Commission, and terms of service of City Boards and Commissions, generally.

B. On August 8, 2024, the Buellton City Council considered the staff report accompanying this Ordinance, the verbal staff report given at such Council meeting, as well as any comments from the public concerning this ordinance.

C. The City Council finds and determines that this ordinance is necessary to provide a Planning Commission which more accurately reflects and is more responsive to the Community, and which has more a better defined scope of the duties that they undertake.

SECTION 2. To provide a Planning Commission which more accurately reflects and is more responsive to the Community, Section 2.28.050 of Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Ordinance No. 24-04 Page 2 September 12, 2024

2.28.050 – Appointment. After following procedures of Government Code Section 54970, each Councilmember shall have the right to nominate a person (who need not reside within the Councilmember’s district) for one position on the Commission which nomination shall be approved and appointed by majority vote the City Council. Members may be removed by a majority of the City Council. The chairperson of the board or commission shall be selected by a majority of the membership of that board or commission.

SECTION 3. To provide a Planning Commission which more accurately reflects and is more responsive to the Community, Section 2.28.010 and Section 2.28.060 of Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as follows:

2.28.010 Commissions established.

A. The city council shall appoint, by majority vote of the city council, each commissioner who shall be a qualified elector of the city.

B. The city council may wish to establish by ordinance such other boards or commissions as it deems necessary.

2.28.060 – Term. The term of each board or commission member shall be two years, except as otherwise provided in this code. At the completion of any term, a board or commission member may be reappointed pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.28.050.
[NOT TO BE CODIFIED] Commissioners in office at this time of the adoption of this Section with terms which expire in 2026 may complete their terms. Until the vacation of those seats, the Councilmember for District 2 shall be assumed to have appointed the existing Commissioner whose last name comes first, alphabetically, and the Councilmember for District 3 shall be assumed to have appointed the remaining existing Commissioner.

SECTION 4. To provide a better defined scope of duties for the Planning Commission, Section 2.36.020 of Title 2 of the Buellton Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

2.36.020 – City Planning Commission – General jurisdiction and functions. The planning commission for the city, as created and described in Section 2.36.010 of this code shall perform all functions and take all actions designated in the Buellton Municipal Code, and shall have other such duties, and shall be bound by such rules, procedures, and standards as shall be established by resolution by the City Council.

SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the holding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, and the Council declares that it would have adopted each provision of this ordinance irrespective of the validity of any other provision.

Ordinance No. 24-04 Page 3 September 12, 2024
SECTION 6. The City Clerk is directed to certify this ordinance and cause it to be published in the manner required by law.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 12th day of September, 2024. _______________________________
Dave King
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Linda Reid
City Clerk

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 5
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Rose Hess, Public Works Director
Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Approval of Bond Reduction for Palm Community Development ______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND
In 2023, the first permit for construction was issued for the Palm Community Polo Village Multi-family Affordable Apartments Development Project (Buellton Polo Village Partners) located at 560 McMurray Road. The project consists of grading, storm drain, sewer, water and development of an affordable housing site. In addition, off-site improvements were required for improvements for McMurray Road frontage (pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, etc.)
As a condition of approval for the development of the site, improvement bonds associated with the development were posted with the City prior to construction.

The grading and onsite improvements and off-site improvements have progressed with certain portions complete. The developer has requested a reduction of the bond posted.

After review by staff and city inspectors, we have found that the City would be sufficiently protected if the improvement bonds are reduced to the following amount:

FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the reduction and release of bond for the Palm Community Polo Village Multifamily Affordable Apartments Development will not cause any fiscal impact to the City.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council authorize the reduction of Bond Number ES00014920 in the amount of $2,441,500 to $1,149,000 for the Development Improvements.

Bond No. Purpose of Bond Original Amount Proposed Amount ES00014920 Development Improvements $2,441,500 $1,149,000

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 6

To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Andrea Keefer, Planning Director
Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Authorization for City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027) _____________________________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND
Since 2007, the City of Buellton and the County of Santa Barbara have been in a Cooperative Agreement for participation in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in order to receive funds from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD). The 2007 Agreement was previously extended through Federal Fiscal Year 2024, via the 2016 CDBG Cooperation Agreement and 2018 amendment, which included reaffirmation of the auto-renewal process (Attachment 1 – 2016 Cooperation Agreement and 2018 First Amendment); and then most recently, through a Renewal Agreement, which was approved by City Council on July 11, 2024. The 2024 Renewal Agreement included a renewal for both the CDBG and HOME Consortium (Attachment 2 – 2024 Renewal Resolution). Both the HOME Consortium and CDBG Program are administered by the Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) of the County of Santa Barbara on behalf of member cities.

The County is required to submit the renewed agreements to HUD for their review and certification. Upon the submittal of the current renewal agreement for the CDBG program, HUD notified the County that changes to the agreement are necessary in order to receive certification. The changes, which have been approved by HUD and the County, provide clarification to align with current practices and compliance with HUD requirements. In summary, the changes include the following:
• Section 5 – add reference to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, which had been inadvertently omitted, and references to implementing regulations of several statutes.
• Section 11 – clarification of language to align with HUD requirements.

CDBG Agreement Page 2 September 12, 2024
• Section 14 – new language to affirm that the County rather than the City retains final responsibility for selection of CDBG activities, as required by HUD (this brings the agreement into line with longstanding practice, in which all funding allocations are subject to Board of Supervisors approval).
• Section 19 – clarification of language to align with HUD requirements.

The proposed Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement is included as Attachment 3, which reflects the changes as summarized above.

FISCAL IMPACT
No direct fiscal impacts are anticipated as a result of this item. However, approval of the amended agreement will enable the City to continue to be eligible to receive CDBG funding for projects for various activities directed towards revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, providing improved community facilities and services, and building affordable housing.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027).

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – 2016 Cooperation Agreement and 2018 First Amendment Attachment 2 – 2024 Renewal Resolution
Attachment 3 – Proposed Second Amendment to Cooperation Agreement

SECOND AMENDMENT

TO THE COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Between
County of Santa Barbara
and
City of Buellton

For Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban
County Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years
(2025-2027)

Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027), Second Amendment

Second Amendment
to the
Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027) This Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027) (“Amendment”) is made and entered into by and between the County of Santa Barbara, a political subdivision of the State of California (“COUNTY”), and the City of Buellton, a municipal corporation within COUNTY (“CITY”) with reference to the following:

Recitals
WHEREAS:

A. COUNTY and CITY are parties to that certain Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2016-2018) dated May 28, 2015, as amended by that certain First Amendment dated September 1, 2018 (as amended, the “COOPERATION AGREEMENT”); and
B. Section 2 Term and Automatic Renewal of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT contains the provision that the COOPERATION AGREEMENT automatically renews for each subsequent three-year term unless CITY provides written notice to COUNTY, in accordance with the dates and deadlines identified in the HUD CPD notices published annually for each CDBG qualification period, that CITY elects not to participate in a new qualification period; and C. In accordance with Section 2 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT, for the terms of 2019-2021, 2022-2024, and 2025-2027, CITY received notice from COUNTY of its right to be excluded from the Urban County prior to the start of the next threeyear term; and D. For the terms of 2019-2021, 2022-2024, and 2025-2027, CITY did not notify COUNTY of its desire to withdraw from the Urban County, thereby renewing its participation in the Urban County under the COOPERATION AGREEMENT; and

Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027), Second Amendment

E. Section 2 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT states, in part, “The Parties agree to adopt amendments to this Agreement incorporating any changes necessary to meet the requirements for cooperation agreements set forth in the Urban County Qualification Notice by HUD”; and
F. Section 2 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT further states, “COUNTY’s Chief Executive Officer is hereby authorized to amend the COOPERATION AGREEMENT on behalf of COUNTY to make administrative changes or to incorporate any changes necessary to meet HUD’s requirements for cooperation agreements or as requested by HUD to comply with statutory requirements; provided however, that such changes will not alter the intent of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT”; and
G. On August 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) advised the County of changes to the COOPERATION AGREEMENT which are required to meet the requirements for cooperation agreements set forth in Notice CPD 2024-2; and
H. COUNTY and CITY desire to amend the COOPERATION AGREEMENT to comply with HUD’s standards as set forth in Notice CPD 2024-2.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the provisions, covenants and conditions set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree to amend the COOPERATION AGREEMENT as follows:

1. COMPLIANCE WITH ACT AND REGULATIONS: Section 5 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT is hereby amended by replacing Section 5 to read in its entirety as follows:

COUNTY and CITY shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Urban County’s certification as specified under Section 104(b) of Title I of the Act, as amended, in undertaking all acts under this Agreement, and shall take all actions necessary to conduct and administer the CDBG program in conformity with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 1; Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act), the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 100, and the duty to affirmatively further fair housing; Section 109 of Title I of the Act and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 6, which incorporates Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 8, Title II of

Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027), Second Amendment

the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the implementing regulations at 28 CFR Part 35, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 146, and Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; and other applicable laws, including but not limited to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.

CITY agrees CDBG funding for activities in or in support of CITY are prohibited if CITY does not affirmatively further fair housing within its own jurisdiction or impedes COUNTY actions to comply with its fair housing certification.

2. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Section 11(d) of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT is hereby amended by replacing Section 11(d) to read in its entirety as follows:

Parties to this Agreement understand and agree that they may not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer all or any portion of CDBG funds to a Metropolitan City, Urban County, unit of general local government, or insular area that directly or indirectly receives CDBG funds in exchange for any funds, credits, or non-Federal considerations, but must use such funds for activities eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

3. CITY AWARD OF CDBG FUNDS: Section 14 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT is hereby amended by replacing Section 14 to read in its entirety as follows:

All other provisions of this Agreement notwithstanding, COUNTY retains final responsibility for selection of CDBG activities to be funded pursuant to this Agreement.

4. OTHER AGREEMENTS: Section 19 of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT is hereby amended by replacing Section 19 to read in its entirety as follows:

Pursuant to 24 CFR 570.501(b), CITY is subject to the same requirements applicable to subrecipients in the CDBG program, including the requirement set forth at 24 CFR 570.503 to execute a written subrecipient agreement prior to COUNTY disbursing any CDBG funds to CITY. In the event that CDBG funds are to be disbursed to CITY, COUNTY and CITY will first enter into a further written agreement that contains these minimum requirements.

Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027), Second Amendment

Said agreement shall remain in effect during any period that CITY has control over CDBG funds, including program income.

5. CERTIFICATION OF SIGNATORIES: Each of the signatories to this Amendment represents and warrants that such signatory is duly authorized to execute this Amendment, and that no additional signatures are required to bind such party to its terms and conditions, or to carry out any of such party’s duties or obligations hereunder. The parties hereto each represent and warrant that:
(a) This Amendment has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by such party and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of such party.
(b) There are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of such party, threatened against or affecting such party, at law or at equity or before any governmental authority that would impair such party's ability to perform its obligations under this Amendment. (c) The consummation of the transactions hereby contemplated and the performance of this Amendment will not result in any breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other contract or agreement to which CITY is a party or which is otherwise binding on CITY. CITY agrees that it shall provide to COUNTY, upon COUNTY’s request, evidence that the execution and delivery of this Amendment has been duly authorized by CITY.

6. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS: This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts, or as many of them as the parties shall preserve undestroyed, shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

7. NO OTHER MODIFICATIONS: Except as set forth in Sections 1 through 4, above, this Amendment shall not modify or change any of the provisions of the COOPERATION AGREEMENT, and the parties to the COOPERATION AGREEMENT are bound by its provisions, as amended herein.
[Signatures appear on the following page]

Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027), Second Amendment

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, COUNTY and CITY have executed this Second Amendment to the Cooperation Agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Buellton for Participation in the Santa Barbara Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Three Federal Fiscal Years (2025-2027) by their respective authorized officers as set forth below to be effective as of the first date fully executed by all of the parties hereto.

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA:

MONA MIYASATO

CLERK OF THE BOARD
By: ___________________________
Deputy Clerk
Date: ___________________________
CITY OF BUELLTON:

By: ___________________________
Scott Wolfe
City Manager
Date: ___________________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

RACHEL VAN MULLEM

COUNTY COUNSEL
By: ___________________________
Deputy County Counsel
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By: ___________________________
Greg Murphy
City Attorney

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report

City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 8
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council

From: Shannel Zamora, Finance Director

Meeting Date: September 12, 2024

Subject: Annual Report for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 from Visit Santa Ynez Valley
______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND

Attached is the 2023 annual report for the period beginning January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 from Visit Santa Ynez Valley (VisitSYV). This report is submitted to the City of Buellton in accordance with the fulfillment of the provisions of the Santa Ynez Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (SYVTBID). Shelby Sim, President and CEO of VisitSYV, will be present at the City Council meeting to present the annual report.

January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive and file the 2023 VisitSYV annual report.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – VisitSYV Annual Report for January 1, 2023-December 31, 2023 Attachment 2 – Visit Santa Ynez Valley Presentation Slides

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Annual report for 2023 of the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association (dba Visit the Santa Ynez Valley) – Submitted 6/5/24 VisitSYV is reporting activity for 2023. This report is submitted to the City of Solvang, the City of Buellton, and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors per the fulfillment of the provisions of the SYV TBID.

Financial
Beginning balance on January 1, 2023: $662,053
2023 Income
TBID Funding received 1/1/23 through 12/31/23: $1,172,178 Membership income: $47,875
County Grant: $6,942
Miscellaneous Revenue: $4,911
Other types of income: $63,271
Total Income received 2023: $1,295,177
Expenses
Advertising/Marketing: $771,515
Grants/Special Projects: $112,154
Travel & Conventions: $90,860
Personnel Costs: $289,896
Contract Services: $49,210
Facilities/Equipment: $8,869
Operations: $15,943
Other Types of Expenses: $6,793
Total expenses 2023: $1,345,240
Operating balance as of December 31, 2023: $611,990

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Membership
We receive TBID funding from 35 lodging properties and currently have 219 members that pay a basic membership fee of $250, a nonprofit fee of $125, and trade members where services are traded for membership such as wine, catering, photography. We held 2 networking receptions that were well attended throughout the year.

Annual Meeting
We held our annual meeting at Sunstone Winery on October 12, 2023 with over 100 Santa Ynez Valley residents, community leaders, media and VisitSYV members in attendance. After a welcome reception, Shelby Sim shared a presentation to recap 2022, a few highlights from 2023 to-date, and introduced our 2023 – 2024 term Board of Directors.

Winter Networking Reception and 2024 Destination Guide Launch On Thursday, December 7, 2023, we held a winter reception to network and debut our 2024 print Santa Ynez Valley Destination Guide at Brick Barn Wine Estate, with over 80 partners, community leaders and VisitSYV members in attendance.

Marketing (January 1, 2023– December 31, 2023)
Creative
VisitSYV introduced the Perfectly campaign to the world Spring 2023 and it’s performing admirably. It continues to share space with content-forward Facebook and native ads.

The new Perfectly campaign centers around the idea that everyone’s idea of the perfect getaway isn’t the same. Some people are happy to sip a glass of pinot by the pool while others would rather put down some miles on the nearest hiking trail. Sometimes both. But when you spend time in the Santa Ynez Valley, you’re sure to find your perfect escape. The perfect getaway does exist, and it’s Perfectly SYV.

Digital Key Takeaways
2023 year-over-year (YoY) web traffic was up 11.4%, with all channels seeing increases.

Annual clicks-to-book were up 28.7% over 2022.

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Google Search
*Search performance is still outperforming Travel & Hospitality performance benchmarks from Wordstream.

Benchmark CTR: 4.68%
Benchmark CPC: $1.53
Impressions: 620,964
Clicks: 34,062
CTR: 5.49%
CPC: $1.03
Paid Facebook - Out-of-state
CPC was 46.1% stronger than 2022 for this campaign, and CTR was 57.6% stronger.

Impressions: 910,186
Link Clicks: 15,977
CTR: 1.76%
CPC: $0.82

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Paid Facebook - In-state
*In-state performance was even stronger than out-of-state and remained relatively level with last year.

Impressions: 2,030,664
Link Clicks: 39,247
CTR: 1.93%
CPC: $0.58
Paid Facebook - Retargeting
*Retargeting CPC was down 12.1% from last year, and CTR improved 13.2%.

Impressions: 595,262
Link Clicks: 6,080
CTR: 1.02%
CPC: $1.88

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Programmatic - Native Display
*StackAdapt does see a higher CPC, but it has the strongest CPM and reaches the most people out of any of our channels, thus is a great brand awareness tool.

Impressions: 5,997,419
Link Clicks: 12,006
CTR: 0.20%
CPC: $2.12
CPM: $4.25
Programmatic - Display
Retargeting
This is a strong CPM for a
retargeting audience.

Impressions: 1,068,614
Link Clicks: 2,083
CTR: 0.20%
CPC: $3.56
CPM: $6.93

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Programmatic - CTV
*CTV still beats the cost of YouTube campaigns, which had a cost-per-view of ~$0.05.

Impressions: 493,835
Views: 306,455
View Rate: 70.9%
Cost per view: $0.03
CPM: $14.65

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Programmatic - StackAdapt Attribution/Geo-Conquesting Campaigns *Through a partnership with both StackAdapt, Adara, and PlacerIQ, we’re able to report on programmatic advertising attribution.
*Report Dates: July 1 to December 30
Media Costs: $35,839
Impressions Served: 6,504,524
Campaign Attribution Visits: 7,500
Campaign Unique Visits: 1,847
In-depth reports available here, which highlight performance by campaign, visits by location, origins market, by state, and demographic visitor insights.

To date, the Return On Ad Spend is 7.2 to 1.

Confirmed Flights Booked:
*55 confirmed flight bookings to Santa Barbara airport
*There were 32 flight bookings in December, and there had previously only been 23 total Confirmed Hotel Stays:
*32 confirmed hotel bookings
*2.22 average length of stay
*ADR for the period $215
*There were 10 hotel bookings in December
Confirmed Travelers:
*1,847 confirmed unique travelers
*7,500 travelers across all Points of Interest
*Avg. daily visitor spend $132 by number of visitors
Economic Impact:
*Destination Impact: $243,804
*Hotel Impact: $15,274
*Total Economic Impact: $259,078

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Public Relations
Editorial value for 2023 finished strong at $4,620,070, up 26% YOY and the highest year-end earned media value since tracking began in 2017.

PR efforts for 2023 focused on proactive outreach and media visit coordination, press releases, and content submissions.
• Total number of stories mentioning the Santa Ynez Valley in 2023 = 696 • Total circulation of editorial coverage for 2023 = 6.3b • Total value of public relations media coverage for 2023 = $4,620,070 *PR value is calculated by multiplying the advertising rate times the size of the story, and then doubling that number to reflect the added value of editorial coverage 2023 Press Releases & Content:
• SYV Holidays Press Release – Distributed Nov. 20
• Midweek Membership Club & Restaurant Weeks press release – early Jan. distribution • Visit California – California Poppy Awards PR Campaign Entry • Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley press release – distributed Aug. 9 • Beyond the Wine press release – distributed Sept. 8
• Fall media invitation – distributed Sept. 13
• Direct Flights press release – distributed May 1
• What’s New & Noteworthy blog post – April
• Canada Media Mission “Fantasy FAM” content – April
• ESTO Destiny Awards entry submission – submitted June 14 • Restaurant Weeks press release - distributed Jan. 4
• Midweek Membership Club press release - distributed Feb. 2 • What’s New press release - distributed Feb. 27
• Spring press release - drafted in March for April distribution • Visit California - IPW story ideas submission
• Visit California - Canadian Media Mission submission
• Sunset Travel Awards - draft submissions for peasants FEAST, Bar Le Cote, The Genevieve
2023 Media Visits:
• Michele McPhee, Los Angeles Magazine & Pasadena Magazine – Oct. 23-25 • Brenna Darling, National Geographic – Dec. 8-10
• Evan Kleinman, KCRW Good Food – Dec. 16-17

9 | P a g e
• Andrea Black, Escape Magazine – Aug. 27-28
• Sara Ventiera, Thrillist – April 19-21
• Tori Barr, SIP Magazine – June 24-27
• Sharon Boorstin, LA Times
• Justin Goldman, Hemispheres
• Danica Cadelina, Feb. 15-17
• Anders & Kaitlin, March 29-31
• Jesse Evans, March 29-31
Notable 2023 Media Coverage:
• 7x7 – Western Charm Meets Californian Refinement in Santa Ynez • Sunset – Travel to These 6 Stunning Spots to Get All The Fall Feels • Thrillist – Los Olivos is the Under-The-Radar Wine Town You Need to Visit • AARP – 8 Affordable Destinations for 2024
• Brides – The 25 Best U.S. Honeymoon Destinations
• Vogue – The Buzziest Wine Town in California’s Santa Ynez Valley • Michelin Guide – Our Inspectors’ Central Coast Tour
• LA Times – 13 Delightful Things to do in Solvang
• SIP Magazine – Tasting & Touring in the Santa Ynez Valley • The Independent – The Hipper, Cooler Alternative to Napa • California Live – Four Budget-Friendly CA Destinations • Travel + Leisure – America’s Best Small Food & Culture Town • Sunset Magazine – 2023 Sunset Travel Awards
• KTLA – Escape to Wine Country this Fall
• Nonstop Life (Allegiant Air in-flight) – Vineyards Revitalized • Westways Magazine (AAA) – 23 Great Getaways for 2023
• VinePair – The World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations for 2023 • Lonely Planet – 7 Wine Regions for a Perfect Weekend Getaway • Fodor’s Travel – Forget Sonoma! Head Here Instead
• Architectural Digest - 23 Places To Travel in 2023
• 7x7 - Welcome to Los Alamos, the tiny country town with a serious food scene • Conde Nast Traveler - Rugged Cool of California’s Santa Ynez Valley

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Website
Website Key Takeaways
Traffic
*We saw 302,000 website visitors in 2023, which was an 11.4% increase from 2023. *All of our top markets saw large year-over-year increases *Total users from digital campaigns were up 26.2% year-over-year. This was thanks to stronger CPCs on paid social campaigns.

Clicks to Book | Book Direct Booking Events
*Compared to 2022
Book Direct Searches: 12,237 booking searches (up 34.3% vs ‘22)
Book Your Stay Outbound Clicks: 6,611 (up 10.6% vs ‘22) Combined: up 28.7% vs ‘22
Visit Widget
VisitSYV continues to work with app developer, Visit Widget, to provide “Discover Santa Ynez Valley”, a website widget and mobile app which allows visitors to plan itineraries and map out their visit to the Santa Ynez Valley. In 2022, the widget was used by 5,485 travelers and the app was downloaded by 580 iPhone users and 67 android users. 2023 Santa Ynez Valley Destination Guide
VisitSYV worked with Griffin Publishing to create the 2023 destination guide, with over 95 pages covering the Santa Ynez Valley. 70,000 copies were printed, with distribution taking place via the Solvang Visitors Center, the Buellton Visitors Center, the Santa Barbara Visitors Center, Santa Barbara Airport, and direct mailings to 18,000+ homes in Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley, Laguna and Newport Beach. The guides are also distributed monthly to our hotels, museums, and popular restaurants and retailers.

What’s BookDirect?
Formerly known as JackRabbit Systems,
BookDirect is a booking widget that lives on
VisitSYV.com. This added feature allows visitors
to search rates, dates and hotel availability
directly on VisitSYV.com, while allowing our
hoteliers to secure the leads without paying
any additional agency fees.

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VisitSYV Promotions
Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks (January 16 - 31, 2023) is an annual VisitSYV promotion. Over the course of 10+ years, the promotion has developed a strong following, with
residents and drive market visitors treating the 2-week promotion as a major celebration. This year’s promotion featured 3 course menus for $30, $40 and $50 from 21
restaurants and two-for-one tastings and bottle discounts at 25 wineries.

We provided a full list of participating restaurants and tasting rooms on a branded landing page at DineSYV.com.

VisitSYV’s Restaurant Weeks advertising campaign reached consumers via paid Facebook, Instagram, and Meta
distribution, the Santa Ynez Valley Star, The Santa Barbara Independent, and printed poster and postcard distribution.

Restaurant Weeks presents an opportunity for increased
engagement and visitation for our website and acts as a great opportunity to showcase our members and show appreciation. Please see additional stats below.

DineSYV.com Stats
Total Pageviews for DineSYV.com: 27,357
Avg Time Spent on page: 00:06:47
Top Referral Sources:

Facebook: 9,242
Google: 8,212
Direct: 5,537
SolvangUSA: 1,422
Noozhawk: 417

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Paid Facebook - Restaurant Weeks
*This had the strongest CPC and CTR of any campaigns we have run.

Top Of Funnel
Impressions: 190,610
Link Clicks: 6,477
CTR: 3.40%
CPC: $0.09
Retargeting
Impressions: 6,008
Link Clicks: 270
CTR: 4.49%
CPC: $0.10
The Place to Be Midweek returned for its third year as a Q1 promotion. To entice visitors to stay midweek during the shoulder season, our Midweek Membership Club promotion puts a spotlight on the benefits of a midweek trip. The 2023 offering provided $100 Visa gift cards for guests to enjoy locally during their midweek stay.

Visitors simply had to book a minimum two-night stay at any one of our Santa Ynez Valley hotels, Sunday through Thursday, February 12 – April 6, to receive a $100 Visa gift card. All

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promotional details, rules, and regulations were featured on a branded landing page on the Visit the Santa Ynez Valley website: www.visitsyv.com/midweek/.

Digital channels did the heavy lifting as we promoted the campaign via paid Facebook, Instagram, and Meta distribution. Leveraging the equity of the existing “Place To Be” brand campaign, we incorporated our midweek message as an overarching theme across the creative elements. Retargeting ads, served to those who had clicked but not booked, introduced the exclusivity of the Midweek Membership Club.

Integrating public relations was a key element of this campaign as we asked our PR team to pitch the idea to media as well.

See below for sample ads and stats from the campaign.

Paid Facebook - Midweek Promotion
*91 people did a booking search on the midweek landing page. 48 directly from the Facebook campaign. The promotion resulted in 59 overnight stays and over $13,000 in direct bookings to Santa Ynez Valley hotels. This was a 20% increase in overnight stays YOY for the Midweek campaign.

Top Of Funnel
Impressions: 262,257
Link Clicks: 2,759
CTR: 1.05%
CPC: $0.47
Retargeting
Impressions: 253,997
Link Clicks: 2,803
CTR: 1.10%
CPC: $0.52

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Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley (TasteSYV), a multi-day, six town event returned, September 28 – October 1, 2023, with Sunset Magazine also returning as our presenting media sponsor.

Running over the course of four days, TasteSYV featured multi course dinners prepared by Santa Ynez Valley restaurant chefs in Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez and ended with a daytime tasting in Solvang and closeout dinner in Buellton at Hitching Post 2. Daytime events spanned all six of our Santa Ynez Valley towns, highlighting the food, wine, cultural, and outdoor offerings each of our unique communities has to offer. The goal was to provide a “taste” so that attendees would return to spend more time. A comprehensive marketing campaign and accompanying assets were developed. Total ticket revenue was $68,571 with 707 tickets sold.

See next page for metrics.

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Paid Facebook - Taste of the SYV Upper Funnel (Aug 9 to Sept 28) *Upper funnel performance was quite strong, and it also drove $3,569 in ticket sales.

Impressions: 335,975
Clicks: 6,063
CTR: 1.80%
CPC: $0.22
Purchases:12
ROAS: 2.7x
Paid Facebook - Taste of the SYV Retargeting (Aug 9 to Sept 28) *We were able to track purchases and return on ad spend (ROAS) this year, and it looked great at 10.3x. Retargeting drove $4,999 in ticket sales.

Impressions: 61,434
Clicks: 1,021
CTR: 1.66%
CPC: $0.47
Purchases: 21
ROAS: 10.3x

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Sunset Campaign | Project Tracker
*Sunset traffic saw an average session duration of 38 seconds, so it was the second strongest paid digital channel after paid search (in terms of quality of traffic). 8/21/23 Custom eBlast - Taste SYV
Total delivered: 64,735
Total opened: 30,660
Total open rate: 47.36%
Total Clicks: 2,057
All eNewsletters
Total delivered: 430,676
Total opened: 163,406
Total open rate: 40.7%
Total Clicks: 512

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Taste of the SYV Banner Performance
Impressions: 280,329
Clicks: 548
CTOR: 0.20%
Sunset Print 2/3 Page Vertical Aug/Sept Issue | Sunset Print West Essentials 1/6 Page Aug/Sept Issue
*Print ad In-Market: 7/25/23

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@VisitSYV Social Media Stats
• Facebook: 20,583 followers (3% YOY increase)
• Twitter: 4,186 followers
• Instagram: 15,739 followers (12.5% YOY increase)
Verdin Marketing
VisitSYV continues to work with Central Coast based marketing agency Verdin Marketing on our organic social media. Under VisitSYV’s guidance and marketing pillars, Verdin produces and schedules organic social content utilizing a combination of VisitSYV assets and user generated content.

Print Advertising
2023 California Visitors Guide & Central Coast Insert
VisitSYV partnered with the California Central Coast Tourism Council for an insert listing and a directory listing in the Official 2023 California Visitors Guide (500,000 copies printed).

Distribution takes place via newsstand copies, Visit California and Sunset events, direct mailings to qualified consumers, and targeted distribution via auto clubs, rental car agencies, visitor centers, and more. The co-op partnership allowed for both a featured listing in the insert, and a featured listing in the guide’s directory, doubling VisitSYV’s coverage within the guide.

Santa Barbara Independent Wine Week
VisitSYV worked closely with Santa Barbara Independent as the presenting sponsor for Santa Barbara Independent’s inaugural Wine Week, April 27th - May 3rd. For 7 days, participating wineries, restaurants and bars throughout Santa Barbara County offered $10 glasses of wine to encourage visitation and boost local business.

VisitSYV members received a 10% discount off their participation fees with 10 Santa Ynez Valley restaurants and wineries participating.

Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce Map
VisitSYV placed a 3.66" x5" ad in the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Visitors Map, with 15,000 copies distributed to visitors via Santa Ynez Valley hotels, Los Olivos kiosks, and Santa Barbara area hotels.

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California Road Trips Guide
An annual print publication produced by Visit California, VisitSYV purchased a listing as part of the Central Coast Tourism Council’s Co-Op within the guide. The print publication has a 1 million circulation through the following distribution points: Parent Magazine (200,000 – California, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Nevada, Washington; Travel + Leisure (75,000 – California, Phoenix/Scottsdale); Exposure on VisitCalifornia.com through Nxtbook Media digital edition which includes a link to VisitSYV.com; 400,000 direct to consumers, fulfillment upon request, at key destinations. Distribution locations include California Welcome Centers, CVBs and Visitor Centers.

Westways Magazine
VisitSYV partnered with Discover Buellton and the City of Solvang on a 2- page advertorial spread in the Discover insert of the Fall issue of Westways Magazine. The special issue targets 500,000 Westways reader households in Southern California with active and affluent travelers and consumers.

Central Coast Tourism Council Map
VisitSYV purchased the cover of the annual Central Coast Tourism Council (CCTC) map as well as a listing. 200,000 full color Central Coast Visitors Maps are published annually in partnership with Certified Folder Display and distributed at key points as well as digital exposure through CCTC's website, TheOriginalRoadTrip.com
Montecito Journal
VisitSYV purchased a single page ad in the summer issue, previewing Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley. The Montecito Journal is mailed to every home in Montecito (7,000 copies) and Hope Ranch (1,100 copies) and distributed to selected homes within Beverly Hills (2,341 homes), Hidden Hills (505 homes), Bel Air (731 homes), Pacific Palisades (884 homes), Malibu (999 homes), Brentwood (1,164 homes), Santa Barbara (2,306 homes), and Santa Ynez. Issues are also in-room at the Montecito Inn, Belmond El Encanto, Rosewood Miramar Beach, San Ysidro Ranch and available at other high-end hotels.

Santa Barbara Visitors Guide
VisitSYV renewed a 2-page advertorial spread in Visit Santa Barbara’s annual visitor magazine. 70,000 total copies of the Santa Barbara Visitors Magazine are printed and distributed to individuals/families with the propensity and means to travel. Distribution takes place via California Welcome Centers, Airports, Santa Barbara Visitor Centers, hotels, concierge desks,

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chamber offices, additional pedestrian-friendly locations and through inquiry fulfillment, trade and press.

Trade Shows
USA Travel Show
Shelby Sim attended the annual USA Travel show in Copenhagen, Denmark March 20 – 24, 2023. Shelby met one on one with Scandinavian journalists and spoke on a panel on what’s new in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley.

IPW
VisitSYV partnered with the Buellton Visitors Bureau for 3 days of intensive in-person travel buyer & media appointments at IPW in San Antonio, Texas, May 21 - 25th. IPW is the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the U.S. In just three days of pre-scheduled business appointments, thousands of delegates representing U.S. travel organizations from every region of the USA and international and domestic buyers and media from 70+ countries meet face-to-face to conduct future travel business to the USA.

Buyers & media received flash drives with Santa Ynez Valley lodging options, press releases, itineraries, story ideas and photography for their catalogues. Shelby Sim and Kathy Vreeland held over 30 appointments on the showroom floor while Shelby also took an additional 20 appointments in the media marketplace, meeting with travel journalists from around the globe.

This year's show provided multiple leads for Santa Ynez Valley hotels and local businesses.

Canada Trade Mission
Shelby Sim took part in a Visit California Trade mission in Ontario, Canada April 24 – 26th, 2023.

The mission was a 3-day press immersion trip with 30 journalists, media, and tour operators.

California Cup
Shelby Sim attended the annual 4-day California Cup in Huntington Beach, California April 17 – 20th, where he met and established relationships with international tour operators from Europe, Asia, and Australia.

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Onsite Activations
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
VisitSYV was a proud on-screen sponsor at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, February 8 – 18, 2023. Our full screen ad was played before over 300 screenings during the festival. Our goal was to increase VisitSYV’s presence within Santa Barbara County and inspire the 90,000 festival attendees from around the globe to spend a few days with us here in the SYV.

Staff, Board and Member Development
Education
Visit California Travel Outlook
Shelby Sim attended the Visit California Travel Outlook in Sacramento March 7 – 9, 2023.

Shelby was able to network with Visit California’s international representatives and foster both new and existing relationships, while learning about current travel trends and strategies.

Destinations International
VisitSYV President & CEO, Shelby Sim, attended Destinations International, July 18 – 20, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. Tourism and destination marketers from almost a dozen countries attended the in-person event to discuss tourism trends and the latest technology.

ESTO
VisitSYV President & CEO, Shelby Sim and Vice President of Marketing, Danielle Laudon Ruse, attended ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations), August 20 – 22, 2023 in Savannah, Georgia. The 3-day tourism conference is the premier annual learning and knowledge-sharing forum produced by the U.S. Travel Association for destination marketing organizations.

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Grants and Special Projects
The purpose of our grants program continues to be to assist with publicity and outreach for valley events which encourage overnight stays. Primary consideration goes to events which occur mid-week (Sunday to Thursday) and/or in off-season. Special projects include charitable donations and community improvement.

These funds in 2023 were awarded to the following:
• Santa Barbara International Film Festival: $10,000
• California Missions Foundation Retrofit Project for Mission Santa Ines: $5,000 • World of Pinot Noir: $1,500
• Buellton Wine & Chili Festival by Discover Buellton glass sponsorship: $4,000 • Garagiste Festival: $3,250
• Santa Ynez Chamber Infrastructure Grant: $2,000
• Women Winemakers International Celebration to benefit The Rainbow House: $1,000 • Solvang Theaterfest Spring & Summer Concert Series: $10,000 • Elverhoj Museum – Solstice Benefit: $3,000
• Old Mission Santa Ines – Gladden the heart fundraiser: $2,000 • Los Olivos Rotary – Los Olivos Jazz and Olive festival: $3,000 • SYV Pride – Pride Festival: $2,000
• Madi’s Treasure Box – SYV Juneteenth: $4,000
• Santa Ynez Chamber – Old Santa Ynez Days: $3,500
• SYV Western Heritage – Rodeo during Old Santa Ynez Days: $500 • SYV Rotary – 4
th of July Fireworks: $4,000
• Solvang Chamber – Music in the Park Series: $1,500
• Solvang School for the Arts: $750
• Los Alamos Theater Group – Local Los Alamos Charities: $500 • Santa Barbara Vintners – Behind the Scenes Event: $4,000 • Santa Rita Hills Wine Alliance – Yearlong Program Sponsorship: $1,500 • IRL Arts Foundation – Los Alamos Flea Fundraiser: $1,000 • St Mark’s Summer Classic Fundraiser: $1,250
• Elverhoj Museum – Solstice Fundraiser: $500
• SYV People Helping People – Hispanic Heritage Celebration: $3,000

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• SYV Community Outreach – Cars N’ Cowboy: $500
• Viking Charities – First Annual Classic Car Show: $1,000 • Solvang Chamber of Commerce – State of the City: $2,500 • Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club – Old Days: $275
• One Mind Institute – Alma Rosa Mental Health Walk: $875 • Mental Wellness Center – Alma Rosa Mental Health Walk: $875 • Solvang Festival Theater – Fall Season Presenting Sponsor: $4,000 • SB Vintners Association – Annual Vintners Festival: $4,000 • St. Mark’s in the Valley – Fundraiser Supporting Los Olivos Restrooms: $2,500 • North County Econ Alliance – Golf Tournament Fundraiser: $600 • Solvang – Alisal Windmill Annual Christmas Lighting: $5,691 • Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce – Christmas Tree Lighting: $300 • City of Solvang – Julefest: $3,500
• En Fuego Events – Buellton Fall Fest: $2,000
• Los Alamos Theater Group – theater renovations: $2,000 • Friends of the Los Alamos Library – fundraiser: $200
• Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden – Holiday Lights Festival: $2,500 • Solvang Festival Theater – Annual Campaign Pledge: $1,000 For a total of $107,066
California Hotel & Lodging Association
VisitSYV renewed its annual contract with CH&LA, the California Hotel and Lodging Association.

VisitSYV provides each of our hotel members with a CH&LA Membership. CH&LA provides our members with legislative advocacy, educational training, communication, and cost-saving programs. They also support strategic alliances to promote the value of California travel and tourism.

Collaborations with Santa Barbara County DMOs and other organizations VisitSYV collaborates actively with other county destination marketing organizations, City of Solvang, Buellton Visitor Bureau, the Santa Barbara Vintners Association, the Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez Chambers as well as the Los Alamos Business Association, the Chumash Foundation, Visit Santa Barbara, Go Goleta, Explore Lompoc, Santa Maria Valley, and the Santa Barbra County Association of Governments.

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Public comment
Members of the board and the President continue to be called upon to make written and/or verbal public comment on several hotel and tourism related issues. Each question is raised on a board agenda and voted upon by the board or authorized by the Chairman before comment is made. Hearings and correspondence as needed by President Shelby Sim, and, when needed, Linda Johansen, Chairman.

Organization
Kimberly Walker (Skyview Motel) stepped down in January due to a busy schedule. She was replaced by Dave Elcon, General Manager of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Dave Moser (Sunstone) stepped down in February because he moved to Los Angeles. He was replaced by Michael Brughelli, Winemaker at Folded Hills Winery.

The board meets monthly, normally on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at Alisal Ranch in Solvang. The board consists of nine individuals, seven of whom are from the hotel industry and the other two are an at-large representation of the membership base.

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Staff & Board of Directors
President & CEO - Shelby Sim
Vice President of Marketing - Danielle Laudon Ruse
Website & Membership Administrator – Brenda Ball
The board members are:

Chairperson – Linda Johansen, Owner, Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, Buellton Vice Chairperson – Jonathan Rosenson, Owner, Mirabelle Inn, Solvang Secretary – Stormie Strickland, Director of Sales, Hotel Corque, Solvang Treasurer – Jim Flagg, Owner, Hampton Inn & Suites, Buellton Kathleen Cochran, General Manager, Alisal Ranch, Solvang Greer Shull, Director of Marketing, Fess Parker Wine County Inn, Los Olivos Dave Elcon, General Manager, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Los Olivos Michael Brughelli, Winemaker, Folded Hills Winery, Buellton Will Henry, Owner, PICO Restaurant, Los Alamos
Respectfully submitted by:

Shelby Sim, President & CEO
Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association, dba Visit the Santa Ynez Valley [email protected]
PO Box 633, Solvang, CA 93464
www.visitsyv.com, 805-451-6038
Please see next two pages for 2023 (actual) and 2024 budget information

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2023 Budget Information Actual
2023 ACTUAL COSTS
2023 Actual-Income
TBID Funding $ 1,172,178.00
County Marketing Grant $ 6,942.00
Membership $ 47,875.00
Misc revenue $ 4,911.00
Other types of income $ 63,271.00
$ 1,295,177.00
2021 Actual-Expenses
Advertising/Marketing $ 771,515.00
Grants/Special Projects $ 112,154.00
Travel & Conventions $ 90,860.00
Personnel Costs $ 289,896.00
Contract Services $ 49,210.00
Facilities/Equipment $ 8,869.00
Operations $ 15,943.00
Other Expense $ 6,793.00
$ 1,345,240.00
$1,172,178.00
$6,942.00
$47,875.00 $4,911.00
$63,271.00
2023 ACTUAL - INCOME
TBID Funding
County Marketing Grant
Membership
Misc revenue
Other types of income
$771,515.00
$112,154.00
$90,860.00
$289,896.00
$49,210.00
$8,869.00
$15,943.00 $6,793.00
2023 ACTUAL - EXPENSES
Advertising/Marketing
Grants/Special Projects
Travel & Conventions
Personnel Costs
Contract Services
Facilities/Equipment
Operations
Other Expense

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2024 Budget
2024 Budget-Income
TBID Funding $ 1,400,000.00
Money Market Reserve Account $ 475,000.00
County Marketing Grant $ 6,942.00
Membership $ 15,000.00
Advertising $ 15,000.00
$ 1,911,942.00
2024 Budget-Expenses
Advertising/Marketing $ 1,264,376.00
Special Projects/Promotions $ 64,000.00
Travel & Meetings $ 129,000.00
Personnel Costs $ 350,000.00
Contract Services $ 51,800.00
Facilities/Equipment $ 13,200.00
Operations $ 12,500.00
Other types of expenses $ 9,097.00
$ 1,893,973.00
$1,400,000.00
$475,000.00
$6,942.00
$15,000.00 $15,000.00
2024 BUDGET - INCOME
TBID Funding
Money Market Reserve
Account
County Marketing Grant
Membership
Advertising
$1,264,376.00
$64,000.00
$129,000.00
$350,000.00
$51,800.00
$13,200.00
$12,500.00 $9,097.00
2024 BUDGET - EXPENSES
Advertising/Marketing
Special Projects/Promotions
Travel & Meetings
Personnel Costs
Contract Services
Facilities/Equipment
Operations
Other types of expenses

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 9
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Allison Firey, Recreation Coordinator
Meeting date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Consideration of Arts and Culture Project Applications:

A. Buellton Fall Festival 2024
B. Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Days
______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND
A. Buellton Fall Festival 2024
The Buellton Fall Festival is a free, family friendly, 3-day event that began in 2021 and features live music, food vendors, artisan booths and carnival rides. The festival had its largest turnout to date in 2023, with over 19,000 guests. Admission is always free to the event, with rides and food and available for an extra fee. The Buellton community has really taken pride in and embraced this event, and they have also seen an increatse in out of town visitors. En Fuego Events works directly with the Buellton Chamber of Commerce as their official non-profit partner for this event.

En Fuego events requested $20-$25,000 from the Arts and Culture Committee to help cover the expenses of the live music. The Committee decided to recommend an amount of $8,000 to the City Council. This amount would cover the cost of the headlining bands on Saturday and Sunday night of the festival ($6,500 for the Mad Caddies and $1,500 for the Mariachi band. En Fuego events has promised that the Arts and Culture Committee’s logo will be included in all advertising for the event, and that the Committee may do a brief introduction before the bands play each night to gain exposure for the Arts and Culture grants.

The Arts & Culture Committee discussed the Project at length and recommended approval to the City Council. The full proposal is attached to this report as Attachment 1.

B. Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Days
The SYV Children’s Museum provides opportunities for children and their families to learn while playing outdoors. Children learn important life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork and resilience through play. We live in a beautiful valley with rich natural and cultural heritage and their goal is to make nature- based play accessible to all families.

Arts & Culture Projects Page 2 September 12, 2024

The Museum has held two successful pop-up programs that brought the wonders of nature and art to families in the valley in 2021 and 2023. The participation at each event has been impressive and has continued to grow.

The SYV Childrens’ Museum is hosting a Discovery Day on November 11, 2024. This event will be free to all families, and children will cast mosaic stepping stones for children to take home home as well as larger tiles to install permenantly at the Museum site in their Fairy land exhibit. They requested $7,000 for this project. After discussing the proposal, the Arts and Culture Committee has decided to recommend $5,000 toward this project. That funding would go toward the following materials: Adhesive, caulking, ceramic figures, containers, embellishments and jewels, grout, grout dye, cleaning supplies, handwashing supplies, hot glue refills, mosaic bases, mosaic tiles, paper goods, plastic bins for water, sponges, stepping stone casts, and storage bins.

The Arts & Culture Committee discussed the Project at length and recommended approval to the City Council. The full proposal is attached to this report as Attachment 2.

Both of these events will need to document their expenditures and provide receipts to justify the expenditure of City Arts and Culture funds. Unspent (or undocumented) funds must be returned to the City.

FISCAL IMPACT
The grant request for the Buellton Fall Fest 2024 is $8,000 and the request for the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Days is $5,000. The FY 2024/2025 budget has $145,468 remaining.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council consider:

A. Approval of $8,000 to fund the headlining bands for the Buellton Fall Fest 2024.

B. Approval of $5,000 to fund the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Days.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - En Fuego Events’ Buellton Fall Festival Proposal Attachment 2 - SYV Children’s Museum Discovery Days Proposal

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
DATE:

NAME OF PROJECT:

PROJECT DATE(S):

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:

KEY ORGANIZER:

CONTACT INFORMATION:

TYPE OF PROGRAM: [ ] ARTS PROGRAM [ ] CULTURE PROGRAM [ ] BOTH TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET:

AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUESTED:

HAS APPLICANT RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAM PERVIOUSLY? IF SO, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME?

YESX NO YEAR:

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE CITY OF BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM:

IF APPLICANT DOES NOT RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUESTED, WILL THE PROPOSED PROJECT STILL MOVE FORWARD:

YES NO
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT — Include goals, objectives, key organizer’s vitae / relevant previous experience, and a list of other project partners/collaborators:

Buellton Fall Festival 2024
Buellton Chamber of Commerce / En Fuego Events
En Fuego Events
Andres Nuno (805) 448-7070 / [email protected]
4/9/24
We were lucky enough to be able to receive $20,000 from the Arts & Culture Application in 2022, X
X
$140,000
$20,000 - $25,000
November 8th-10, 2024
2022-2023
as well as $10,000 in 2023. We are hoping to get back to $20,000 for 2024. With the amount of bands we are hiring, our entertainment budget is extremely high.

The Buellton Fall Festival is a free, family-friendly, 3 day event that began in 2021. The Fall Fest is focused on allowing guests of all ages to have a great time. We have a little bit of everything for everyone. We had our largest turnout in 2023, with over 19,000 guests! The community has really taken pride in this event being in Buellton and we are also starting to see an increase in out of town visitors! We work directly with the Buellton Chamber of Commerce as our official non profit partner and will begin promoting the event earlier this year to encourage guests to stay the weekend. Our goal will continue to be to make the community proud of this event and bring guests in from outside the area.

We have created an event that is "Fun for the Whole Family” and it will always be a free admission event.

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
PROJECT BUDGET DETAIL:

PROJECT FUNDING (list anticipated funding sources and amounts) — must equal Total Project Budget SOURCE OF REVENUE AMOUNT

TOTAL $
PROJECT EXPENSES (promotional materials; space rental; artist honoraria; advertising; etc.) — must equal Total Project Budget
EXPENSE CATEGORY AMOUNT
TOTAL $
Local Sponsorships - Goal is $10,000 in 2024
Reggae Bands - $5,000
Rock / Country Western - $5,000
Addl' Headliners - $10,000
Mad Caddies Headlining - $6,500
Banda / Mariachi - $1,500
Other music styles: $2,500
35,000
Stage and Sound - $19,000
$49,500
Arts and Culture Grant - $20,000 - $25,000

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO SUBMIT:

Completed application
If art, craft or other objets d’arte are to be exhibited or otherwise displayed, either links to artists/artisans websites, 4-6 digitized images (minimum 300dpi).

If music, dance or other types of performance work is to be presented, either links to the artists’ websites or digitized video of their work.

If your project or event will be held on public property (streets, sidewalks, parks), submit a completed Special Event Permit Application.

If your project or event includes temporary sales and the like on private property, submit a completed Temporary Use Permit Application. Consult the Quick Reference Guide for links to the application form and general information.

If your project will be held on Buellton Union School District property (including the Buellton Rec Center), submit written permission from the District Superintendent.

If your project will be held on private property, submit written permission from the property owner.

X
X
X

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
Date: 7/11/2024
NAME OF PROJECT: Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Day 2024 PROJECT DATE(S): November 11, 2024
SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum KEY ORGANIZER: Ashley Jenkins
CONTACT INFORMATION: [email protected]
TYPE OF PROGRAM: [] ARTS PROGRAM [] CULTURE PROGRAM [✅] BOTH TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET: $7,000
AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUESTED: $7,000

HAS APPLICANT RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAM PREVIOUSLY? IF SO, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME?
YES NO YEAR: 2022

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE CITY OF BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM:

Through Kyle Abello at Buellton Recreation

IF APPLICANT DOES NOT RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUESTED, WILL THE PROPOSED PROJECT STILL MOVE FORWARD:

YES NO
However, lack of funding would mean charging participants and significantly scaling back the project. Full funding will dramatically increase community impact and involvement, providing programming for lower income families who would not be able to attend a paid event.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT - Include goals, objectives, key organizer's vitae / relevant previous experience, and a list of other project partners/collaborators:

The SYV Children’s Museum provides opportunities for children and their families to learn while playing outdoors. Children learn important life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork and resilience through play. We live in a beautiful valley with rich natural and cultural heritage and our goal is to make nature based play accessible to all families.

In 2021 and 2023, the Museum held two successful series of pop-up programs that brought the wonders of nature and art to families in the valley. Children met at the SYV Botanic Garden and the Museum site to make projects such as adobe bricks, fairy doors, giant bubbles, and big painting. The participation at each event has been impressive and continued to grow. In 2021, over 600 people attended the series of six events. In 2023, over a 100 participants came to each of the three events, serving over 300 people. Our community came out in droves for outdoor play and we are happy to fill this clear need for the families of Buellton.

For the Fall of 2024 we will be holding a Discovery Day event free to all families on our site. We will cast mosaic stepping stones for children to take home as well as larger tiles to install permanently at the Museum site in our Fairy Land exhibit. This project was a huge success in 2023, with over 100 participants coming to decorate stepping stones with jewels, colorful tiles, and other interesting objects. Funding from the Buellton Arts and Culture Council will allow us to serve a larger audience and keep this event free for all children and families in our community.

Key Organizer’s vitae / relevant previous experience
Ashley Jenkins
- Director of UCSD Challenge Course, Alisal Ropes Course, and Boys and Girls Club Camp
-Whittier Arts and Ropes course Programs
-25 years as an outdoor educator for multiple age groups Amber Ortiz
- 5 years experience managing a diverse array of programs at local wineries and farms.

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT - Include goals, objectives, key organizer's vitae / relevant previous experience, and a list of other project partners/collaborators:

Project partners and collaborators
City of Buellton- site and utilities
Buellton Parks and Rec- Support and partnerships
SYV Avid program- teen volunteers
Youth Empowered - teen volunteers
Oak Valley Elementary School - teacher and student participants and volunteers Jonata and SYVHS- teen art interns and volunteers
Community Clayworks- donation of materials
Buellton Library- Supporting us with a selection of themed books that we will have on-site during the events, so children can dive deeper into what they are learning about on-site.

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
PROJECT BUDGET DETAIL: Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum Discovery Day 2024
PROJECT FUNDING (list anticipated funding sources and amounts) - must equal Total Project Budget

SOURCE OF REVENUE AMOUNT
BACC Grant $7,000
_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Total $7,000
PROJECT EXPENSES (promotional materials; space rental; artist honoraria; advertising; etc.) - must equal Total Project Budget

EXPENSE CATEGORY AMOUNT
Materials $7,000
Labor Volunteer
_____________________________________________________ ________ _____________________________________________________ ________ _____________________________________________________ ________ _____________________________________________________ ________ _____________________________________________________ ________ TOTAL $7,000

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE

PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM
CHECKLIST OF ITEMS TO SUBMIT:

Completed application
If art, craft or other objets d'arte are to be exhibited or otherwise displayed, either links to artists/artisans websites, 4-6 digitized images (minimum 300dpi).

If music, dance or other types of performance work is to be presented, either links to the artists' websites or digitized video of their work.

If your project or event will be held on public property (streets, sidewalks, parks), submit a completed Special Event Permit Application.

If your project or event includes temporary sales and the like on private property, submit a completed Temporary Use Permit Application. Consult the Quick Reference Guide for links to the application form and general information.

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Completed Project Funding Request Forms can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Allison Firey, c/o Buellton Recreation Center, 301 2nd Street, Suite A, Buellton, CA 93427.

It is recommended that applicants apply for funding at least 45 days prior to your project's start date to allow for application review, final City Council funding determination, securing necessary Special Event or Temporary Use permits (if necessary), as well as adequately promote your project.

REQUIREMENTS:

Project Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Project must take place within Buellton City limits, or at least a substantial portion.

Projects that are visual art and/or craft shows must contain only original and handmade objets d'arte and include digital examples in the application.

Projects that are music, dance or other types of performances must include digital examples in the application.

Projects that will be located on private property must include confirmation from the site owner and may be required to complete a Temporary Use Permit Application.

Projects that will be located on public property (streets, sidewalks, parks) and/or cause a significant impact on the community may be required to complete a Special Event Permit Application.

Project Applicant is responsible for all promotion, which must include the tagline: "This event is sponsored in part through generous support from the City of Buellton Arts and Culture Program."
REVIEW/FUNDING TIMELINE:

The Arts & Culture Committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month to review Project Funding Requests.

Projects that are recommended for funding are sent to the Buellton City Council Committee, please contact Allison Firey by email at [email protected] or call the Buellton Rec Center at (805) 688-1086.

2023 Discovery Days
Mosaic Tiles - Fairy doors - Painting
Over 350 participants joined us!

Mosaic Tiles

BUELLTON ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE
PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST FORM — BUDGET
Discovery Days 2025
TOTAL $7,000
Mosaics
Administration $850
Marketing $400
Bathroom rental $300
Adhesive $150
Caulking $200
Ceramic Figurines $325
Containers $125
Embelishments and Jewels $350
Grout $500
Grout Dye $150
cleaning supplies $250
Handwashing Supplies $100
Hot Glue Refills $150
Mosaic Bases $400
Mosaic Tiles $500
Paper goods $200
Photographer/Videographer $500
Plastic Bins for water $50
Printing $250
Sponges $100
Stepping stone Casts $400
Storage Bins $300
Supply pickup/ transportation $300
Volunteer Supplies $150

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 10
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Rose Hess, Public Works Director
Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Status Update on Highway 246 Traffic Calming Measures ______________________________________________________________________________

BACKGROUND
The concern and desire for traffic calming for westbound traffic on Highway 246 has been a long-time concern for the staff, City Council and community. Over the years, various measures have been implemented in an attempt to make this travel way, safer for pedestrians and cyclists from the fast and furious motorists entering and leaving the city on Highway 246. The following are some of the items that have already been implemented:
*wide sidewalks with large landscaped buffers
*bike lane installation
*speed radar feedback installation
*crosswalk installation/with pedestrian activated flashing beacons *Sheriff Department enforcement

Unfortunately, we are still experiencing high speeds from motorists. While the City continues to work with the Sheriff Department and CHP for enforcement of this area, the City has taken on additional measure. At this time, other options for traffic calming is necessary, such as modification of lane/shoulder/median widths and other measures.

In February 2024, the City Council authorized a contract amendment with KOA Traffic Consultants to complete concept plans and supporting studies and coordinate with Caltrans directly to provide “Caltrans vetted” traffic calming design for the west end of Highway 246. Council has provided direction as to their and the community’s goals and objectives for the improvements. Using this as the guiding principal, the collaboration and iterative process has commenced between the City/Consultants and Caltrans. Once Caltrans has provided a “vetting” of the concept design, the City can move forward with the next phase of actual design of the improvements and formally submit an application package through Caltrans’ encroachment permit process. Upon Caltrans’ approval of the City’s encroachment permit, the City can proceed with implementation and construction of improvements.

West Hwy 246 Status Update Page 2 September 12, 2024
Currently, we are still in the initial collaboration process. But it is anticipated that another round of discussion/review will occur in the next month. It is important to recognize that this is an iterative process that involves more than simply drawing up plans, counting cars, and measuring the speed of traffic. Any project involving Caltransright-of-way will require considerable study and documentation, and the process almost always takes longer than anyone anticipates. However, the process currently under way will result in a much shorter time frame and a much less expensive process than would be obtained by simply preparing plans to reflect the City’s desires and asking for Caltrans’ approval.

Staff will present a brief overview of some of the traffic calming measures which are currently on the draft preliminary improvement plans under review. Staff will also solicit any feedback from the City Council to be considered as work continues with KOA and Caltrans.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council receive the update regarding Highway 246 Traffic Calming Measures.

CITY OF BUELLTON
City Council Agenda Staff Report
City Manager Review: SW
Council Agenda Item No.: 11

To: The Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Andrea Keefer, Planning Director
Irma Tucker, Contract City Planner

Meeting Date: September 12, 2024
Subject: Resolution No. 24-25 - “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration (23-MND-01) and Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program for the Willemsen Addition to River View Park Project Located southeasterly of River View Park, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 099-660-032, -033, -034, - 035, and 099-670-004, -005, and Making Related Findings Under the California
Environmental Quality Act”

BACKGROUND
The Willemsen Addition to Review View Park Project (“Project”) consists of a phased capital improvement project to construct a multi-purpose recreational facility and to repurpose existing buildings for use as an event facility, children’s museum and library/community room facility on a 24+/- acre City-owned site (APNs 099-660-032, - 033, -034, -035, & 099-670-004, -005, the “Site”) adjacent to the existing River View Park complex. The Site is divided into a 4-acre Upper Portion and a 20-acre Lower Portion. In addition, a new paved access driveway is proposed from the River View Park east paved parking lot to the north-west, across a portion of adjacent City-owned land (APN 099-670-004.) See attached map showing project location. (Attachment 1) PROJECT PHASES and USES
Project phasing and proposed uses are described below. Existing roadway access to the Upper Portion is from Dairyland Road via Valley Dairy Road. Access to Lower Portion would be from River View Park via Sycamore Drive. Interior circulation utilizes primarily existing dirt and gravel roads; in Phase 2, a short paved interior access driveway to the lower parking lot is proposed. Project site plans, existing and proposed uses, and phasing are included as Attachment 2.

PHASE 1 - Proposed uses would include:

On 4-acre Upper Portion
• Library/Community rooms within existing residence (about 3,200 sf) converted to that use.

Willemsen IS/MND Page 2 September 12, 2024
• Wedding/Event facility in existing historic Barn (about 7,000 sf) includes warming kitchen and 2nd floor apartment space.
• Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Outdoor Museum – The initial outdoor play area measures approx. 0.8 acre of primarily open space area on upper lot and hillside areas, including 1,600 sf of existing covered space.
• Staff and disabled parking area for these uses
On 20-acre Lower Portion
• Paved lower parking lot (about 1.5 acres) with about 112 parking spaces. • Temporary access to parking lot via existing network of interior dirt/gravel driveways from River View Park east parking lot.
• Retention basin for new construction immediately south of lower parking lot.

PHASE 2 - Proposed uses would include:

On 20-acre Lower Portion
• Permanent access to lower parking lot via a new, paved interior driveway from River View Park east parking lot.
• Sport facilities/play fields (about 15 acres) with the following amenities:
o 2 full-sized soccer fields, 1 mid-sized field and 1 small sized soccer field; o baseball/softball field;
o 2 pickleball/multi-use courts;
o Supplemental parking (estimated 40 spaces alongside existing interior gravel road near southwesterly property line)
o Restroom facility (modular building)
• Soccer fields could potentially accommodate small regional tournaments (4 per year maximum anticipated).
• Possible 0.2 acre expansion of Children’s Museum outdoor open space play area, • 2.5 acres to remain undeveloped (near berm along south boundary of property)

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, sections 15000 et seq., and the Environmental Impact Report Guidelines of the City of Buellton (collectively, “CEQA”), the City prepared a draft Initial Study and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) for the project (Exhibit A of Resolution No. 24-25).

The draft IS/MND concluded that implementation of the Project could result in several potentially significant effects on the environment and identified mitigation measures that would reduce the significant effects to a less-than-significant level. The issues requiring mitigation include: Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, and Noise. The required mitigation measures will be included in any future development of the site which is consistent with the project as defined in the IS/MND. Likewise, requirements of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) will be satisfied as development takes place on the site, consistent with the

Willemsen IS/MND Page 3 September 12, 2024
project as defined in the IS/MND. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program is included as Exhibit B to Resolution No. 24-25.

The draft IS/MND dated February 2024 was circulated for public and agency review and comment from February 27 through March 27, 2024. Copies of the draft IS/MND were made available to the public at the Planning Department and Library on February 27, 2024, and the Notice of Availability and draft IS/MND was distributed to interested parties and agencies. On February 29, 2024, a Notice of Availability of the draft IS/MND was published in the local newspaper and posted in two public locations.

One written comment was received on March 27, 2024 from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (Attachment 3) and consists of the following:

A. Two comments on the draft MND, requesting that the draft MND be updated to include references to the SBCAPCD 2022 Ozone Plan and to the 2022 SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents.

Actions & Response
• In an e-mail dated April 19, 2024 (on file in Planning Department), Kurt Legleiter, Air Quality Consultant for the draft IS/MND) confirmed that the updated 2022 Ozone Plan would not result in any changes to the impact analysis. • Upon approval by City Council, a Final IS/MND would be published and would incorporate the two updated references pertaining to the 2022 Ozone Plan as requested by the SBCAPCD.
• The City would transmit a “response to comment letter” to the SBCAPCD stating that the 2022 Ozone Plan references have been incorporated into the Final IS/MND.

B. A “suggested condition letter” whereby:
1) applicable air quality regulatory requirements would be included as conditions of approval for any subsequent land use permits and/or construction activities that are consistent with the Project;
2) best practices pertaining to reducing emissions of criteria air pollutants, toxic air contaminants, greenhouse gases, dust and odors would be included as conditions of approval for any subsequent land use permits and/or construction activities that are consistent with the Project; 3) prior to occupancy, any feasible greenhouse gas reduction measures from the [included] sector-based list should be applied to the Project.

Actions & Response
• In an e-mail dated April 15, 2024 (on file in Planning Department) Kurt Legleiter, Air Quality Consultant for the draft IS/MND provided the following guidance:
o (Re: items B.1 and B.2 above) Recommends replacing Mitigation Measure AQ-1 with those identified in Attachments A & B to the SBCAPCD letter. In

Willemsen IS/MND Page 4 September 12, 2024
addition, referenced regulatory requirements 1 thru 8 should be incorporated into conditions of approval for projects.
o (Re: items B.3 above) Notes that Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions were minimal and well below the threshold, so GHG mitigation measures were not required. Suggests a response to SBCAPCD stating that the project would comply with current building standards, municipal code requirements, and City programs, which would help to reduce GHG emissions attributable to the project.
• The Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program (MMRP), included herein as Exhibit B to Resolution 24-25, has been updated to reflect the revised Mitigation Measure AQ-1 as recommended.
• Upon approval by City Council, a Final IS/MND would be published and would replace Air Quality Mitigation Measure AQ-1 with those identified in Attachments A & B.
• Regarding GHG, no revisions are needed to the IS/MND or MMRP as GHG impacts were minimal and no mitigation is required.
• Staff would transmit a “response to comment letter” to SBCAPCD stating that in the Final IS/MND, Air Quality mitigation measure AQ-1 has been replaced with those measures identified in Attachments A & B to SBCAPCD letter, and that the MMRP adopted by City Council reflects the updated measure AQ-1. The response will state that regulatory requirements shall be incorporated into conditions of approval for projects and will also describe compliance with applicable GHG requirements as per the City’s Air Quality consultant.

In accordance with the foregoing, Staff has prepared a response to comments, which will be transmitted to the SBCAPCD upon the Council’s approval of the Final IS/MND.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council consider adoption of Resolution No. 24-25 – “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Buellton, California, Approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration (23-MND-01) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Willemsen Addition to River View Park Project Located southeasterly of River View Park, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 099-660-032, -033, -034, - 035, and 099-670-004, -005, and Making Related Findings Under the California Environmental Quality Act”

ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 24-25 (Exhibits A & B)
Attachment 1 – Project Location Map
Attachment 2 – Project Site Plans, Existing & Proposed Uses, Phasing Attachment 3 – Comments Received

RESOLUTION NO. 24-25

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BUELLTON, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION (23-MND-01) AND MITIGATION

MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE

WILLEMSEN ADDITION TO RIVER VIEW PARK PROJECT

LOCATED SOUTHEASTERLY OF RIVER VIEW PARK,
ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 099-660-032, -033, -034, - 035, AND 099-670-004, -005, AND MAKING RELATED FINDINGS UNDER THE

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Buellton as follows:

WHEREAS, the City of Buellton (“City”) desires to undertake a phased capital improvement project, known as the Willemsen Addition to Review View Park Project (“Project”), to construct a multi-purpose recreational facility and to repurpose existing buildings for use as an event facility, children’s museum and library/community room facility on a 24+/- acre City-owned site (APNs 099-660-032, -033, -034, -035, & 099-670-004, -005, the “Site”) adjacent to the existing River View Park complex; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, sections 15000 et seq., and the Environmental Impact Report Guidelines of the City of Buellton (collectively, “CEQA”), the Planning Director of the City of Buellton has prepared an Initial Study and approved for circulation a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) for the Project ; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration dated February 2024 was circulated for public and agency review and comment from February 27, 2024 through, and including March 27, 2024. Copies of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration were made available to the public at the Planning Department and Library on February 27, 2024, and the Notice of Availability and draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was distributed to interested parties and agencies. On February 29, 2024, a Notice of Availability of the draft IS/MND was published in the local newspaper and posted in two public locations; and WHEREAS, one email comment letter from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD) was received during the circulation period of February 27, 2024 through March 27, 2024. SBAPCD had two comments, requesting that the draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration be updated to include references the SBCAPCD 2022 Ozone Plan and to the 2022 SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents; the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration shall incorporate the two updated references as requested. The SBCAPCD also provided suggested conditions of approval, which will be incorporated into any subsequent land use permits and/or construction activities for the Project; and

Resolution No. 24-25 Page 2 September 12, 2024
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration concluded that implementation of the Project could result in a number of significant effects on the environment and identified mitigation measures that would reduce the significant effects to a less-thansignificant level; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of CEQA, a mitigation monitoring and reporting program (“Exhibit B - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program”) has been prepared for the Project, and has been updated to reflect the revised mitigation measure (AQ-1) to incorporate comments received from SBCAPCD; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Exhibit A) and related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Exhibit B) for the Project are, by this reference, incorporated into this Resolution as if fully set forth herein; and WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and all related environmental documents forming the basis for the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Resolution are located in, and in the custody of, the Planning Department, City of Buellton; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2024, the City Council of the City of Buellton conducted a duly noticed public meeting in connection with the Project and the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and considered all evidence, oral and written; and WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites have occurred prior to the adoption of this Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUELLTON DOES RESOLVE, DETERMINE, FIND, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds that the above recitations are true and correct and, accordingly, are incorporated as a material part of this Resolution, including all comment letters.

SECTION 2. The City Council does hereby make the following findings: (1) it has independently reviewed and analyzed the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and other information in the record, including comment letters received, and has considered the information contained therein; (2) the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Project has been completed in compliance with CEQA; and (3) the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration represents the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council.

SECTION 3. The City Council hereby approves the Mitigated Negative Declaration (23- MND-01) and adopts the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the Project.

Resolution No. 24-25 Page 3 September 12, 2024
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 12th day of September, 2024. ____________________________
Dave King
Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Linda Reid
City Clerk

Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
For the
The Willemsen Addition to River View Park
Project
23-MND-01
Prepared for:

City of Buellton
107 West Highway 246
Buellton, California 93427
Prepared by:

City of Buellton
107 West Highway 246
Buellton, California 93427
February 2024

1 City of Buellton

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

Initial Study
Project Title ................................................................................................................................3 Lead Agency and Contact Person ..............................................................................................3 Project Applicant .......................................................................................................................3 Project Site Characteristics ........................................................................................................3 Project Description.....................................................................................................................4 Public Agencies Whose Approval May Be Required For Subsequent Actions ........................4 References ..................................................................................................................................4 Environmental Determination ....................................................................................................9 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts .....................................................................................10 Aesthetics ...........................................................................................................................11 Agricultural Resources.......................................................................................................12 Air Quality .........................................................................................................................12 Biological Resources .........................................................................................................23 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................47 Energy ................................................................................................................................48 Geology and Soils ..............................................................................................................51 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................................................................53 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .....................................................................................59 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................................63 Land Use and Planning ......................................................................................................64 Mineral Resources .............................................................................................................69 Noise ..................................................................................................................................69 Population and Housing .....................................................................................................74 Public Services ...................................................................................................................74 Recreation ..........................................................................................................................75 Transportation/Traffic ........................................................................................................76 Tribal Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................78 Utilities and Service Systems.............................................................................................79 Wildfire ..............................................................................................................................80 Mandatory Findings of Significance ..................................................................................81 Appendices
Appendix A – Project Vicinity Map
Appendix B – Project Site Plans
Appendix C – Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment, May 2023 Appendix D – Noise and Groundborne Vibration Assessment, May 2023 Appendix E – Trip Generation Report, March 2023
Appendix F – Biological Resources – Special Status Species Summary Table Appendix G - Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, May 2020

City of Buellton
2 INTRODUCTION

LEGAL AUTHORITY
This Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines and relevant provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended.

Initial Study. Section 15063(c) of the CEQA Guidelines defines an Initial Study as the proper preliminary method of analyzing the potential environmental consequences of a project. The purposes of an Initial Study are:
(1) To provide the Lead Agency with the necessary information to decide whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or a Mitigated Negative Declaration;
(2) To enable the Lead Agency to modify a project, mitigating adverse impacts, thus avoiding the need to prepare an EIR; and
(3) To provide sufficient technical analysis of the environmental effects of a project to permit a judgment based on the record as a whole, that the environmental effects of a project have been adequately mitigated.

IMPACT ANALYSIS AND SIGNIFICANCE CLASSIFICATION
The following sections of this IS/MND provide discussions of the possible environmental effects of the proposed project for specific issue areas that have been identified in the CEQA Initial Study Checklist. For each issue area, potential effects are isolated.

A “significant effect” is defined by Section 15382 of the CEQA Guidelines as “a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by a project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance.” According to the CEQA Guidelines, “an economic or social change by itself shall not be considered a significant effect on the environment, but may be considered in determining whether the physical change is significant.”

City of Buellton
3 INITIAL STUDY

PROJECT TITLE
City of Buellton - Willemsen Addition to River View Park (APNs: 099-660-032, -033, -034, - 035, & 099-670-004, -005)
Mitigated Negative Declaration (23-MND-01)
LEAD AGENCY and CONTACT PERSON
City of Buellton Planning Department
P.O. Box 1819
Buellton, CA 93427
Contact: Andrea Keefer, Planning Director
(805) 688-7474

PROJECT APPLICANT AND OWNER
Applicant/Agent:

Scott Wolfe, City Manager
City of Buellton
107 West Highway 246
Buellton, California 93427
Owner:

City of Buellton
107 West Highway 246
Buellton, California 93427

PROJECT SITE CHARACTERISTICS
Location and Surrounding Land Uses: The 24-acre City-owned property is located generally southeast of River View Park, and south of the southern end of Valley Dairy Road. The property consists of five parcels (APNs 099-660-032, -033, -034, -035, and 099-670-005, the “Site”). The site is divided into a 4-acre upper (northerly) portion and a 20-acre lower (southerly) portion.

The 4-acre upper (northern) portion of the Site is developed land that currently contains a 3,200- square foot residence, a former dairy barn (approx. 7,000 sf, designated as a historic structure by the City), and a 1,600 sf open storage shed.

The 20-acre lower (southern) portion of the Site is currently vacant disturbed land, except for a

1.25-acre SYV Horseback Ride facility consisting of horse corrals and a small office structure with storage; 10 – 12 unpaved parking spaces are provided in a vacant field immediately west of the equestrian facility which operates under a conditional use permit from the City. This lower portion of the Site was formerly used for hay farming, but has since been vacant for the past 8 to 10 years. The land is cleared and mowed regularly; it is occasionally used for overflow parking when there are large events at the River View Park complex, with access via existing dirt and gravel roads.

City of Buellton
4 Surrounding uses include: existing residential uses in the R zone to the north; Buellton’s River View Park, including Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden, to the west/north-west; the City’s wastewater treatment facility and open space to the southeast with industrial and commercial uses in the M zone beyond that to the east of the site. The Santa Ynez River is located to the south beyond the City limits, which is coterminous with the southern property line. The river flows generally from southeast to northwest, approximately 700 feet south of the project site, and is separated by an earthen berm along the Santa Ynez River area at the southern property line. ► See Appendix A for a map showing the project location.

Existing General Plan Designation (Land Use Category) and Zoning: The northern 4 acres of the site has a General Plan designation of Low Density Residential, with a zoning designation of Single-Family Residential (RS-6). The southern 20 acres of the site has a General Plan designation of Open Space, Parks and Recreation, with a zoning designation of Open Space (OS).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project consists of a phased capital improvement project to construct a multipurpose recreational facility and to repurpose existing buildings for use as an event facility, children’s museum and library/community room facility on a 24+/- acre City-owned site (APNs 099-660-032, -033, -034, -035, & 099-670-005, the “Site”) adjacent to the existing River View Park complex. The Site is divided into a 4-acre Upper Portion and a 20-acre Lower Portion. In addition, a new paved access driveway is proposed from the River View Park east paved parking lot to the north-west, across a portion of adjacent City-owned land (APN 099-670-004.) Phasing and proposed uses are described below. Existing roadway access to the Upper Portion is from Dairyland Road via Valley Dairy Road. Access to Lower Portion would be from River View Park via Sycamore Drive. Interior circulation utilizes primarily existing dirt and gravel roads; in Phase 2, a short paved interior access driveway to the lower parking lot is proposed.

The project site plan shows that proposed uses and site development activities are to be located primarily outside of the dripline of mature existing trees, including “protected trees” as set forth in BMC Chapter 12.32, “The Native Tree Protection Ordinance”. Outdoor recreational activities will be situated to take advantage of the natural canopies, aesthetics, and/or other unique characteristics provided by existing mature tree stands. In Phase 1, removal of protected trees would be avoided. The future interior access driveway to the lower parking lot (further described below in Phase 2 uses) may result with removal of landscape plantings; in the remaining Phase 2 area, removal of protected trees would be avoided. ► See Appendix B for Site Plans of Existing Conditions and Phase 1 & 2 Proposed Uses PHASE 1
Time Frame: estimated 1 – 2 Years
Proposed uses would include:

On 4-acre Upper Portion
 Library/Community rooms within an existing residence (about 3,200 sf) converted to that use. Conversion consists of interior tenant improvements and related access requirements.

City of Buellton
5  Wedding/Event facility in existing historic Barn (about 7,000 sf) includes warming kitchen and 2nd floor apartment space. Large events (up to 200 persons per event) to be held about 1-2 times per month, with potentially more frequent smaller events.  Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Outdoor Museum – The initial outdoor play area measures approx. 0.8 acre (34,848 +/- sf) of primarily open space area on the upper lot and hillside areas, including 1,600 sf of existing covered space (current open storage shed to be renovated). Portable restroom facilities (trailer) and play equipment to be installed.

Proposed uses and placement of accessory equipment will avoid adverse impacts to protected trees
 Staff and disabled parking area for these uses (number of spaces to be determined).

On 20-acre Lower Portion
 Paved lower parking lot (about 1.5 acres) with about 112 parking spaces. This area is vacant disturbed land (former dairy, pasture and agriculture fields, currently used to accommodate overflow parking for events held at Riverview Park).  Temporary access to the parking lot would be via an existing network of interior dirt/gravel driveways from the River View Park east parking lot. (Note: these driveways are currently used by the existing horseback ride facility and overflow parking areas)  A retention basin for new construction is proposed immediately south of the lower parking lot.

PHASE 2
Time Frame: estimated 2 to 5+ Years
Proposed uses would include:

On 20-acre Lower Portion
 Permanent access to lower parking lot via a new, paved interior driveway from the River View Park east parking lot. The driveway would cross a mapped drainage stream and its construction may result with removal of landscape plantings in the affected area; any applicable mitigation would be on-site.
 Sport facilities/play fields (about 15 acres) with the following amenities:
o 2 full-sized soccer fields, 1 mid-sized field and 1 small sized soccer field; o baseball/softball field;
o 2 pickleball/multi-use courts;
o Supplemental parking (estimated 40 spaces alongside existing interior gravel road near southwesterly property line ); and
o Restroom facility (modular building)
 Soccer fields could potentially accommodate small regional tournaments (4 per year maximum anticipated). Tournaments to be held in this location are expected to relocate here from other less desirable sites in the Santa Ynez Valley that are currently used for soccer tournaments. On the day of the event, each tournament could generate up to an estimated 2,150 vehicle trips, comparable to other large events held periodically at Riverview Park. Each of the regional soccer tournaments would require special event permits from the City; circulation, parking management and other applicable temporary impacts would be addressed at that time.
 Possible 0.2 acre (approx. 8,712 sf) expansion of Children’s Museum outdoor open space play area, consisting of additional land along the easterly property line between the drainage ditch and the existing interior gravel road

City of Buellton
6  2.5 acres to remain undeveloped (near the berm along south boundary of property/well area)
Refer to Appendix B for site plan exhibits of existing conditions, proposed uses individually for Phase 1 and Phase 2, and a composite of proposed uses for both Phase 1 & 2.

PUBLIC AGENCIES WHOSE APPROVAL MAY BE REQUIRED FOR SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS (e.g. permits, financing approval, or participation agreement):

To Be Determined. Resource agencies to be potentially consulted:
- California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife and Regional Water Quality Control Board - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Other (as applicable)

REFERENCES
This Initial Study was prepared using the following information sources:
 Application Materials;
 Field Reconnaissance;
 Buellton General Plan;
 Buellton Municipal Code;
 Buellton Zoning Ordinance;
 General Plan EIR;
 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment (Ambient, May 2023)  Noise and Groundborne Vibration Assessment (Ambient, May 2023)  Trip Generation Report (ATE, March 2023)
 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (The Phase One Group, May 2020) The Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment, Noise Assessment, and Trip Generation study are included as appendices to this Initial Study, and include their own lists of references on which those studies were based.

The Biological Resources analysis in the Initial Study was prepared by Kevin Merk Associates (February 2024), and is based on the following references:

Audubon. 2023. Guide to North American Birds. Accessed via:
https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide in November 2022.

Bolster, B.C. (editor). 1998. Draft Terrestrial Mammal Species of Special Concern in California. Contributing authors: P.V. Brylski, P.W. Collins, E.D. Pierson, W.E. Rainey and T.E. Kucera. Prepared for California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Division, Nongame Bird and Mammal Conservation Program. Contract FG3146WM.

Calflora. 2023. Information on Wild California Plants for Conservation, Education, and Appreciation. Berkeley, California. Accessed via http://www.calflora.org/ in November 2022.

City of Buellton
7 California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2001. Fish and Game Code of California, Section 3503.5. Gould Publications, Altamonte Springs, Florida.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023a. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Commercial version dated June 2023. Accessed via:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB in November 2022.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023b (July). Special Animals List.

Biogeographic Data Branch, California Natural Diversity Database, Sacramento, California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023c (July). Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. California Natural Diversity Database, Sacramento, California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023d. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP). Accessed via:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP in November 2022.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023e. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) System. Accessed via: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/data/cwhr in November 2022 and May 2023.

California Herps. 2023. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Accessed via: http://www.californiaherps.com in November 2022 and May 2023.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2023. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. Online edition V8-03 0.39. Accessed via: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org in November 2022 and May 2023.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2023a. eBird. Accessed via: https://ebird.org in November 2022 and May 2023.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2023b. All About Birds. Accessed via:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org in November 2022 and May 2023.

Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California.

Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California, 1 November 1994. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California. 255 pp.

Jepson Flora Project (editors). 2023. Jepson eFlora. The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley. Accessed via: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/ in November 2022 and May 2023.

Lehman, P.E. 2023 (May). The Birds of Santa Barbara County, California. Accessed via:
http://sbcobirding.com/lehmanbosbc.html in May 2023.

Moyle, P.B., R.M. Quinones, J.V. Katz, and J. Weaver. 2015. Fish Species of Special Concern in California, Third Edition. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2023. Web Soil Survey. National Cooperative Soil Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accessed via:
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/ in November 2022 and May 2023.

City of Buellton
8 Rincon Consultants, Inc. 2017 (revised). City of Buellton General Plan 2025. Prepared for City of Buellton, Planning Department.

Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.

Thomson, R.C., A.N. Wright, and H.B. Shaffer. 2016. California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern. University of California Press, Oakland, California.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Birds of Conservation Concern 2021.

Migratory Bird Program.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023a. National Wetlands Inventory. U.S.

Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Accessed via:
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/Mapper.html in November 2022 and May 2023.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023b. Threatened and Endangered Species Active Critical Habitat Report. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System.

Accessed via: https://ecos.fws. gov in November 2022 and May 2023.

City of Buellton
10 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a Lead Agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on projectspecific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.
3) "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.
4) "Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level.
5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). Earlier analyses and references are discussed at the end of the checklist. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) The analysis of each issue should identify:
a) the significance criteria or threshold used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance

City of Buellton
11 ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
I. AESTHETICS - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b) Damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
X
c) In non-urbanized areas, Substantially degrade the
existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations
governing scenic quality?
X
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
X
a., b. Scenic Vistas/Resources: No roadways in the project area are designated as state or local scenic highways. The project site is located along a suburban-open space interface / transitional area, bounded by low density residential uses to the north, open space & existing park complex to the south/southwest, and industrial/commercial uses to the east. The Site itself is considered a local open space and scenic resource, including a locally designated historic barn. The proposed project would preserve the barn and open space within the City; it would also create enhanced community resources and recreational amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy while experiencing the natural scenery of the surrounding area. Development of the project would not block any scenic vistas from other properties. No adverse impacts would result. c. Visual Quality: Development of the project site would result in repurposing of existing buildings, as well as installation of new parking areas, sports fields, ancillary accessory structures (restrooms), and landscaping that would replace a partially developed and vacant open space parcel bounded on the north and east by existing residential and commercial/industrial uses, and the City’s River View Park complex to the west.

The impact is considered less than significant for the following reasons: 1) the project will repurpose/renovate existing buildings, will expand on an existing City park and active recreational complex to the west, and will conform to the requirements of the Community Design Guidelines as may be applicable; and 2) is located within an area designated for low-density single-family and open space uses under the existing General Plan which are complementary to the proposed parks and recreation uses.
d. Light and Glare: The project site currently has no street lighting or nighttime activity that is lighted. Current lighting sources surrounding the project site include sporadic lighting from nearby industrial uses. No nighttime activities are anticipated on the site, and the sports fields will not be lighted. If minimal security lighting is required for the parking lot area or buildings, it would adhere to Zoning Ordinance requirements for Dark Sky Compliant lighting. Impacts would be less than significant.

City of Buellton
12 Findings and Mitigation: Impacts would be less than significant, so no mitigation is required.

ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
RESOURCES - Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland) to
nonagricultural use?
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use, or a Williamson Act contract? X
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (per Public Resources
Code § 12220(g), timberland (Public Resources
Code § 4526, or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (per Govt Code §51104(g))?
X
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use? X
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or nature,
could result in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
X
a. through e. Farmland, Forest Land, Timberland: The site is located in a transitional area between suburban and open space uses and is not designated as farmland in the City’s General Plan, or Zoning Ordinance. The City is not near any designated forest lands. The property is not subject to a Williamson Act contract.

Findings and Mitigation: No impacts would occur, therefore, no mitigation is required.

ISSUES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
III. AIR QUALITY - Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan? X
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone
precursors)? X
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? X

City of Buellton
13 ISSUES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
III. AIR QUALITY - Would the project:
d) Result in other emissions (such as those
adversely affecting a substantial number of
people? X
The air quality section has been prepared by Ambient under contract to the City of Buellton. All data used in the creation of this section is on file at the Buellton Planning Department and is hereby incorporated by reference into this Initial Study. Table numbers, figure numbers and appendix numbers shown in this section correspond to the May 2023 Air Quality Assessment prepared by Ambient, and included in in Appendix C to this Initial Study.

Setting
The federal and state Clean Air Acts (42 United States Code §7401 et seq. and the California Health and Safety Code §40910, et seq.) empower federal and state governments to regulate emissions of airborne pollutants and have established ambient air quality standards for the protection of public health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency designated to administer federal air quality regulation, while the California Air Resources Board (ARB) is the state equivalent and operates under the auspices of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Local control in air quality management is provided by the ARB through county-level or regional (multi-county) air pollution control districts. The ARB establishes statewide air quality standards and is responsible for enforcing standards and regulating stationary sources. The ARB has established 15 air basins statewide.

The City of Buellton is located within the South Central Coast Air Basin (SCCAB), which includes all of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties and is within the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD). The climate of SCAAB is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the location of the semi-permanent high-pressure cell in the northeastern Pacific. With a Mediterranean-type climate, the area is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool winters with occasional rainy periods. Annual precipitation averaged 22 inches per year between 1981 and 2010, with most rainfall between November and March. Average monthly temperatures range from a high of 92 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in August to a low of 38°F in December (U.S. Climate Data, 2016).

Criteria Air Pollutants
For the protection of public health and welfare, the Clean Air Act (CAA) required that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for various pollutants. These pollutants are referred to as “criteria” pollutants because the U.S. EPA publishes criteria documents to justify the choice of standards.

These standards define the maximum amount of an air pollutant that can be present in ambient air without harm to the public’s health. An ambient air quality standard is generally specified as

City of Buellton
14 a concentration averaged over a specific time period, such as one hour, eight hours, 24 hours, or one year. The different averaging times and concentrations are meant to protect against different exposure effects. The CAA allows states to adopt additional or more health-protective standards.

The air quality regulatory framework and ambient air quality standards are discussed in greater detail later in this report.

Federal and state standards have been established for eleven criteria pollutants, including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter less than 10 and 2.5 microns in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5), lead (Pb), sulfates, vinyl chloride (chloroethene), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and visibility reducing particles (VRP). California air quality standards are identical to or stricter than federal standards for all criteria pollutants.

Table AQ-1 in Appendix C summarizes these pollutants.

Human Health & Welfare Effects
Common air pollutants and associated adverse health and welfare effects are summarized in Table AQ-1. Within the SCCAB, the air pollutants of primary concern, with regard to human health, include ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO). As depicted in Table AQ-1, exposure to increased pollutant concentrations of O3, PM, and CO can result in various heart and lung ailments, cardiovascular and nervous system impairment, and death.

Odors
Typically, odors are generally regarded as an annoyance rather than a health hazard. However, manifestations of a person’s reaction to foul odors can range from psychological (i.e., irritation, anger, or anxiety) to the physiological, including circulatory and respiratory effects, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Neither the state nor the federal governments have adopted rules or regulations for the control of odor sources. The SBCAPCD does not have an individual rule or regulation that specifically addresses odors; however, odors would be applicable to SBCAPCD Rule 303, Nuisance. Any actions related to odors would be based on citizen complaints to local governments and the SBCAPCD. The SBCAPCD recommends that odor impacts be addressed in a qualitative manner. Such analysis shall determine if the project results in excessive nuisance odors, as defined under the California Code of Regulations, Health & Safety Code Section 41700, air quality public nuisance.

Toxic Air Contaminants
Toxic air contaminants (TACs) are air pollutants that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness, or which may pose a hazard to human health. TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air, but due to their high toxicity, they may pose a threat to public health even at very low concentrations. Asbestos, for example, is a considered a TAC. Because there is no threshold level below which adverse health impacts are not expected to occur, TACs differ from criteria pollutants for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which state and federal governments have set ambient air quality standards.

TACs, therefore, are not considered “criteria pollutants” under either the Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) or the California Clean Air Act (CCAA) and are thus not subject to National or State Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS).

City of Buellton
15 For further discussion of TACs, please refer to Appendix C.

Regulatory Framework
Federal. At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been charged with implementing national air quality programs. The U.S. EPA’s air quality mandates are drawn primarily from the FCAA, which was signed into law in 1970. Congress substantially amended the FCAA in 1977 and again in 1990.

The Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) required the U.S. EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and also set deadlines for their attainment. Two types of NAAQS have been established: primary standards, which protect public health, and secondary standards, which protect public welfare from non-health-related adverse effects, such as visibility restrictions. NAAQS are summarized in Table AQ-2 in Appendix C.

State of California. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of state and local air pollution control programs in California and for implementing the CCAA of 1988. Other ARB duties include monitoring air quality (in conjunction with air monitoring networks maintained by air pollution control districts and air quality management districts, establishing California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), which in many cases are more stringent than the NAAQS, and setting emissions standards for new motor vehicles. The CAAQS are summarized in Table AQ-2 within Appendix C. The emission standards established for motor vehicles differ depending on various factors including the model year, and the type of vehicle, fuel, and engine used.

Relevant state regulations include the following, which are described in more detail in Appendix C:
 California Clean Air Act
 Assembly Bills 1807 and 2588 – Toxic Air Contaminants  In-Use Off Road Vehicle Regulation
 California Building Code
 Green Building Standards
Local. The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) is the agency primarily responsible for ensuring that NAAQS and CAAQS are not exceeded and that air quality conditions within the region are maintained. Responsibilities of the SBCAPCD include, but are not limited to, preparing plans for the attainment of ambient air quality standards, adopting and enforcing rules and regulations concerning sources of air pollution, issuing permits for stationary sources of air pollution, inspecting stationary sources of air pollution and responding to citizen complaints, monitoring ambient air quality and meteorological conditions, and implementing programs and regulations required by the FCAA and the CCAA.

The SBCAPCD monitors air pollutant levels and develops strategies to ensure that air quality standards are met. Depending on whether or not the standards are met or exceeded, Santa Barbara County is classified as being in “attainment” or as “non-attainment.” Currently, the basin is in attainment for all classified pollutants, except the following:

City of Buellton
16  Particulate Matter (PM10) – arithmetic mean and 24-hour criteria; State of California Table AQ-2 in Appendix C summarizes all relevant criteria pollutants along with their state and federal standards and attainment status.

Impact Analysis
Please refer to Appendix C for additional details regarding thresholds, methodology and analysis.

The discussion below focuses on the most relevant aspects of the analysis that are critical for drawing the conclusions described in the report included in Appendix C. a. As part of the CCAA, the SBCAPCD is required to develop a plan to achieve and maintain the state ozone standard by the earliest practicable date. The SBCAPCD 2019 Ozone Plan (Plan) addresses the attainment and maintenance of state and federal ambient air quality standards. The Plan was adopted by SBCAPCD on December 19, 2019 (SBCAPCD 2019).

The Plan outlines the SBCAPCD strategies to reduce ozone-precursor pollutants (i.e., ROC and NOX) from a wide variety of sources. The Plan includes a stationary-source control program, which includes control measures for permitted stationary sources; as well as, transportation and land use management strategies to reduce motor vehicle emissions. The stationary-source control program is administered by SBCAPCD. Transportation and land use control measures are implemented at the local or regional level, by promoting and facilitating the use of alternative transportation options, increased pedestrian access and accessibility to community services and local destinations, reductions in vehicle miles traveled, and promotion of congestion management efforts. In addition, local jurisdictions also prepare population forecasts, which are used by SBCAPCD to forecast population-related emissions and air quality attainment, including those contained in the Plan.

Consistency with land use and population forecasts in local and regional plans, including the Plan, is required for projects subject to CEQA. Proposed projects subject to the most recent Plan consistency determinations include but are not limited to commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation projects. The Plan relies primarily on the land use and population projections provided by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and ARB on-road emissions forecast as a basis for vehicle emission forecasting. The Plan uses SBCAG’s countywide regional transportation demand model for on-road mobile source emissions estimates and SBCAG’s socio-economic projections to form the basis for some stationary and area source growth forecasts.

To be consistent with the standard dust mitigation measures in Section 6.1 of the SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents (based on policies adopted in the 1979 Air Quality Attainment Plan [AQAP]), all projects involving earthmoving activities must implement the standard dust control measures. Implementation of standard dust control measures would be required as stated in the discussion of construction-related impacts and detailed in Mitigation Measure AQ-1.

The proposed project would not result in an increase in population or employment that would affect regional emissions analyses. In addition, based on the traffic analysis prepared for this project, the project would have a less than significant impact on vehicle miles traveled. As a result, the proposed project would not be anticipated to adversely impact regional emissions

City of Buellton
17 forecasts nor interfere with regional air quality attainment and maintenance efforts. This impact is considered less than significant.
b. and c. Short-term emissions associated with the construction of the proposed project were calculated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), version 2020.4.0, computer program. Construction emissions were calculated assuming an estimated overall construction period of nine months, based on construction information provided. Project-specific construction information, such as activity schedules, equipment use, worker vehicle trips, and equipment load factors were not available and, therefore, were based on model defaults for Santa Barbara County. Demolition of existing structures is not anticipated to be required, however, some minor demolition may be required during renovation of the existing structures. Modeling assumptions and output files are included in Appendix C to this Initial Study.

Long-term operational increases in emissions of criteria air pollutants were calculated using the CalEEMod, version 2020.4.0. Emissions modeling included quantification of emissions associated with area sources, energy use, and mobile sources. Area sources included the use of architectural coatings and landscape maintenance activities. Energy use included emissions associated with natural gas and electricity use. Trip generation rates were obtained from the traffic analysis prepared for the proposed project (ATE 2023). Specific fleet-mix data for the project was not available and, therefore, were based on the default fleet mix identified in CalEEMod for Santa Barbara County.

To assist in the evaluation of air quality impacts, the SBCAPCD has developed recommended significance thresholds, which are contained in the SBCAPCD Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents (SBCAPCD 2017). For the purposes of this analysis, project emissions are considered potentially significant impacts if any of the following SBCAPCD recommended thresholds are exceeded:

Construction Impacts
The SBCAPCD recommends 25 tons per year for reactive organic compounds (ROC) or NOX as a guideline for determining the significance of construction impacts. In addition, the SBCAPCD recommends incorporation of standard mitigation measures to minimize localized air quality impacts commonly associated with construction activities and to ensure consistency with air quality attainment and maintenance efforts.

Operational Impacts
A proposed project will have a significant impact on air quality, either individually or cumulatively, if operational emissions would:
 exceed the daily trigger for offsets or Air Quality Impact Analysis set in the SBCAPCD New Source Review Rule, for any pollutant (i.e., 240 pounds/day for ROC or NOx; and 80 lbs/day for PM10). There is no daily operational threshold for CO (it is an attainment pollutant)
 exceed 25 pounds/day of NOx or ROC from motor vehicle trips only  would cause or contribute to a violation of any CAAQS or NAAQS (except O3)

City of Buellton
18  would exceed the SBCAPCD health risk public notification thresholds adopted by the SBCAPCD Board (10 excess cancer cases in a million for cancer risk and a Hazard Index of more than one (1.0) for non-cancer risk)
 would be inconsistent with the latest adopted federal and state air quality plans for Santa Barbara County.

Short-Term Construction Emissions. Construction-generated emissions are of temporary duration, lasting only as long as construction activities occur, but have the potential to represent a significant air quality impact. Construction of the proposed project would result in the temporary generation of emissions associated with paving, architectural coating application, motor vehicle exhaust associated with construction equipment and worker trips, as well as the movement of construction equipment on unpaved surfaces. Short-term construction emissions would result in increased emissions of ozone-precursor pollutants (i.e., reactive organic gases (ROG) and NOX) and emissions of PM.

Estimated maximum annual emissions associated with construction of the proposed project are presented in Table 1 below (Table AQ-3 in Appendix C). As depicted in Table 1, the maximum annual construction-generated emissions would total approximately 0.02 tons/year of ROG and

1.5 tons/year of NOx. Maximum annual construction emissions would not exceed the threshold of 25 tons/year. However, since Santa Barbara County violates the state standard for PM10, dust control measures are required for all projects involved in earthmoving activities regardless of the significance of the fugitive dust impacts. In addition, as discussed in the analysis related to longterm impacts, PM10 can result in nuisance impacts, including irritation of eyes and respiratory tract (refer to Table AQ-1 in Appendix C). For these reasons, construction-generated emissions would be considered to have a potentially significant impact.

Table 1.

Annual Construction Emissions (without mitigation)
Emissions (tons per year)
ROG NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Construction-Generated Emissions 0.2 1.5 1.4 <0.1 0.1 0.1 SBCAPCD Significance Thresholds 25 25 - - - -
Threshold Exceeded? No No - - - -
Notes: See Appendix C for modeling assumptions and results.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure AQ-1. If a grading permit is issued for the project, the following construction mitigation measures shall be implemented to minimize short-term construction emissions. These measures shall be identified on grading site plans.

Dust Control Measures
a. During construction, use water trucks or sprinkler systems to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this should include wetting down such areas in the late morning and after work is

City of Buellton
19 completed for the day. Increased watering frequency should be required whenever the wind speed exceeds 15 miles per hour. Reclaimed water should be used whenever feasible. However, reclaimed water should not be used in or around crops for human consumption.
b. Minimize amount of disturbed area and reduce on site vehicle speeds to 15 miles per hour or less.
c. If importation, exportation and stockpiling of fill material is involved, soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation. Trucks transporting fill material to and from the site shall be tarped from the point of origin.
d. Gravel pads shall be installed at all access points to prevent tracking of mud onto public roads.
e. After clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation is completed, treat the disturbed area by watering, or revegetating, or by spreading soil binders until the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust generation will not occur. f. The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as necessary, to prevent transport of dust offsite. Their duties shall include holiday and weekend periods when work may not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the SBCAPCD prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map clearance.

Equipment Emissions Control Measures
g. All portable diesel-powered construction equipment shall be registered with the state’s portable equipment registration program or shall obtain an SBCAPCD permit. h. Fleet owners of mobile construction equipment are subject to the ARB Regulation for In-Use Off- Road Diesel Vehicles (Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), §2449), the purpose of which is to reduce NOx, DPM, and other criteria pollutant emissions from in-use off-road diesel-fueled vehicles. Off-road heavy-duty trucks shall comply with the State Off-Road Regulation.
i. Fleet owners of mobile construction equipment are subject to the ARB Regulation for In-Use (On- Road) Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicles (Title 13, CCR, §2025), the purpose of which is to reduce DPM, NOx and other criteria pollutants from in-use (on-road) diesel-fueled vehicles. On-road heavy-duty trucks shall comply with the State On-Road Regulation.
j. All commercial off-road and on-road diesel vehicles are subject, respectively, to Title 13, CCR, §2449(d)(3) and §2485, limiting engine idling time. Idling of heavy-duty diesel construction equipment and trucks during loading and unloading shall be limited to five minutes when not in use; electric auxiliary power units should be used whenever feasible.
k. Diesel equipment meeting the ARB Tier 3, or higher, emission standards for off-road heavy-duty diesel engines shall be used to the extent locally available. l. On-road heavy-duty equipment with model year 2010 engines or newer shall be used to the extent locally available.
m. Diesel powered equipment shall be replaced by electric equipment whenever feasible. n. Equipment/vehicles using alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane or biodiesel, shall be used on-site to the extent locally available.

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20 o. All construction equipment shall be maintained in tune per the manufacturer’s specifications.
p. The engine size of construction equipment shall be the minimum practical size. q. The number of construction equipment operating simultaneously shall be minimized through efficient management practices to ensure that the smallest practical number is operating at any one time.
r. Construction worker trips should be minimized by requiring carpooling and by providing for lunch onsite.

Significance After Mitigation
Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would require implementation of dust-control measures for grounddisturbing activities, as well as, measures for the control of construction equipment emissions, including emissions of diesel particulate matter. Implementation of PM emission measures would reduce emissions of fugitive dust by approximately 50 percent, or more. In addition, the project would be required to comply with SBCAPCD’s Rule 345 for the control of fugitive dust associated with construction and demolition activities. Asphalt paving activities would also be required to comply with SBCAPCD’s Rule 329 for the use of cutback and emulsified asphalt paving materials, which would help to further reduce emissions of ROG. With mitigation and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, this impact would be considered less than significant.

Long-Term Operational Emissions. Long-term operational emissions associated with the proposed project would be predominantly associated with mobile sources. To a lesser extent, emissions associated with area sources, such as landscape maintenance activities, as well as, use of electricity and natural gas would also contribute to increased operational emissions.

Operational emissions are depicted in Table 2 (Table AQ-4 in Appendix C). As depicted in Table 2, daily operational emissions would total approximately 1.1 pounds/day of ROG, 0.8 pounds/day of NOx, and 0.3 pounds/day of PM10. Estimated daily operational emissions from all sources of ROG, NOX, and PM10 would not exceed the SBCAPCD operational thresholds of 240 pounds/day for ROC or NOx; and 80 pounds/day for PM10. As a result, this impact would be considered less than significant.

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21 Table 2.

Daily Operational Emissions (without mitigation)
Source Emissions (pounds per day)
ROG NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
Area 0.3 <0.1 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Energy <0.1 <0.1 0.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Mobile 0.8 0.6 4.5 <0.1 0.3 <0.1
Total 1.1 0.8 5.0 <0.1 0.3 0.1
SBCAPCD Thresholds (all sources) 240 240 - - 80 -
Threshold Exceeded? No No - - No -
SBCAPCD Thresholds (mobile sources) 25 25 - - - -
Threshold Exceeded? No No - - - -
Notes: Emissions were quantified using the CalEEMod program based on data derived from the traffic analysis prepared for this project. See Appendix C for modeling assumptions and results.

As previously noted in the previous discussion, the proposed project is not anticipated to result in substantial ground disturbance, such as grading or site preparation activities. However, in the event that ground disturbance were to occur, SBCAPCD-recommended mitigation measures would be required for the control of fugitive dust. In addition, the project would be required to comply with SBCAPCD’s Rule 345 for the control of fugitive dust associated with construction and demolition activities. Other potential sources of localized pollutants are discussed in greater detail, as follows:

Naturally-Occurring Asbestos. The ARB identifies naturally-occurring asbestos (NOA) as a toxic air contaminant (TAC). In accordance with ARB Air Toxics Control Measure, prior to any grading activities, a geologic evaluation should be conducted to determine if NOA is present within the area that will be disturbed. If NOA is not present, an exemption request form, along with a copy of the geologic report, must be filed with the local air district. If NOA is found at the site, the applicant must comply with all requirements outlined in the Asbestos Air Toxics Control Measure. The project site is not located within an area identified as having a potential for naturally-occurring ultramafic rock and serpentine soils. As a result, this impact would be considered less than significant.

Asbestos-Containing Materials. Demolition activities can have potential negative air quality impacts, including issues surrounding the proper handling, demolition, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). ACM could be encountered during the renovation of existing buildings, particularly older structures constructed prior to 1970. Asbestos can also be found in various building products, including (but not limited to) utility pipes/pipelines (transit pipes or insulation on pipes). The proposed project would require the renovation of existing structures, which could result in the disturbance of ACM. As a result, this impact would be considered potentially significant.

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22 Lead-Coated Materials. The renovation/demolition of structures with materials coated with lead-based paint can have potential negative air quality impacts and may adversely affect the health of nearby individuals. Improper handling of lead-containing materials can result in the release of lead-containing particles from the site. The proposed project would require the renovation of existing structures, which could result in the disturbance of lead- containing materials. As a result, this impact would be considered potentially significant.

Localized PM Concentrations. Fugitive dust emissions would be primarily associated with building demolition, site preparation, grading, and vehicle travel on unpaved and paved surfaces. On-site off-road equipment and trucks would also result in short-term emissions of diesel-exhaust PM, which could contribute to elevated localized concentration at nearby receptors. Uncontrolled emissions of fugitive dust may also contribute to potential increases in nuisance impacts to nearby receptors. For these reasons, localized uncontrolled concentrations of construction-generated PM would be considered to have a potentially significant impact.

Localized Carbon Monoxide Concentrations. Localized concentrations of CO are of primary concern in areas located near congested roadway intersections. Of particular concern are signalized intersections that are projected to operate at unacceptable levels of service (LOS) (LOS E or LOS F). The proposed project is considered a “small project” and would not have an adverse local or regional traffic impact (ATE 2023). For this reason and given the low ambient concentrations in the project area and that the area is current designated attainment for CO, implementation of the proposed project is not anticipated to contribute to localized mobilesource CO concentrations that would exceed applicable ambient air quality standards. This impact is considered less than significant.

Toxic Air Contaminants. If a project has the potential to emit toxic air contaminants (TACs) or is located in close proximity to sensitive receptors, long-term impacts may be considered significant due to increased cancer risk for the affected population. The proposed project is not expected to include the installation of stationary sources of TACs. As a result, this impact would be considered less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
Mitigation Measure AQ-2. To reduce potential exposure to localized pollutant concentrations associated with construction activities, Mitigation Measure AQ-1 and the following additional measure shall be implemented:
 Demolition of on-site structures shall comply with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Emissions requirements (NESHAP, 40 CFR, Part 61, Subpart M) for the demolition of existing structures. The SBCAPCD is delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the Federal NESHAP requirements, including requirements pertaining to the handling of asbestoscontaining material and lead-based paint. Prior to demolition of on-site structures, the SBCAPCD shall be notified, per NESHAP requirements. Additional information may be obtained at SBCAPCD’s website, URL: https://www.ourair.org/asbestos/.

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23 Significance After Mitigation
Required mitigation would implement dust-control measures for ground-disturbing activities, as well as measures for the control of construction equipment emissions, including emissions of diesel particulate matter. Implementation of PM emission measures would reduce emissions of fugitive dust by approximately 50 percent, or more. In addition, demolition activities would be required to comply with applicable regulatory requirements for the handling of hazardous materials, including federal NESHAP requirements. With mitigation and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, this impact would be considered less than significant. d. The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depend on numerous factors, including the nature, frequency, and intensity of the source; wind speed and direction; and the sensitivity of the receptors. While offensive odors rarely cause any physical harm, they still can be very unpleasant, leading to considerable distress among the public and often generating citizen complaints to local governments and regulatory agencies. Projects with the potential to frequently expose members of the public to objectionable odors would be deemed to have a significant impact.

The proposed project would not result in the installation of any equipment or processes that would be considered major odor-emission sources. However, construction of the proposed project would involve the use of a variety of gasoline or diesel-powered equipment that would emit exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes, particularly diesel-exhaust, may be considered objectionable by some people. In addition, pavement coatings and architectural coatings used during project construction would also emit temporary odors. However, construction-generated emissions would occur intermittently throughout the workday and would dissipate rapidly with increasing distance from the source. In addition, the project would be required to comply with SBCAPCD Rule 303 that prohibits the discharge of air contaminants or other material that would cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons. As a result, short- term construction activities would not expose a substantial number of people to frequent odorous emissions. For these reasons, potential exposure of sensitive receptors to odorous emissions would be considered less than significant.

Findings and Mitigation: Mitigation Measures AQ-1 and AQ-2 as described above would be required to address potential impacts related to air emissions. With mitigation, all emissionsrelated impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level. Impacts related to consistency with regional air quality plans and impacts related to odors would be less than significant without mitigation.

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES – Would
the project result in:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or
special status species in local or regional X

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24 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES – Would
the project result in:
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? X
c) Have a substantial effect on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404
of the Clean Water Act (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means? X
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites? X
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? X
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan? X
The biological impact analysis was conducted by Kevin Merk Associates (KMA).

Setting
The proposed project is located at 202 Dairyland Road in the City of Buellton (Figure 1). The 24-acre property is located to the west of U.S. Highway 101 at the southern terminus of Dairyland Road south of State Route 246 (Figures 2 and 3). The property was previously owned by the Willemsen family and used as a dairy farm for decades, and was purchased by the City of Buellton in 2020. The upper (northeastern) approximately 4-acres of the site has an existing residence (approx. 3,200 square feet); an historic two-story dairy barn (7,000 square feet); and, an open storage shed formerly used as a tractor barn (1,600 square feet). The lower (southwestern) approximately 20 acres of the site is within a level floodplain area that was formerly used for hay farming and is undeveloped. A portion of this area is used as a , horse

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25 stables/riding facility, and is highly disturbed through mowing, disking and other activities.

Elevations on the property range from 313 feet to 350 feet above mean sea level.

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26

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27

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28 Buellton lies within the western Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. The project site is within the southwestern portion of the City limits. The area surrounding Highway 246 is residential with commercial uses near Highway 101. River View Park is immediately to the northwest and the Buellton Wastewater Treatment Plant is immediately to the southeast. The Meadow Ridge residential development lies to the northeast through which the site would be

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29 accessed. The Santa Ynez River floodplain lies along the property's southwestern border and is an approximately 1,500-foot-wide corridor of riparian woodland, coastal scrub, and riverine habitat. The river originates between the eastern Santa Ynez and Santa Rafael mountains and empties into the Pacific Ocean west of Lompoc.

Methods
KMA conducted a desktop review of natural resources databases, maps, literature and online sources to identify special-status biological resources documented from the region that may be present on or near the project site. Special-status species are those plants and animals listed, or Candidates for listing, as Threatened or Endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA); federal Birds of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2023); those listed as Threatened or Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); animals designated as “Species of Special Concern,” “Fully Protected,” or “Watch List” by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); plants considered Endangered or Rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act; and, animals considered sensitive that do not have a specific listing status but which are recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFW 2023a) and/or CDFW's (2023b) Special Animals List. Rare plants are those defined as having a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3 or 4 (CDFW 2023c). Raptors (e.g., eagles, hawks, and owls) and their nests are protected under both federal (Migratory Bird Treaty Act [MBTA]) and state (California Department of Fish and Game 2001) regulations. Critical habitat is designated for species listed under FESA, and are areas that contain the physical or biological features which are essential to the conservation of those species and may need special management or protection. Sensitive natural communities are those native plant communities listed in the CNDDB (CDFW 2023a) as rare or of limited distribution. Although a formal delineation of drainages and wetlands was not conducted, but KMA conducted an assessment of drainages and associated riparian habitat consistent with definitions and guidance provided by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and CDFW.

Time-series aerial photography (Google Earth) was reviewed to obtain information on the history of land use on the site and immediate area. KMA Principal Biologist Kevin Merk conducted several focused surveys of the property on September 29 and November 11, 2022 to assess site conditions. Another survey was conducted on May 15, 2023 to assess vegetation composition on the site. All plant and animal species observed during the surveys were recorded, and identified to a sufficient level to determine rarity status. Habitat types, representing land use and plant communities, were mapped on ESRI (2023) aerial imagery. Land use types followed A Guide to Wildlife Habitats in California, which is updated through the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (CWHR) System (California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW] 2023e).

Designation of plant communities generally followed Holland’s (1986) Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Sawyer et al.'s (2009) Manual of California Vegetation and VegCAMP (CDFW 2022d) was also referenced.

The Web Soil Survey (Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] 2023) was used to identify the soil mapping units present within the study area. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was examined to evaluate the extent of any identified wetlands on the site and in the vicinity (USFWS 2023a). USGS topographic maps were also reviewed for information on hydrologic and topographic features. A query of the CNDDB was conducted to generate

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30 occurrence records of special-status biological resources (plants, animals and sensitive natural communities) documented within five miles of the project site, which included the quadrangles:

Los Alamos, Zaca Creek, Santa Rosa Hills and Solvang. For the list of special-status species identified in the search, local distribution and ecological information was obtained from a variety of online and published sources (Jennings and Hayes 1994, Bolster 1998, Moyle et al. 2015, Thompson et al. 2016, Audubon 2023, Calflora 2023, California Native Plant Society [CNPS] 2023, California Herps 2023, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2023a, 2023b; CDFW 2023e) and compiled within the attached Special-status Biological Resources Summary. Designated critical habitat for plant and animal species listed under FESA was identified and mapped based upon information provided in Environmental Conservation Online System (USFWS 2023b).

Appendix F includes a list of special-status species known to occur within the project vicinity.

An evaluation of those species with potential to occur in the study area was performed based upon the suitability of habitat conditions on the property and the local distribution (geographical and elevational ranges) and specific requirements (plant communities and soils) of the species considered. Those species considered as “Potential” met the following requirements: records in the site vicinity, appropriate plant community and/or soil associations onsite, and within the elevational range of the species. If any one of the criteria used for determining potential for occurrence was not met or considered to be marginal for the site, but the other elements were present, that species was considered “Unlikely”. If onsite environmental conditions were clearly inappropriate, the particular plant was not observed during the surveys, or the species has a limited distribution that does not overlap the site, those species were considered “Not Expected”.

If the onsite conditions met the requirements of any lifestage or particular life history use (i.e., foraging) for wildlife while other aspects were inappropriate for certain functions (i.e., breeding), these species were considered to have Potential to occur and the likelihood of their occurrence onsite is summarized in the table and analyzed fully with regard to species ecology in the text.

Results
Soils. Four soil types are present in the study area occurring in bands along the slope down to the river (Figure 3). Santa Ynez gravelly fine sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes, is in the uppermost portion. This unit occurs on terraces and is a gravelly loam formed from alluvium (NRCS 2023). Most of the existing facilities are located on Mocho sandy loam, overflow, which is found in floodplains and derived from alluvium. It is a sandy loam and is well drained (NRCS 2023). Midway down the gentle slope is Camarillo, very fine sandy loam, which is also found in floodplains and derived from alluvium. This unit is somewhat poorly drained and is rated as a hydric soil (NRCS 2023). A large proportion of the study area, occupying the lower area adjacent to the river channel, is Corducci and Typic Xerofluvents, 0 to 5 percent slopes, occasionally flooded. This unit is found on stream terraces, floodplains and alluvial fans. It is a mixed alluvium derived from igneous and sedimentary rock. It is composed of sand, with finer grain at the surface, is somewhat excessively drained, and is not considered to be a hydric soil (NRCS 2023).

Habitat Types. The upper portion of the site with the residence and barns was mapped as Developed/Ruderal in Figure 4. This area had structures, ornamental trees, an improved driveway and parking, and irrigated lawn. In a contiguous area downslope, an equestrian center has been developed with stables, paddocks and a portable office building. A berm along the river corridor had weedy growth of non-native species, pedestrian and horse trails, and an unimproved ranch road and was considered to be Ruderal (i.e., disturbed). Other ruderal areas

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31 were unpaved ranch roads around the former hay field, a graded area around an old agricultural basin, and roadways/trails through the River View Park area where site access would occur.

Ruderal areas have a high percentage of bare ground and growth of weedy species, including summer mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), Canadian horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), jimsonweed (Datura wrightii) and grasses characteristic of the non-native grassland habitat type. Scattered coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) and Menzies' goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii) were becoming established on the berm and spreading out from the river channel. These anthropogenic areas and disturbed areas with a predominance of weeds are not considered to be a native plant community. The Developed/Ruderal land use type in the study area is considered Urban and Ruderal areas with a high proportion of bare ground would be considered Barren under the CWHR system (CDFW 2023e).

The former hayfield was fallow at the time of the surveys and had sparse growth of Non-native Grassland species. This area has been disturbed by farming practices over many years and is mowed regularly, and has been disked in recent years. This long period of disturbance has resulted in a high proportion (greater than 50% of the areal cover in some areas) of bare ground and a predominance of non-native species adapted to disturbance and agricultural areas. Plants observed in this part of the site included slender wild oat (Avena barbata), wall barley (Hordeum murinum), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), and soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus). Although sparsely vegetated and verging on Ruderal, this habitat type was classified as Non-native Grassland as described by Holland (1986) and Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands seminatural alliance under Sawyer et al. (2009).

Ornamental trees and shrubs were planted along the north, south and eastern edges of the property (Figure 4), and were also considered part of the Developed habitat type described above. In addition, areas of River View Park within the study area have been planted with a variety of native species as part of the landscaping efforts. Ornamental species around existing development included Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle) and various pines (Pinus spp.). This is an anthropogenic habitat type and would fall under Urban in the CWHR system (CDFW 2023e). The native plantings in the western part of the study area included a number of western sycamore trees (Platanus racemosa) that were installed along a constructed seasonal stream (identified on Figure 4 as an Ephemeral Stream). This small ephemeral stream directs surface runoff from surrounding developed areas towards the Santa Ynez River corridor. As shown on Figure 4, an outfall structure is present and this entire area is regularly maintained by the City of Buellton. Due to nuisance flow from irrigation runoff, a small wetland was present at the culvert outfall and consisted of several rushes (Juncus spp.) and cattails (Typha sp.).

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32 Riparian habitat was present along the river corridor, within an old basin in the southern corner of the property, and in a band to the north of the wastewater treatment plant that slightly extended onto the site (Figure 4). The dominant species along the river corridor that extended onto the property were narrow-leaf willow (Salix exigua var. exigua), with an occassional Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) andblue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). Coyote

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33 brush was also present throughout the area. This habitat type along the river corridor would fall under the Southern Willow Scrub described by Holland (1986), and the Sandbar Willow Thickets or Fremont Cottonwood Forest and Woodland alliances under Sawyer et al. (2009). It is highly disturbed from historic farming and very patchy in distribution, and is mixed with coastal scrub species adapted to drier conditions. An old basin had Fremont cottonwood and what appeared to be a planted black walnut (Juglans sp.), along with a large Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), ornamental trees/shrubs and numerous weedy species. This area merged with Ruderal habitat around the edges containing poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Peruvian pepper tree. A band of Riparian habitat to the north of the wastewater treatment plant that extended onto the property was dominated by arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), along with coast live oak and coyote brush. This assemblage most closely resembles the Southern Willow Scrub described by Holland (1986). It would also fall under the arroyo willow series under Sawyer et al. (2009). Please refer to Figure 4 for more detail.

Special-status Plant Species. A majority of the study area, and the entire impact area, has been developed for urban (recreational), residential and dairy farm uses and the lower field has been used for hay farming. Due to this history of disturbance, there is no suitable habitat for specialstatus plant species to occur. There were only four species recorded within five miles in the CNDDB (Figure 5) and none of these were determined to have potential to occur onsite based upon habitat requirements and local distribution (see Special-status Biological Resources Summary). The May 2023 survey confirmed the site is highly disturbed with a predominance of weedy species, and no special status plants are present.

Special-status Animal Species. Of the 15 special-status animal species recorded within five miles of the site in the CNDDB (Figure 6), 10 were determined to have potential to occur onsite.

Although the site has been developed for urban (recreational), farming and residential uses and is unsuitable for supporting important life history functions of many of these species (i.e., breeding), the Santa Ynez River corridor has native vegetation, a water source and connectivity to other habitat areas. Several special-status animal species could inhabit the river channel and move onto the site periodically while foraging or moving through the area. Several of these species may also use the project site for breeding. These species, their status, and an evaluation of potential for occurrence are summarized below.

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34

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35

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36 California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii)
This species is federally Threatened and is a CDFW Species of Special Concern. It uses a variety of freshwater aquatic habitats with water deeper than two feet for breeding and foraging.

During winter rains individuals move into adjacent riparian habitats and may undergo dispersal or breeding migrations through upland habitats primarily within 1 mile of the aquatic sites in which they reside. They have been recorded in Nojoqui Creek, Zaca Creek and the Santa Ynez River as well as numerous other locations beyond five miles from the site (CDFW 2023a).

Suitable aquatic habitat is present in the Santa Ynez River and wastewater treatment ponds adjacent to the study area, but no aquatic habitat is onsite. If individuals use offsite aquatic habitats, there is a chance that they could move through the study area during winter rains, but this may be unlikely given the lack of suitable cover to hide from predators. They could occupy riparian habitat onsite where there is cover for prolonged periods during the winter, but this area will not be impacted by the project.

Northern California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra)
This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern that inhabits a variety of shrub and woodland habitats, generally with sandy soils but also in areas with leaf litter or cover objects that provide moisture for this fossorial animal. There are records of this species from the Purisima Hills near Buellton (CDFW 2023a) and the site is within the range of the species (Thomson et al. 2016). This species could occur year-round and breed in the Riparian habitat along the River corridor, and to a lesser degree in the Ornamental habitat that is outside the historic soil disturbance footprint.

Southwestern (=western) Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida [=Emys marmorata]) This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern that inhabits aquatic habitats, such as ponds, river pools, marshes and irrigation ditches, throughout most of the year. It uses grasslands within 500 feet of aquatic sites for nesting, and they undergo overland movements through upland habitats during the winter and when aquatic sites dry. They have been documented from the Santa Ynez River adjacent to the site (CDFW 2023a). No suitable aquatic habitat is present in the study area, but due to the proximity of the site adjacent to the river individuals could use upland habitat onsite for foraging, and potential exists for nesting to occur along the berm and outer limits of riparian scrub on the southwest property line. The open sandy soils in the area mapped as non-native grassland habitat are highly disturbed from farming and mowing, as well as horseback riding and hiking, and are unlikely to be used for nesting.

Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis)
This species is on the CDFW Watch List for wintering and is a federal Bird of Conservation Concern. They occur in this region during the winter when they forage for small mammals in open habitats. There are numerous observations recorded from the Santa Ynez Valley, including within Buellton (CDFW 2023a, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2023a). There is a slight possibility that individuals could forage over the site periodically, but a significant prey base was not observed during surveys. They do not nest in this area.

Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus)
This species is on the CDFW Watch List for wintering and is a federal Bird of Conservation Concern. They occur in this region year-round where they forage in a variety of open habitats including agricultural areas and feedlots. They nest on high cliff ledges and steep bluffs overlooking open areas. There are numerous records from the Santa Ynez Valley and one recent

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37 observation from River View Park (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2023a). They could forage onsite periodically but there is no suitable nesting habitat in the area.

Purple Martin (Progne subis)
This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern for nesting, and they nest in coniferous and sycamore woodlands or within artificial structures. Foraging is within developed areas, parks, fields, dunes, riparian areas and woodland. They occur in this area during the breeding season.

Although historically recorded as breeding in the Santa Ynez Valley (CDFW 2023a), all recent breeding records are from Quiota and Alisal creeks, which are not in close proximity to the site (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2023a). Individuals could occur as transients while moving around the area.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) This species is both federally and state listed as Endangered. This species is dependent on riparian habitat with dense willows. They are neotropical migrants that formerly bred in this region but now only occur in the spring and fall. Breeding pairs were recorded in the Santa Ynez River just downstream from Buellton until 2012, but more recently only solitary individuals have been seen (Lehman 2022). Dense riparian along the river channel offsite may be suitable for breeding and individuals could use riparian habitat along the margins of the property periodically, but onsite areas are not sufficiently dense or close enough to aquatic sites to support breeding. Extensive surveys occurred for this species during the development of River View Park and did not locate nesting pairs on that site.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus)
This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern that occurs in grasslands, fields, scrubland edges, and woodland habitats. They excavate dens in dry, friable soils and feed on a variety of small mammals. There are several records of this species near the site but all are from at least 30 years ago (CDFW 2023a). Suitable habitat remains throughout the area, and individuals could move through the Santa Ynez River corridor and onto the study area periodically. There is a chance that they could forage or den onsite but the probability is low due to the lack of a significant prey base and degree of human activity surrounding the other three sides of the site.

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)
This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern that occurs in a variety of arid habitats throughout the state. They roost in rock outcrops, caves, crevasses, mines hollow trees and buildings. This species was recorded along the Santa Ynez River near the site (CDFW 2022a).

They could fly over the site while foraging, and potentially could roost in outbuildings or large trees with cavities in the study area.

Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii)
This species is a CDFW Species of Special Concern that prefers mesic habitats although also is found in dry scrubland. Roosting is in rocky cliffs with crevasses, and they also use mines, tunnels, abandoned buildings and bridges. Individuals and roost sites have been recorded near the study area (CDFW 2022a). They could fly over the site while foraging and potentially could roost in outbuildings.

Designated Critical Habitat. No federally-designated critical habitat is present on the property.

Designated critical habitat for the southern California Distinct Population Segment (DPS) steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus; pop. 10) is present within the Santa Ynez River but

City of Buellton
38 does not occur within the study area (Figure 7). The limits of critical habitat are confined to the river channel below the Ordinary High Water Mark. Southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat is also present along the river corridor adjacent to the site, but does not extend onto the site. Furthermore, the site does not contain the necessary habitat elements to support breeding habitat by this species. Designated critical habitat for the California red-legged frog is within five miles of the site but does not include the study area.

Protected Nesting Birds. In addition to the special-status bird species listed above, species protected under the MBTA and/or California Department of Fish and Game Code could nest in the riparian, developed, ornamental or grassland habitats onsite.

Sensitive Natural Communities and Riparian Habitats. The riparian habitat along the Santa Ynez River would be considered a CDFW sensitive natural community. Along the active channels is more well-developed forested habitat that can be classified as Southern CottonwoodWillow Riparian Forest (State Rarity Rank S3.2). Further away from the active channels, the forested habitat segues into a more scrub like plant community, and this habitat is what extends onto the southwestern part of the property. The riparian habitat onsite would be classified as Southern Willow Scrub (State Rarity Rank S2.1). Both of these habitats are mapped in the CNDDB along the river, and field observations confirmed their presence (Figure 7). These communities meet the threshold under CEQA and would be considered a protected resource by the City under General Plan policies. The riparian area along the river that extends onto the property is expected to fall under the jurisdiction of the RWQCB under the Clean Water Act Section 401 and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and CDFW under California Fish and Game Code Section 1602. It is not expected to meet the federal definition of a wetland or non-wetland waters of the U.S. The small swath of riparian habitat to the north of the wastewater treatment plant may also be a protected community given its proximity to an outfall structure and historic drainage feature. The riparian habitat in the old basin in the southern corner of the site has colonized this constructed feature, and is invaded by various non-native species. The basin was likely constructed during the dairy operations onsite, and is disjunct from river and does not appear to meet the criteria as a federally protected feature under the Clean Water Act. It is likely that CDFW and RWQCB would claim jurisdiction over the feature given the presence of riparian habitat in the river floodplain. The planted sycamore trees on the River View Park property would not be jurisdictional or a sensitive natural community since they were planted and are maintained as a component of the park.

The CNDDB maps Southern California Steelhead Stream as a sensitive natural community along the Santa Ynez River. The CNDDB groups this designation with sensitive plant communities although it is a wildlife habitat. The limits of steelhead habitat are confined to the active channels of the river and do not occur onsite.

Wetlands and Drainages. A small patch of wetland habitat was observed at the outfall structure in the north corner of the study area. Based on the presence of rushes and cattails, at least two of the three wetland criteria (i.e., dominance of hydrophytes and positive indicators of wetland hydrology) are present on the subject property. The sandy and fine sandy loam soils do not appear to support ponding or prolonged soil saturation sufficient to establish hydric soils. No clay hardpan is present in this area that could support vernal pools. The basin in the southern part of the site was apparently constructed by past farming operations, and did not contain evidence of supporting any ponded water, even after the above average rain season experienced in 2022-2023.

City of Buellton
39 The proposed access to the new parking lot would cross this small ephemeral drainage constructed on the River View Park property. Access would also utilize an existing dirt road crossing in the northwest part of the site. While a formal jurisdictional delineation has not been conducted, the ephemeral swale or stream feature was constructed during park development, and based on historic aerial photograph review, this area did not support any established riparian or wetland vegetation. Recent field work confirmed the area is maintained as part of the park and did not support any true riparian vegetation beyond the landscape plantings associated with the park. A small patch of emergent marsh wetland habitat was present at the outfall where the culvert daylights from under residential development, just offsite (Figure 4). The USGS topographic quadrangle and NWI do not show a drainage in this location, and the marshy vegetation area did not contain any surface water deeper than four inches during the surveys (Figures 2 and 4). The vegetation is confined to the outfall and is being supported by nuisance drainage from the residential development. It is not known if other roadway drainage and storm drain infrastructure add to the hydrology at this location, but no significant nexus or clearly defined drainage channel was present connecting this feature to the active channels of the Santa Ynez River. Given current regulatory guidance (Sackett v. EPA, 2023), it is unlikely that this ephemeral drainage or small patch of wetland vegetation at the outfall structure would be regulated under the Clean Water Act as a waters of the United States. The RWQCB and CDFW could potentially claim jurisdiction over this ephemeral stream and associated wetland habitat along with the riparian habitat mapped on Figure 4 . While riparian habitat in the south and east parts of the study area will be avoided, consultation with RWQCB and CDFW will be required to determine the jurisdictional status of this ephemeral stream/drainage feature originating from the culvert in the north.

A constructed ditch also runs offsite along the eastern property boundary. It originates from a culvert outfall under residential development and is vegetated by upland non-native grassland species. The ditch appears to be regularly mowed. The ditch is not shown on the USGS topographic quadrangle or NWI, nor does it have a defined drainage upstream from urban development. It was probably constructed to divert stormwater from urban development around the wastewater treatment plant. Therefore, it is not expected to be jurisdictional, and current project plans do not show any impacts on this feature.

Impact Analysis
a. The following discussion relates to impacts to candidate, sensitive, or special status species identified in applicable regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Special-Status Plants. No special-status plant species were determined to have potential to occur onsite; thus, no special-status plant species would be directly impacted by the project.

There is no suitable habitat in adjacent areas that could support special-status plant species and there would be no indirect effects from project activities. Therefore, there would be no impact of the project on special-status plant species and no additional surveys or mitigation is needed.

Special-Status Animals. The project involves the construction of sports fields, parking areas, an access road, and associated facilities such as restrooms. The various elements of the

City of Buellton
40 project are expected to be constructed during different phases, and the time of year when construction would begin has not been specified. Vegetation removal and ground disturbance could directly affect individuals of special-status animal species should they be onsite during construction, such as nesting birds. The project will not remove riparian habitat and will buffer the Santa Ynez River corridor with any significant development features such as buildings or parking lots. Improvements to the outbuildings and tree removal could also potentially affect roosting bats. These direct impacts are expected to be temporary and limited to the time that construction takes place. It is expected that construction would occur during the dry season when aquatic species such as the California red-legged frog and southwestern pond turtle are typically restricted to aquatic sites. Individuals of the following species could possibly be directly impacted by project construction: California red-legged frog (if construction occurs in winter rain season), northern California legless lizard, southwestern pond turtle (if construction occurs in winter rain season), American badger, pallid bat, Townsend's big-eared bat and nesting birds. Although this investigation determined that no suitable nesting habitat is present within the project area for least Bell's vireo or southwestern willow flycatcher, the City's General Plan requires that surveys for these species be conducted for any development located within 500 feet of the Santa Ynez River. Mitigation is described below for the animal species that may be directly affected by project construction to bring the level of effects to less than significant.

Permanent impacts of habitat loss are expected to be less than significant because the project impact area (largely Developed/Ruderal and disturbed Non-native Grassland aka historic hay field) does not contain any significant natural resources that could support populations of these species. Therefore, no mitigation is required for habitat loss.

Minor effects could occur on bird and bat species that use the site for foraging such as a temporary disruption of activities, but foraging would resume after each phase is constructed.

California red-legged frogs and southwestern pond turtles could access upland areas of the site for movement and dispersal during wet periods, but are not expected to use the non-native grassland or disturbed areas for upland refuge due to lack of cover. Adverse effects on movement and dispersal would be temporary as these species could continue to use the area after the playing fields have been built. The lower portion of the site has been farmed in the past and construction of the play fields would not substantially change these characteristics. Additionally, riparian habitat along the river or south side of the property, which has higher habitat values, would not be affected. Temporary effects on transient wildlife use of the project area during construction would be less than significant.

Increased human activity from the future on-going use of the site would generate noise, increased vehicle trips, trash, potential pesticide use, night lighting, trespass into the river corridor, and other disturbance. These activities could indirectly affect wildlife use of adjacent areas, including disrupting foraging, nesting, roosting and denning behavior. Similar to River View Park, fencing, signage and other methods would be used to buffer human activities from the river habitats. Given surrounding land uses, the effects of on-going increased human activity are expected to be less than significant.

No designated critical habitat would be directly affected, and construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be implemented during site development to ensure runoff from disturbed areas does not enter the river corridor and indirectly affect steelhead critical habitat.

Mitigation measures to be implemented during construction are required to reduce indirect effects. Project effects on southern California steelhead DPS critical habitat are less than

City of Buellton
41 significant with mitigation. The riparian habitat along the western edge of the study area is outside of the project impact area; therefore, there would be no effect on southwestern willow flycatcher critical habitat.

Protected Nesting Birds. Construction activities during the avian breeding season (February 1 to August 31) could interrupt nesting behavior, leading to the abandonment of nests containing eggs or young, causing their mortality. Direct effects on protected nesting birds may occur during tree removal, such as for the possible expansion of the Children's Museum play area or construction of the access road, or for construction of the play fields on species that nest in grassland habitats. Birds could also nest in the riparian and ornamental habitats onsite in close enough proximity to construction noise that their behavior may be disrupted. In addition to the special-status bird species with potential to occur in the area, nesting activities of common species of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code could be affected by the project. Impacts on nesting birds are considered less than significant with mitigation.
b. The following discussion relates to impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sensitive Natural Communities and Riparian Habitats. The proposed Children’s Museum play area is adjacent to and possibly within Southern Willow Scrub riparian habitat along the slope adjacent to the existing developed area. This habitat may be a CDFW sensitive natural community and is considered a sensitive biological resource by the City. While the riparian habitat along the river is outside of the disturbance footprint, the small patches of riparian habitat elsewhere on the site should be avoided by project activities. The City requires a 200-foot setback from the bank of the Santa Ynez River, and if public or private development encroaches into the setback, riparian vegetation shall be replaced or restored or a mitigation fee shall be paid.

Project impacts on sensitive natural communities and riparian habitats would be considered less than significant with mitigation.
c. The following discussion relates to impacts to federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

State or Federally Protected Wetlands. Construction of the access driveway from River View Park would cross an ephemeral drainage using an existing dirt road crossing as well as a new improved road crossing. This drainage feature identified as an ephemeral stream on Figure 4 was constructed, during development of River View Park. It now has periodic flow from surrounding urban runoff. Installation of a new culvert and associated rock slope protection would likely require permitting from the RWQCB and CDFW, and these agencies will be consulted during project planning to evaluate the extent of their jurisdiction over the feature.

Further evaluation of this feature would be needed during the development of final construction plans to determine the extent of disturbance and associated mitigation required. If the drainage feature s is impacted, permitting from the agencies may be needed. As previously stated, based on current regulatory guidance, it appears that the area would not be subject to the USACE pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act. To support permitting a delineation of jurisdictional areas (aka a wetland delineation) would be required. As a condition of any permit issued by state or federal regulatory agencies, compensatory mitigation may also be required

City of Buellton
42 under the preparation of a Compensatory Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. If these measures are followed, project impacts on state protected wetlands or other jurisdictional areas would be considered less than significant with mitigation.
d. The following discussion relates to impacts regarding wildlife movement or effects on migratory wildlife corridors.

Movement of Fish or Wildlife, Wildlife Corridors or Nursery Site Impacts. No suitable aquatic habitat for native fish is present in the project area, and there would be no indirect effects on offsite areas. The project site is disturbed from many years of farming and more recent urban development, and the area would not be used as a wildlife corridor. As such, construction and operation of the project would not affect wildlife movement through the adjacent Santa Ynez River corridor. With the exception of birds and several other species (mitigation is described below), the project site is not expected to support breeding populations of any wildlife. Riparian and ornamental habitats on the property are mainly outside of the project footprint, and any trees removed would be replaced as described below. There would be no effect of the project on the movement of fish or wildlife, wildlife corridors or nursery sites. e. The following discusses the project’s consistency with local plans and ordinances that relate to biological resources.

Local Policies and Ordinances. Phase 1 will not result in site disturbance that would impact existing protected trees. During Phase 2, some planted ornamentals as well as planted sycamores along the ephemeral stream may require removal during road construction. Native and non-native tree species with a trunk diameter at breast height of 8 inches or more are considered to be protected by the City under the General Plan and native tree species under The Native Tree Protection Ordinance (Chapter 12.32 of the Buellton Municipal Code). While protected native trees that are removed require authorization by the City along with payment of an applicable permit fee under the Native Tree Protection Ordinance, activities undertaken by the City are exempt. However, it is expected that the City would follow its native tree replacement standards. A 200-foot setback from the Santa Ynez River is required for public or private development and tree replacement planting opportunities exist along the southwestern part of the property. One proposed playing field is at least 600 feet from the current low-flow channel and approximately 50 feet from the berm that delineates the river floodplain. All structures are to be situated over 200 feet from the river corridor. Any conflicts with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources are considered less than significant with mitigation. e. and f. The following discusses the project’s consistency with any relevant conservation plans, including Habitat Conservation Plans.

Conservation Plan Conflicts. No Habitat Conservation Plans, Natural Community Conservation Plans or other local, regional, or state conservation plans have been prepared for the area in which the project is located. Therefore, there would be no conflict with any type of conservation plan.

Mitigation Measures
In order to reduce impacts on biological resources to less than significant levels, the following mitigation measures shall be implemented:

City of Buellton
43 Mitigation Measure BIO-1. Preconstruction Survey (Special-Status Species).

Conduct a preconstruction survey for special-status wildlife and implement avoidance and protection measures during construction. Within seven days prior to the start of vegetation removal or grading for any phase of the project, a qualified biologist approved by the City shall survey permanent and temporary impact areas to ensure the species listed above are not present. The biologist shall survey the site under suitable environmental conditions using appropriate protocols to detect the target species.

Additional detail for focused surveys is provided, as follows.

Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, California Red-Legged Frog.

Consistent with General Plan policies, because the site is located within 500 feet of the Santa Ynez River, surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence or absence of state and/or federally listed species, including least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and California red-legged frog. If any individuals of federally listed species are found during the surveys, consultation with the USFWS and/or state may be required.

American Badger. The qualified biologist shall survey the project impact area including the access road plus a 250-foot buffer for potential American badger dens. Any potential badger dens/burrows found that appear active shall be identified with flagging or stakes, and a 200-foot no-work buffer shall be flagged. All foot and vehicle traffic, construction activities, and storage of supplies and equipment, shall remain outside of buffer areas.

Buffer areas shall be maintained until all project-related disturbances have been terminated. If any burrows and their appropriate buffer areas cannot be avoided during all work activities, then the qualified biologist shall determine whether they are active by installing wildlife trail cameras and/or tracking medium and monitoring them daily for at least three days. If the work takes place in the late-spring or summer, additional measures shall be employed to determine whether dens are occupied by badger young.

No dens with young shall be disturbed, and no work shall be conducted within 200 feet of maternal dens until the young have left the den. If any active burrow occupied by a single adult badger is found and a 50-foot buffer area cannot be avoided, then the den shall be closed incrementally by placing sticks and debris over the entrance for three to five days, to discourage the animal from using the den. Only after the badger has left the den, as determined by the qualified biologist implementing the wildlife camera and/or tracking medium methods, can the den be excavated and work proceed. Destruction of a burrow is typically done by incrementally excavating it until it is confirmed that no animals are occupying the burrow. Excavation using hand tools is the recommended method for destroying a burrow. Use of excavating equipment can be done with extreme caution and while being monitored by a qualified biologist. After the burrow is destroyed, the excavation shall be filled with dirt and compacted to make sure that burrowing animals cannot re-enter or use the burrow during construction. If an American badger is discovered inside the burrow during excavation, activities should cease immediately and the animal allowed to leave under its own volition. Burrow destruction may proceed once it is determined that the animal has left the den.

Bat Species. Potential bat roost sites (trees with cavities, outbuildings) that will be disturbed by construction activities shall be inspected for sign of roosting bats such as guano or prey remains. Emergence or re-entry surveys should be conducted for those sites with evidence of bat occupancy. The qualified biologist shall determine whether a

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44 maternity roost is present by carefully observing individuals on the roost. If young are present, no work shall occur within 100 feet of the roost location of any bat species until the young can fly on their own. If any non-maternal bat roosts are found, and the work is being conducted outside of the winter hibernation period, the biologist shall coordinate with the City and CDFW on methods to ensure the successful relocation of individuals to suitable habitat nearby. In some cases, CDFW may recommend creating structures for displaced bats. Bats can be restricted from roost sites by placing netting over their entrances after they have left the roost for night-time foraging. Only after the roosting bats have left the site can the tree/structure be disturbed.

The biologist shall submit a report to the City detailing the methods and results of the preconstruction surveys. The report should detail the number and location of any specialstatus animal species found and measures implemented for avoidance prior to the start of construction. Observations of special-status species shall be submitted to the CNDDB.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2. Construction Timing. Conduct the initiation of construction activities outside of the nesting season. All initial site disturbance shall be limited to the time period between September 1 and January 31, if feasible. If initial site disturbance such as vegetation/tree removal, grading, and improvements to outbuildings cannot be conducted during this time period, implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO3 is required.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3. Preconstruction Nesting Bird Survey. Conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey for each phase of the project. If it is not possible to schedule the initiation of construction between September 1 and January 31, a qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction survey for nesting birds within 500 feet of project impact areas to ensure that no active nests will be disturbed. The pre-construction survey shall be conducted no more than seven days before the initiation of construction activities in any given area of the project site. During this survey, the qualified biologist shall inspect all potential nest substrates within 500 feet from the impact area, and any nests identified will be monitored to determine if they are active. If no active nests are found, construction may proceed. If an active nest is found within 50 feet (250 feet for raptors) of the construction area, the biologist, in consultation with the CDFW, shall determine the extent of a buffer to be established around the nest. No work shall take place within the buffer area until the young have left the nest, as determined by a qualified biologist.

Mitigation Measure BIO-4. Wildlife Exclusion Fence. Erect wildlife exclusion fence along the river corridor prior to and during ground disturbing work to install the play fields and monitor during construction. To prevent California red-legged frogs and southwestern pond turtles from accessing the site, and deter American badgers from denning onsite, a wildlife exclusion fence (i.e., ERTEC Triple-function E-fence or similar) shall be installed along the southwestern, southern and western sides of the project site by the end of April during the season prior to breaking ground. The bottom edge of the fence shall be trenched into the ground to a depth of at least 6 inches, and the soil recompacted along either side. The fence shall be surveyed by a qualified monitor prior to the start of work each day for southwestern pond turtles or California red-legged frogs that may have entered the work area or are disoriented on the outside of the fence.

The biological monitor shall also inspect the integrity of the fence and ensure that it

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45 remains functioning until ground disturbance has been completed. If any southwestern pond turtles or California red-legged frogs are found within the work area, CDFW or USFWS, respectively, shall be contacted to receive authorization to move them to suitable habitat away from project impacts. Work shall be halted within 50 feet of the individual until the agencies have provided authorization to proceed.

Mitigation Measure BIO-5. Preliminary Jurisdictional Waters Delineation. Since site access improvements require a new road crossing of the ephemeral drainage feature to be constructed in Phase 2, a Preliminary Delineation of Waters of the United States and State of California (aka wetland delineation) shall be conducted within 100 feet of all proposed limits of disturbance affecting the ephemeral stream. The jurisdictional areas and any required setbacks shall be provided to project engineers to be shown on all project plans. The delineation should also include a consultation component to review the project and drainage feature with state agencies to determine if permitting from the RWQCB and CDFW will be needed . As discussed above, it appears there are no federal wetlands or drainage features onsite under the jurisdiction of the USACE, but the wetland delineation should evaluate onsite features consistent with current regulatory guidance.

The wetland delineation shall be submitted to the agencies in support of the permit applications. Any riparian habitat lost or encroachment of development within the setback area shall be replaced onsite at a minimum 1:1 ratio. Note that the agencies may require a higher ratio of up to 3:1 in some instances. Impacts within 50-foot creek or 200-foot river setback areas would also require riparian habitat restoration under the General Plan. These activities shall be conducted under a Compensatory Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (CMMP) prepared by a qualified biologist, and submitted to the agencies and City for approval. The CMMP shall follow guidelines established by the state and federal agencies and be implemented under the direction of a qualified biologist and monitored for at least five years to ensure that success criteria are met.

Mitigation Measure BIO-6. Tree Inventory. Since site access improvements would require a new road crossing of the ephemeral drainage feature in Phase 2 , a a tree inventory shall be conducted prior to construction activities to map all trees at least 8 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh) within 50 feet of all potential limits of site disturbance. The inventory shall mark the location of each native tree using a Global Positioning System with submeter accuracy and then shown on project construction and/or improvement plans. Each tree shall be assigned a unique number and marked in the field by an aluminum tag. Data collected for each tree shall include species, number of trunks at least 8 inches dbh, and a relative vigor rating. If any non-native trees with a trunk diameter of at least 8 inches dbh are removed, they shall be replaced at a ratio of at least two new trees for every tree removed (2:1 ratio). Native tree species, including oaks, at least 8 inches dbh shall be replaced at a minimum 5:1 ratio under the General Plan. Municipal Code 12.32.070 specifies ratios of 3:1 for oak trees, and 2:1 for cottonwood and sycamore trees. Compensatory planting for both non-native and native trees removed shall be native species on the City's approved tree planting list and obtained from locally sourced stock. Mitigation shall be done under the CMMP prepared and implemented by a qualified biologist. In accordance with the Native Tree Protection Ordinance, replacement trees shall be established in locations suitable for their growth and survival, as determined by a qualified biologist/arborist, no closer than twenty (20) feet from each other or from existing oak trees and no farther than one hundred sixty-five

City of Buellton
46 (165) to one hundred eighty (180) feet from each other or existing oak trees unless otherwise approved by the arborist. Herbivore protection fencing is required until the trees reach a minimum of eight (8) feet in height. The mitigation site shall be maintained and monitored for at least five (5) years.

Mitigation Measure BIO-7. Worker Environmental Awareness Program. Prepare and present a Worker Environmental Awareness Program. A qualified biologist shall prepare a Worker Environmental Awareness Program that will be presented to all construction personnel and employees before any ground-disturbing activities commence at the project site. This program shall detail the measures undertaken during project implementation to avoid and minimize impacts on biological resources. It shall include a description of the status of protected species and resources that may be present in the area and the measures to be undertaken during the project to avoid impacts on these resources.

All attendees of the Worker Environmental Awareness Program shall sign an attendance form.

Mitigation Measure BIO-8. Erosion and Sediment Controls. Install appropriate erosion and sediment controls during construction. The following erosion and sedimentation control Best Management Practices (BMPs) are required to be implemented during each of the ground disturbing phases of the project:
a. If possible, the potential for erosion and sedimentation shall be minimized by scheduling construction to occur outside of the rainy season (typically October 15 through April 15).
b. To minimize site disturbance, all construction related equipment shall be restricted to established roads, construction areas, and other designated staging areas. c. A Sediment and Erosion Control Plan may be required by the City, and shall be prepared by a qualified engineer. The use of silt fence, straw wattles, erosion control blankets, straw bales, sandbags, fiber rolls and other appropriate techniques should be employed to protect the drainage features on and off the property. Biotechnical approaches using native vegetation shall be used as feasible. All areas with soil disturbance shall have appropriate erosion controls and other stormwater protection BMPs installed per the engineer’s requirements, and in place prior to October 15.

Methods that are not biodegradable should be removed after vegetation has become established and following the end of the rainy season (late-spring or summer). d. Spill kits shall be maintained on the site, and a Spill Response Plan shall be in place. e. No vehicles or equipment shall be refueled within 100 feet of drainage features unless a bermed and lined refueling area is constructed. No vehicles or construction equipment shall be stored overnight within 100 feet of these areas unless drip pans or ground covers are used. All equipment and vehicles should be checked and maintained on a daily basis to ensure proper operation and to avoid potential leaks or spills. Construction staging areas should attain zero discharge of stormwater runoff into these habitats.
f. No concrete washout shall be conducted on the site outside of an appropriate containment system. Washing of equipment, tools, etc. should not be allowed in any location where the tainted water could enter onsite drainages. g. The use of chemicals, fuels, lubricants, or biocides shall be in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. All uses of such compounds shall observe label and other restrictions mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

City of Buellton
47 California Department of Food and Agriculture, and other state and federal legislation.
h. All project-related spills of hazardous materials within or adjacent to the project site should be cleaned up immediately.
i. Areas with disturbed soils shall be restored under the direction of the project engineer in consultation with a qualified restoration ecologist as needed. Methods may include recontouring graded areas to blend in with existing natural contours, covering the areas with salvaged topsoil containing native seedbank from the site, and/or applying the native seed mix shown on the project plans supplemented with species in Table 3.

Native seed mix shall be applied to the graded areas through either direct hand seeding or hydroseeding methods. Seeding with the erosion control native seed mix should be provided on all disturbed soil areas prior to the onset of the rainy season (by October 15). Compost, fiber and tackifier may also be incorporated.

Table 3. Erosion Control Native Seed Mix
Common Name Scientific Name Application Rate
(pounds/acre)
California brome Bromus carinatus 10
Purple needlegrass Stipa pulchra 5
Six weeks fescue Vulpia microstachys 5
Small fescue Festuca microstachys 5
Tomcat clover Trifolium wildenovii 5
Findings and Mitigation: Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-8 as described above would be required to address potential impacts related to biological resources to a less than significant level.

ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES - Would the
project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in § 15064.5? X
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5? X
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of formal cemeteries? X
a. There is an existing barn structure on the site, which is intended for adaptation and future use as part of the project. The barn was named a historical landmark by the City Council in September 2020. The requirement in place as a result of this designation is that “that any proposed alteration, addition, or demolition, to the site or any structure thereon is (prior to the issuance of any entitlement, building permit, demolition permit, or grading permit which may alter the existing site or buildings) subject to City Council review of appropriate mitigation of loss to a historic resource through permanent acknowledgement and recognition of the site’s historical significance.” This requirement will be included as a mitigation measure in this document to address any potential impacts to that structure. The City Council will evaluate this impact determine whether this proposed mitigation measure is appropriate mitigation to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.

City of Buellton
48 b. and c. No known artifacts have been found on this site. Any artifacts located on this property would have likely been removed or destroyed through past flood events, as part of the site is within the 100-year flood zone of the Santa Ynez River. Therefore the potential for future discoveries is extremely unlikely. In the unlikely event that previously unidentified cultural resources are encountered during site grading activities, state laws related to the protection of cultural resources would apply. To provide additional protection against possible impacts to unknown cultural resources, the following Mitigation Measure CR-1 is required.

Mitigation Measure
CR-1: Halt Work Order for Archaeological Resources. If unanticipated cultural resources are exposed during construction of a Project, all earth disturbing work within the vicinity of the find must be temporarily suspended until an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find. After the find has been appropriately mitigated, work in the area may resume. A representative should monitor any mitigation excavation associated with the Native American materials.

Monitoring. Upon notification by project developer of discovery of a potential find, Planning Department will verify that archaeologists and Native American representatives have been contacted to evaluate the materials found and, if necessary to monitor any consequent mitigation activities.
d. Since no known cemetery uses or prehistoric burial sites are located on or adjacent to the site, the proposed project would result in no impacts to known human remains. If human remains are discovered, CEQA guidelines 15064.5 (e), Health and Safety Code sections 7050.5 and 5097.98 contain protocols that must be followed, as well as Mitigation Measure CR-1.

Findings and Mitigation: Potential impacts are considered less than significant with the incorporation of required Mitigation Measure CR-1.

ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VI. ENERGY - Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or
operation?
X
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency? X
Impact Analysis
a. Project Construction. Project construction would require temporary energy resources primarily in the form of fuel consumption to operate heavy equipment, light-duty vehicles, machinery, and generators. Temporary grid power may also be provided to construction trailers or electric construction equipment. Energy use during construction activities would be temporary, and construction equipment used would be typical of similar-sized construction projects in the region. In addition, construction contractors are required to comply with the provisions of 13 California Code of Regulations Sections 2449 and 2485, which prohibit dieselPage 181 of 871 City of Buellton
49 fueled commercial motor vehicles and off-road diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes, minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption. Construction equipment would be subject to the U.S. EPA Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency Standard (40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065, and 1068), which minimizes inefficient fuel consumption. Electrical power would be consumed during construction activities, and the demand would be supplied from existing electrical infrastructure in the area. Electricity used for construction purposes would be minor and limited to intermittent use of construction equipment.

Overall, temporary project construction activities would utilize fuel- and energy-efficient equipment consistent with the most recently adopted state and federal regulations and would comply with state measures to reduce the inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of energy. Construction contractors would not be anticipated to utilize fuel or electricity in a manner that is wasteful or unnecessary as a business practice to ensure cost efficiency.

Therefore, project construction would not result in potentially significant environmental effects due to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy.

Project Operation. Energy demand from long-term operation of new development on the project site would include electricity consumed by non-residential buildings and energy associated with fuel consumption. Energy consumption will be very minor and sporadic, as most activities on the site will involve be passive use of outdoor sports fields and play area. Occasional events such as weddings would use energy in the form of lighting and heating, but these events would be infrequent in nature. It is highly likely that the overall energy use per square foot would be much lower than permanently occupied buildings such as residences, commercial uses or office space. Therefore, the project operation would not result in significant impacts due to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy. As a result, this impact would be less than significant.
b. The following describe key regulations that relate to the project’s energy use, and the extent that the project will be consistent with these requirements.

California Energy Plan. The California Energy Commission (CEC) is responsible for preparing the California Energy Plan, which identifies emerging trends related to energy supply, demand, conservation, public health and safety, and the maintenance of a healthy economy. The 2008 California Energy Plan calls for the state to assist in the transformation of the transportation system to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and increase the efficient use of fuel supplies with the least environmental and energy costs. To further this policy, the plan identifies several strategies, including assistance to public agencies and fleet operators in implementing incentive programs for zero-emission vehicles and addressing their infrastructure needs, as well as encouragement of urban designs that reduce vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access.

Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The California Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6) were adopted to ensure that building construction and system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 standards) are the 2019 Title 24 standards, which became effective on January 1, 2020. The 2019 Title 24 standards include efficiency improvements to the lighting and efficiency improvements to the non-residential

City of Buellton
50 standards include alignment with the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. As a result, potential impacts would be less than significant.

City of Buellton
51 ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the
project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated
on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the
area or based on other substantial evidence of a
known fault?
X
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X
iii) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X
iv) Landslides? X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
X
d) Be located on expansive soil creating substantial risks to life or property? X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater?
X
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? X
The following analysis of geological resources is based on the City’s General Plan Safety Element Plan and previous geotechnical studies conducted in the City and on the project site, which are on file at the Buellton Planning Department.
a. Geologic Hazards:

Fault Rupture: There are no known active fault lines within the City. No impacts would occur.

Groundshaking: The San Andreas Fault, located approximately 74 kilometers east of Buellton, dominates both the geologic structure and seismicity of the project area. However, faults closer to the project site also have the potential to generate earthquakes and strong groundshaking at the site. These include: (1) the offshore group, including the Hosgri and Santa Lucia (Purisima and Lompoc) faults; and (2) the Santa Ynez Fault. In addition, the Los Alamos-Baseline-Lions and Casmalia-Orcutt-Little Pine faults may be active and pose potential to generate groundshaking at the project site.

The largest upper level earthquake (ULE) in Buellton would be an approximate 7.8 moment magnitude earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. Such an event could produce peak horizontal ground acceleration on the order of 0.16g1
. Due to the relative location of the Los Alamos-

1 The force on a building during an earthquake is proportional to ground acceleration. Such forces are prescribed by the UBC. During an earthquake the ground acceleration varies with time. “g” is a common value of acceleration equal to 9.8 m/sec/sec (the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth). 30% of g is the acceleration one would experience in a car that takes 9 seconds to brake from 60 miles per

City of Buellton
52 Baseline (approximately 8 kilometers south), Santa Ynez (approximately 10 kilometers northeast), and North Channel Slope (approximately 25 kilometers east) faults to Buellton, higher ULE accelerations may be expected from these faults. Although higher accelerations may be experienced in Buellton from these faults, compared to events on the San Andreas Fault, the recurrence interval for such events is much longer than for an event on the active San Andreas Fault Zone. Seismic safety issues would be addressed through the California Building Code and implementation of the recommendations on foundation and structural design contained in the geotechnical investigation. Less than significant impacts would result.

Seismic Ground Failure: Liquefaction is the phenomenon in which soil temporarily loses strength due to a buildup of excess pore-water pressure caused by seismic shaking. The primary factors influencing liquefaction potential include depth of groundwater, soil type, relative density of sandy soils, overburden pressure, fines content and the intensity and duration of ground shaking. Liquefaction potential is greatest in saturated, loose, poorly graded fine sands with grain size (D50) in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters. Per the geotechnical study, the potential for liquefaction is low (GeoSolutions, Inc., 2016).

General Plan Safety Element Policy S-1 requires that new development (habitable structures including commercial and industrial buildings) be set back at least 200 feet from the bank of the Santa Ynez River. The nearest inhabited structure would be setback more than 200 feet from the river. The project would be consistent with this policy in this respect, which will minimize liquefaction hazards.

Policy S-7 requires that all new development shall satisfy the requirements of the California Building Code regarding seismic safety. Conformance with this policy would ensure that potential impacts related to liquefaction would be less than significant.

Seiche, Tsunami, Mudflow: The site is not located in the vicinity of any body of water that could result in a seiche or tsunami, and the project site is relatively flat and is not located adjacent to any substantial slopes. No impacts would occur.

Landsliding: Slopes in the City are geologically stable and are not subject to major landslides.

The project site is on a generally level property. As such, no impacts would occur with respect to landsliding.
b. Erosion: The project proposes grading to create a level building pad, above the 100-year floodplain limits, for the proposed structure and related improvements. Cutting and filling may result in increased erosion. The City’s adopted Grading Ordinance, requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and The City’s Standard Conditions of Approval require erosion and sediment control plans for all projects. Based on the required implementation of these requirements, the impact to erosion is considered less than significant. c., d. Unstable/Expansive Soils: While the site appears suitable from a geotechnical engineering standpoint, for the construction of the proposed project, a project-specific soils investigation would provide specific recommendations for project design and construction. These project design recommendations related to grading, building foundation, driveway and parking area construction, will be required as part of grading and building plan approval, and would ensure that the impacts are less than significant.

hour to a complete stop.

City of Buellton
53 e. Suitability for Septic Systems: All project wastewater would be discharged to the City sewer system. No septic systems have been proposed. No impacts would result.

Findings and Mitigation: All development of the site must follow standard California Building Code requirements. Compliance with these regulations and requirements and the recommendations from a site-specific geotechnical soils investigation would result in less than significant geology related impacts. The Public Works Department/City Engineer will verify that the final project design incorporates any design recommendations from an approved projectspecific geologic study prior to issuing grading permits.

ISSUES:

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Unless
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS -
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment? X
b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases? X
This section is based on a technical report prepared by Ambient analyzing greenhouse gas emissions as they relate to the project. This report is included as Appendix C to this Initial Study, and includes extensive background information and a regulatory framework that are summarized below. The major findings of the technical analysis are also included below, but for the full analysis, please refer to Appendix C.

Setting
Project implementation would generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the burning of fossil fuels or other emissions, thus potentially contributing to cumulative impacts related to global climate change. The following summarizes the regulatory framework related to climate change.

There is an extensive federal, state and local regulatory basis for analyzing this issue, which is described in detail in the technical report included in Appendix C. These key regulations are listed and summarized below:

Federal
Executive Order 13514
Executive Order 13514 is focused on reducing GHGs internally in federal agency missions, programs, and operations. In addition, the executive order directs federal agencies to participate

City of Buellton
54 in the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, which is engaged in developing a national strategy for adaptation to climate change.

State
Assembly Bill 1493
AB 1493 (Pavley) of 2002 (Health and Safety Code Sections 42823 and 43018.5) required the ARB to develop and adopt the nation’s first GHG emission standards for automobiles. The California Legislature declared in AB 1493 that global warming is a matter of increasing concern for public health and the environment. It cites several risks that California faces from climate change, including a reduction in the state’s water supply; an increase in air pollution caused by higher temperatures; harm to agriculture; an increase in wildfires; damage to the coastline; and economic losses caused by higher food, water, energy, and insurance prices.

Executive Order S-3-05
Executive Order S-3-05 (State of California) proclaims that California is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It declares that increased temperatures could reduce the Sierra’s snowpack, further exacerbate California’s air quality problems, and potentially cause a rise in sea levels. To combat those concerns, the Executive Order established total GHG emission targets.

Specifically, emissions are to be reduced to the 2000 level by 2010, to the 1990 level by 2020, and to 80 percent below the 1990 level by 2050.

Executive Order B-30-15
In 2015, Governor Brown signed Executive Order B-30-15, which establishes a California GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Executive Order B-55-18
In 2018, Governor Brown signed Executive Order B-55-18, which set a target of statewide carbon neutrality by 2045.

Executive Order N-79-20
In 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-79-20, which calls for elimination of new internal combustion passenger vehicles by 2035. It would end sales of internal combustion passenger vehicles by 2035. It is important to note that the Executive Order focuses on new vehicle sales for automakers, and therefore does not require Californians to give up the existing cars and trucks they already own.

Climate Change Scoping Plan
In October 2008, ARB published its Climate Change Proposed Scoping Plan, which is the State’s plan to achieve GHG reductions in California required by AB 32. This initial Scoping Plan contained the main strategies to be implemented in order to achieve the target emission levels identified in AB 32. The Scoping Plan included ARB-recommended GHG reductions for each emissions sector of the state’s GHG inventory.

Mandatory Reporting of GHG Emissions
The California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32, 2006) requires the reporting of GHGs by major sources to the ARB. Major sources required to report GHG emissions include industrial facilities, suppliers of transportation fuels, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied petroleum

City of Buellton
55 gas, and carbon dioxide, operators of petroleum and natural gas systems, and electricity retail providers and marketers.

Senate Bill 97
SB 97 was enacted in 2007. SB 97 required the Office of Planning and Research to develop, and the Natural Resources Agency to adopt, amendments to the CEQA Guidelines addressing the analysis and mitigation of GHG emissions. Those CEQA Guidelines amendments clarified several points, including the following:
 Lead agencies must analyze the GHG emissions of proposed projects and must reach a conclusion regarding the significance of those emissions.  When a project’s GHG emissions may be significant, lead agencies must consider a range of potential mitigation measures to reduce those emissions.  Lead agencies must analyze potentially significant impacts associated with placing projects in hazardous locations, including locations potentially affected by climate change.
 Lead agencies may significantly streamline the analysis of GHGs on a project level by using a programmatic GHG emissions reduction plan meeting certain criteria.  CEQA mandates analysis of a proposed project’s potential energy use (including transportation- related energy), sources of energy supply and ways to reduce energy demand, including through the use of efficient transportation alternatives.  As part of the administrative rulemaking process, the California Natural Resources Agency developed a Final Statement of Reasons explaining the legal and factual bases, intent, and purpose of the CEQA Guidelines amendments. The amendments to the CEQA Guidelines implementing SB 97 became effective on March 18, 2010.

Cap-and-Trade Regulation
The cap-and-trade regulation is a key element in California’s climate plan. It sets a statewide limit on sources responsible for 85 percent of California’s GHG emissions and establishes a price signal needed to drive long-term investment in cleaner fuels and more efficient use of energy.

The cap-and-trade rules came into effect on January 1, 2013, and apply to large electric power plants and large industrial plants. In 2015, fuel distributors, including distributors of heating and transportation fuels, also became subject to the cap-and- trade rules. At that stage, the program will encompass around 360 businesses throughout California and nearly 85 percent of the state’s total GHG emissions. California’s GHG cap-and-trade system is projected to achieve an approximate 80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050.

Senate Bill 32
SB 32 was signed by Governor Brown on September 8, 2016. SB 32 effectively extends California’s GHG emission-reduction goals from year 2020 to year 2030. This new emissionreduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 is intended to promote further GHGreductions in support of the State’s ultimate goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. SB 32 also directs the ARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan to address this interim 2030 emission-reduction target.

Senate Bill 100
SB 100 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on September 10, 2018. SB 100 sets a goal of phasing out all fossil fuels from the state’s electricity sector by 2045. SB 100 increases to 60 percent, from 50 percent, how much of California’s electricity portfolio must come from renewables by 2030. It establishes a further goal to have an electric grid that is entirely powered

City of Buellton
56 by clean energy by 2045, which could include other carbon-free sources, like nuclear power, that are not renewable.

Senate Bill 375
SB 375 requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to adopt a sustainable communities strategy (SCS) or alternative planning strategy (APS) that will address land-use allocation in that MPOs regional transportation plan. ARB, in consultation with MPOs, establishes regional reduction targets for GHGs emitted by passenger cars and light trucks for the years 2020 and 2035. These reduction targets will be updated every eight years but can be updated every four years if advancements in emissions technologies affect the reduction strategies to achieve the targets. ARB is also charged with reviewing each MPO’s SCS or APS for consistency with its assigned targets. If MPOs do not meet the GHG reduction targets, funding for transportation projects may be withheld. In 2018, ARB adopted updated SB 375 targets.

California Building Code
The CBC contains standards that regulate the method of use, properties, performance, or types of materials used in the construction, alteration, improvement, repair, or rehabilitation of a building or other improvement to real property. The CBC is adopted every three years by the BSC. In the interim, the BSC also adopts annual updates to make necessary mid-term corrections. The CBC standards apply statewide; however, a local jurisdiction may amend a CBC standard if it makes a finding that the amendment is reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

Green Building Standards
Green buildings standards are contained in the CBC and regulate the construction of new buildings and improvements. The focus of green building standards is to improve environmental performance.

Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy
In March 2017, the ARB adopted the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SLCP Strategy) establishing a path to decrease GHG emissions and displace fossil-based natural gas use. Strategies include avoiding landfill methane emissions by reducing the disposal of organics through edible food recovery, composting, in-vessel digestion, and other processes; and recovering methane from wastewater treatment facilities, and manure methane at dairies, and using the methane as a renewable source of natural gas to fuel vehicles or generate electricity.

The SLCP Strategy identifies measures that can reduce HFC emissions at national and international levels, in addition to State-level action that includes an incentive program to encourage the use of low-GWP refrigerants, and limitations on the use of high-GWP refrigerants in new refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment (ARB 2022).

Local
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District
The SBCAPCD is a local public agency with the primary mission of realizing and preserving clean air for all county residents and businesses. Responsibilities of the SBCAPCD include, but are not limited to, preparing plans for the attainment of ambient air quality standards, adopting and enforcing rules and regulations concerning sources of air pollution, issuing permits for stationary sources of air pollution, inspecting stationary sources of air pollution and responding

City of Buellton
57 to citizen complaints, monitoring ambient air quality and meteorological conditions, and implementing programs and regulations required by federal and state regulatory requirements.

City of Buellton
The City of Buellton has not adopted a qualified greenhouse gas reduction plan pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1). Therefore, this analysis does not utilize the tiering and streamlining provisions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(2) in evaluating the significance of the project’s impacts related to GHG emissions.

Thresholds of Significance
Neither the SBCAPCD nor the City of Buellton have adopted GHG thresholds of significance for development projects that are subject to CEQA. However, the County of Santa Barbara has recently developed an interim GHG emissions threshold of significance of 300 MTCO2e per year (Santa Barbara County 2020). Projects that exceed this screening threshold can also be evaluated based on an efficiency GHG emissions threshold based on the project’s estimated service population, if applicable. The County’s interim thresholds are based on SB 32 year 2030 GHG-reduction goals, which take into consideration the emission reduction strategies outlined in ARB’s Scoping Plan. Projects that do not exceed the County’s interim thresholds would be considered to have a less than significant increase in GHG emissions and would not be expected to interfere with GHG-reduction planning efforts (Santa Barbara County 2020). Given that development within both the County and the City would be subject to compliance with the State’s building standards, land use development projects and associated GHG emissions occurring within the City would be similar to that which would occur within the County. For this reason and for purposes of this analysis, project generated emissions were evaluated solely in comparison to a significance threshold of 300 MTCO2e per year. Project-generated GHG emissions that would exceed 300 MTCO2e/year would be considered to have a potentially significant impact on the environment that could conflict with GHG-reduction planning efforts.

Methodology
Short-term Construction Impacts
Short-term emissions were quantified using the CalEEMod, version 2020.4.0, based on estimated acreages and building square footage for the proposed project. Other modeling assumptions, including construction equipment requirements, hours of use, worker, and vendor vehicle trips, trip distances, and fleet mix were based on model defaults for the County. Constructiongenerated GHG emissions were amortized over a 30-year period and included with estimated long-term operational GHG emissions for impact assessment purposes.

Long-term Operational Air Quality Impacts
Long-term operational GHG emissions were calculated using the CalEEMod, version 2020.4.0.

Emissions modeling included quantification of emissions associated with area sources, energy use, and mobile sources. Trip-generation rates for the proposed land uses were derived from the traffic analysis prepared for this project (ATE 2023). Other modeling assumptions, such as vehicle fleet-mix, were not available and, therefore, were based on the default fleet mix identified in CalEEMod for Santa Barbara County. Annual emissions were adjusted based on a total of approximately 12 major events (e.g., weddings) per year (ATE 2023). Emission modeling files are provided in Appendix C to this Initial Study.

City of Buellton
58 Impact Analysis
a. and b. Estimated GHG emissions attributable to future development would be primarily associated with increases of CO2 from mobile sources. To a lesser extent, other GHG pollutants, such as CH4 and N2O, would also be generated. Short-term and long-term GHG emissions associated with the development of the proposed project are discussed in greater detail, as follows:

Short-term Construction GHG Emissions
Estimated increases in GHG emissions associated with the construction of the proposed project are summarized in Table 3. Based on the modeling conducted, construction-related GHG emissions would total approximately 222 MTCO2e. Amortized GHG emissions, when averaged over the conservative assumption of 30-year life of the project, would total approximately 7.4 MTCO2e/year. Actual emissions may vary, depending on the final construction schedules, equipment required, and activities conducted. Amortized construction-generated GHG emissions are included in the operational GHG emissions impact discussion provided below.

Table 3. Construction-Generated GHG Emissions without
Mitigation
Construction Year
GHG Emissions
(MTCO2E/year)
2023-2024 222
Amortized Construction Emissions 7.4
See Appendix C for CalEEMod Results.

MTCO2E = Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Amortized emissions are quantified based on a 30-yer project life.

Long-term Operational GHG Emissions
Estimated long-term increases in GHG emissions associated with the proposed project are summarized in Table 4. As depicted, operational GHG emissions for the proposed project, with the inclusion of amortized construction GHGs, would total approximately 221.5 MTCO2e/year.

A majority of the operational GHG emissions would be associated with energy use and the operation of motor vehicles. To a lesser extent, GHG emissions would also be associated with solid waste generation and water use. Project-generated GHG emissions are projected to decrease in future years due largely to improvements in energy-efficiency and vehicle fleet emission rates. Project-generated operational emissions would not exceed the significance threshold of 300 MTCO2e per year. As a result, the proposed project would not result in increased GHG emissions that would have a significant impact on the environment or conflict with GHG-reduction planning efforts. This impact would be considered less than significant.

Table 4. Operational GHG Emissions without Mitigation
Emission Source Emissions (MTCO2E/year)
Mobile 1124.0
Area 20.1
Energy 365.8
Waste 422.3

City of Buellton
59 Water 41.9
Total Operational Emissions 214.1
Amortized Construction Emissions 7.4
Total with Amortized Construction Emissions 221.5
GHG Significance Threshold 300
Exceeds Significance Threshold? No
GHG = Greenhouse gas; SP = Service population; MTCO2e = Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent

1. Based on vehicle trip-generation rates derived from the traffic impact analysis prepared for this project.

Mobile-source emissions for special events were adjusted assuming a total of 12 events annually, based on the conservative assumption that all vehicle trips would originate and end outside of the County. Actual mobile-source emissions, with inclusion of local trips, would be lower.

2. Area source emissions include landscape maintenance activities.

3. Energy use was conservatively calculated based on CalEEMod default energy intensity factors. Does not include adjustments for compliance with Renewable Portfolio Standards, which are anticipated to be lower.

4. Emissions associated with waste generation and water use were based on CalEEMod defaults. Assumes installation of low-flow water fixtures in compliance with current building standard requirements.

Totals may not sum due to rounding. Refer to report appendix for emissions modeling assumptions and results.

Findings and Mitigation: Impacts would be less than significant, so no mitigation is required.

ISSUES: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS - Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
X
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
X
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
X
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
X
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
X
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
X
a. Hazardous Substances: The project would not create reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment, as the project would not involve the storage or transport of substantial quantities of such materials. No impacts would occur.
b. Hazardous Materials Releases: Refer to the discussion in Section a. above. However, the potential for soil contamination from past uses in this former agricultural area cannot be discounted. Therefore, the potential for contaminated soil on the project site exists and is considered a potentially significant impact unless mitigation is incorporated. A Phase I

City of Buellton
60 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was prepared May 19, 2020 by the Phase One Group.

Their Conclusions and Recommendations are summarized below.

Conclusions
The Phase I ESA revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs), historical recognized environmental conditions (HRECs), or controlled recognized environmental conditions (CRECs) in connection with the subject property, except for the following:
• At the time of The Phase One Group’s site visit, an area of stained soil and gravel approximately eight feet by eight feet in size was observed within the on-site maintenance shop building. The stained soil and gravel represents a recognized environmental condition (REC) in connection with the subject property. • The subject property was historically used as a dairy farm operation. It is unknown where wastewater discharge generated from the former dairy farm operation was directed to at the subject property. The subject property soils in the area of the former dairy farm operation due to wastewater discharge may contain excessive quantities of nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, antibiotics and waste pathogens (fecal coliform and streptococci) and/or heavy metals. Based on the above, the former dairy farm operation represents a recognized environmental condition (REC) in connection with the subject property. • A retention basin appeared to be located on the southeastern portion of the subject property on the historical aerial photographs dated 1969, 1973, 1978 and 1981. The retention basin was no longer on-site at the time of The Phase One Group’s site visit. The subject property soils in the area of the retention basin may contain agricultural related chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, along with excessive quantities of nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, antibiotics and waste pathogens (fecal coliform and streptococci) and/or heavy metals. The subject property soils within the former retention basin location represents a recognized environmental condition (REC) in connection with the subject property.
• The northeastern portion of the subject property appears to be developed for agricultural purposes as an orchard on the historical aerial photograph dated 1928, and the southwestern portion of the subject property appears to be developed for agricultural purposes on the historical aerial photographs dated 1973, 1978 and 1981. There is a potential that agricultural related chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may have been used at the subject property. Based on the above, the former agricultural use at the subject property represents a recognized environmental condition (REC) in connection with the subject property.

An environmental issue refers to environmental concerns identified by The Phase One Group, which do not qualify as RECs; however, warrant further discussion. The following environmental issues were identified during the course of this assessment:
• An unlabeled 88-gallon capacity portable above-ground storage tank (AST) reportedly containing diesel fuel was observed stored outside along the southeastern border of the subject property, an unlabeled 55-gallon capacity portable AST stored outside along the southwestern side of the barn, and numerous pails and containers of hydraulic oil,

City of Buellton
61 lubricants and maintenance chemicals were observed stored outside adjacent to maintenance shop. No evidence of leaks or staining was observed in the areas of the ASTs and containers of hydraulic oil, lubricants and maintenance chemicals. • Based on the subject property use as a former dairy farm operation, the possibility exists that the subject property is equipped with undocumented fuel underground storage tanks (USTs). No evidence of on-site USTs was observed during the site visit. • Although no evidence was identified during the site visit, historical on-site septic systems associated with the former on-site structures may be present on-site. • The subject property is equipped with one irrigation groundwater well located on the southern portion of the subject property. The irrigation groundwater well is reportedly not used for potable use as drinking water to the subject property is provided by the City of Buellton Water System. No additional information regarding the on-site groundwater well was provided to The Phase One Group.

Recommendations
As a result of this assessment, The Phase One Group recommends the following:
• A limited subsurface investigation should be conducted at the subject property in order to determine the presence or absence of soil and/or groundwater contamination due to the former dairy farm operation and agricultural use, including the location of the former retention basin. (See Mitigation Measure HAZ-1.)
• A limited subsurface investigation should be conducted in the area of oil-stained soil and gravel within the maintenance shop building. (See Mitigation Measure HAZ-2.) • The observed unlabeled 88-gallon capacity portable aboveground storage tank (AST) reportedly containing diesel fuel was observed stored outside along the southeastern border of the subject property, an unlabeled 55-gallon capacity portable AST stored outside along the southwestern side of the barn, and numerous pails and containers of hydraulic oil, lubricants and maintenance chemicals should be collected and properly disposed of by a certified hazardous waste hauler. (Note: this was completed at the time the City acquired subject property; documentation is part of escrow closing documents.

Source: City .Manager.)
• If on-site USTs are identified during redevelopment activities of the subject property, the USTs should be properly closed and removed following current regulatory procedures and guidelines. (See Mitigation Measure HAZ-3.)
• If historical on-site septic systems are identified during redevelopment activities of the subject property, the historical on-site septic systems should be properly closed and removed following current regulatory procedures and guidelines. (See Mitigation Measure HAZ-4.)
• If no longer in use, the irrigation groundwater well on the southern portion of the subject property should be properly decommissioned and closed utilizing current