Background

To better serve its residents and visitors, the City of Buellton is embarking on a comprehensive update to the City’s 2025 General Plan, building on work that began in 2021 with initiation of the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) update. Buellton’s 2050 General Plan will serve as a guide for future growth over the next 25 years, aiming to balance the preservation of its small-town character and sustainable development. The specific focus for the General Plan update will be to enhance the community’s quality of life, with particular attention to economic development, open space, conservation of natural resources, transportation, affordable housing and employment.

What is a General Plan?

A General Plan is a high-level, long-range planning document that serves as a roadmap for a city’s future growth and development. Each city in California, including Buellton, has a General Plan that is periodically reassessed to address the community’s current and future needs. Buellton’s 2050 General Plan will update and address topics such as land use, community character, recreation, economic development, circulation, noise and safety. The existing General Plan for the City of Buellton can be found here. It was last comprehensively updated in 2008.
The General Plan is intended as a communication tool for city staff, decision makers & the public, answering such questions as:
• What is our vision for the City?
• What are our big priorities for the built and natural environment?
• How helpful is our General Plan in guiding future development?

Project Area

The planning area for the General Plan includes all land within the City boundary, the Sphere of Influence, and the Urban Growth Boundary. .

City Limits: The City limit boundary describes the incorporated area of the city and that area in which the city government has regulatory authority.

Sphere of Influence: The Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary encompasses unincorporated lands outside of the City’s current boundaries where it is likely to grow or provide services. At present, the Sphere and City boundary are contiguous. However, the Santa Barbara County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) is in the process of reviewing all spheres of influence which may result in a change in this boundary.

Urban Growth Boundary (UGB): The Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a line on a map that indicates where a city is expected to grow over a set period. The UGB requires that all annexations and all extensions of public services outside the city limits go to a vote of the people within the City of Buellton. Voter’s passed measure C2024 (Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Measure) in November 2024 to allow for expansion of the existing urban growth boundary by approximately 123 acres. The purpose of the UGB is to preserve the unique agricultural, watershed, and open space elements of the Santa Ynez Valley, while also accounting for future development needs for the next 12-16 years. For more information on the UGB, vist the public information page: City of Buellton, California: Buellton Urban Growth Boundary Update

Project Timeline

The following represents the approximate two-year process to develop and finalize Buellton’s 2050 General Plan. Community engagement will occur throughout the process. Key project milestones are highlighted below.

Get Involved!

Community feedback is crucial in shaping Buellton’s General Plan, which aims to meet the City’s needs for a thriving community. There will be several opportunities for residents to contribute and help create a plan that truly reflects our collective values and priorities.
There is currently a survey available (link below) where you can share your values and priorities for Buellton. There will be community workshops and other opportunities to hear more about the project and provide additional feedback. Monitor this site, follow the City’s social media and/or sign up below to be sure you know what is scheduled!

Questions or comments: Call the Planning Department at 805-688-7474 or email us at planning@cityofbuellton.com