“The City of Buellton has begun the process of preparing a Sphere of Influence Study (SOI Study) that will look at the various options for expanding the city’s sphere of influence.”
So begins the letter from the City of Buellton Planning Department that arrived in late February at the Schmaltz home on Santa Rosa Road, coincidentally on the same day as another notice that informed them of the hearing for a proposal for a large sports facility on their western border. (See page 20 for more details)According to Angela Perez, Assistant Planner for the City, a sphere of influence study is the first step in a process that can culminate in annexation by the City, depending on the results of the various assessments. The City of Buellton has not expanded its borders since it incorporated, and it is looking at land that is contiguous to its current borders, from Norm Williams’ land to the north, and south to Santa Rita Mountain, which includes properties on both sides of Santa Rosa Rd. near the bridge over the Santa Ynez River.
Annexation to the City could potentially result in zoning changes that would further undermine the viability of the Schmaltz’s land for agriculture, particularly for horses, who are sensitive to noise and disruption. Agricultural interests are under pressure from recent growth in the Valley; in water issues, environmental issues and land use issues. Historically, the rights of farmers and ranchers have been eroded by suburban sprawl because they are outnumbered. The City of Buellton has just turned up the heat under Arvid Schmaltz’s horse farm.