The Buellton City Council heard impassioned testimony from local residents as it advanced an ordinance aimed at converting long-term motel units on Avenue of Flags back into short-term rentals.

The Aug. 14 meeting also set the stage for community input on the city-owned property at 202 Dairyland Road, following tensions over its recent charter school lease.

City Manager Scott Wolfe explained that the motel conversion item (Ordinance No. 25-06) was intended to finalize the approach to remove the housing unit status from motel units along Avenue of Flags, forcing motel ownership back into short-term rental status.

He reminded council that a 2017 specific plan had envisioned redeveloping Avenue of Flags properties, but long-term occupancies created “single room occupancy” complications.

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