Charlene Getz, a Solvang resident who serves on the city's Design Review Committee and operates a vintage-event business, told the council on Nov. 10 that Mission San Ynez should be treated as private property rather than be subject to uniquely restrictive city oversight.

Getz said events held at Mission San Ynez bring tourism and revenue to Solvang and that she personally invests about $4,000 in marketing for each Flying Miss Daisy Vintage Market held on mission grounds. "By restoring the mission's land use designation to its original intended status as private property, the city would ensure fairness, consistency, and clarity in how private properties are governed," Getz said.

She contrasted the treatment of Mission San Ynez with other private venues such as the Alisal Ranch Resort, which she said hosts events and fundraisers without direct city management. Getz asked the council to consider restoring the mission's original land-use designation so community partners can coordinate directly with the property owner.

In subsequent council discussion, members acknowledged public concern and one member requested revisiting zoning changes made during the city's housing-element process that affected the mission's status; the suggestion included reviewing business-license and certification requirements that some small seasonal businesses find burdensome. Council members asked staff to place zoning and licensing items on a future agenda for further consideration.

Next steps: Council directed staff to revisit zoning and licensing items (future agenda) so the issues raised about Mission San Ynez and impacts on small event-hosting businesses can be examined.