The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to deny an appeal filed by neighbors opposing the relocation of the Leucadia Farmers Market to Oak Crest Middle School, allowing the project to move forward with additional conditions. Mayor Bruce Ehlers stated there was no evidence to support the appeal, while Councilmember Joy Lyndes, who lives near the school and met with concerned neighbors, noted that market managers proposed effective measures to mitigate potential issues.
The farmers market, sponsored by the Leucadia 101 MainStreet Association, has operated at Paul Ecke-Central Elementary School for 21 years but must relocate due to a major renovation project lasting until fall 2027. The new permit allows the market to remain at Oak Crest permanently after the renovation ends.
Councilmembers praised the new site's superior parking compared to the current location and emphasized the market's importance as a community asset that draws shoppers from neighboring towns.
During the public hearing, market representatives Peter Curry and Kevin Doyle assured the council they would address neighborhood concerns. Doyle highlighted the market's experienced management team, while Curry stated, "We don't want to have a negative impact over there." However, appellant John Bjorneby, represented by attorney Anna Luedtke, argued the market's size—with 135 vendors—resembles a street fair unsuitable for the residential area, warning of traffic impacts.
The council approved several conditions: any expansion beyond 135 vendors requires Planning Commission approval; a noise assessment before relocation; signage establishing a 200-foot buffer zone and restricting parking in neighborhoods; off-site parking for vendors; and city code enforcement inspections during the first four Sundays. Councilmember Jim O'Hara's proposal to reduce vendors to 120 and add more conditions failed, with O'Hara and Marco San Antonio supporting it but the rest opposing.
The council emphasized the conditions aim to ensure a smooth transition and maintain positive relations with residents.