Facility Use

Farm Lab’s primary role is providing sustainability education to visiting students and growing organic produce for student lunches through regenerative agriculture practices. Our farm has grown into a beautiful meeting space that we are happy to share with the community. If you are considering Farm Lab for your next event, please read through the FAQ’s and our use form.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour, please contact nina.cooper@eusd.net or julie.burton@eusd.net

"Farm Lab is pure magic! We had over 160 guests at our school fundraiser including 7 food and beverage vendors, tables, belly bars, dance floor and stage. It was such a special night and we are beyond grateful for Julie and her commitment to making the event successful. The venue is breathtaking. There's plenty of parking and it was such a joy hosting our event there. I highly recommend it for any party or event. We can't wait to come back and create more memories at Farm Lab!"

-Julie Nunez, EUSD Gala 2023

Venue Information

Facility Use Form

We offer

Outdoor space for DIY events (up to 300 guests)
Parking (80 cars, additional parking support available)
Restrooms
WiFi
Directional signage for event entrance, restrooms and parking
Aerial map

Native Garden Courtyard
The courtyard on the north side of the property includes several cleared spaces nestled in our California native garden. The space has string lights and an entry path through the welcome dome. Electricity is available for a movie, a band or DJ, cooking set up, etc. Most of our photos show events in this space.

Deck
The deck is on the south side of the property with event space located between classroom buildings. This space is perfect for smaller gatherings. The deck area includes picnic tables that can be used.

Both spaces can be used for a single event to allow for more guests, or to have two different types of entertainment at one event. The space can accommodate up to 300 guests. We do NOT offer access to any indoor space other than the restrooms.

*We are not able to accommodate events in the month of July due to EUSD staff schedules.

Photos

Use Guidelines

Facility Use Form

All requests for use of the Farm Lab facilities are subject to approval by the Farm Lab administrator and the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Events may not be advertised until written approval is received.
Applications must be filled in completely and signed by the president/chair of the organization, or by the liable, independent party host. An approved copy will be forwarded by email to the POC when processing is complete.
All organizations will be charged facility use/event fees in accordance with the pricing schedule.

EVENT PRICING
and
REQUIRED FEES

PRIVATE Events - $200 per hour / Two hour minimum
NON-PROFIT Events - $150 per hour / Two hour minimum
EUSD Affiliate Events - $50 per hour / Two hour minimum
REQUIRED Custodial Fee – Additional $45 per hour

A $45 per hour fee will be charged for EUSD custodial service. EUSD reserves the right to require two custodians for private events with more than 150 guests expected.
A clean-up service/crew and approved day of event coordinator must be retained by the organizer for private events expecting 100 guests or more.
All facility users must carry comprehensive liability insurance naming Encinitas Union School District as other insureds.
Events at Farm Lab must follow sustainable, animal safe practices. No balloons, glitter, rice, or confetti is allowed. Any single use items must be fully recyclable or made from biodegradable or compostable materials.
There shall be no smoking, vaping, sparklers, fireworks or open flames on the premises at any time. Heaters and pizza ovens are allowable. No narcotics shall be used, and no profane language, quarreling, fighting, or gambling will be permitted.
Alcoholic beverages are allowable with a daily license by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. EUSD must receive a copy of the ABC license prior to the event. No alcoholic beverages may be served to persons under 21, and only beverages permitted by said license are allowable on site during the event.
Insured vendors are permissible. The applicant shall be fully responsible for any liability incurred resulting from services provided by event vendors. Entertainment volume must not exceed city noise ordinance levels and must cease by 10PM.
The applicant is responsible for the preservation of order. The premises shall be vacated promptly in accordance with the time indicated on this request form, and the property must be left in the condition it was found. Any damages to the property, or additional event clean-up required, will be charged accordingly following the event.
The crop fields, chicken coops, barn, and greenhouse may not be entered at any time. No picking or harvesting allowed.
No pets shall be permitted on Farm Lab grounds except certified guide, service, or signal dogs. All must remain on a leash and the owner is responsible for clean-up. No dogs are allowed in or near the crop fields.

CANCELLATION: Fees will be incurred if notice of cancellation is received less than 48 hours before the start of the event.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: Farm Lab is an outdoor venue. There are no contingency plans or refunds for wind or rain.
PARKING: Farm Lab has parking for approximately 80 vehicles. Let Farm Lab know if you need additional parking.
SECURITY: Applicants are encouraged to retain private security for events expecting more than 100 guests.

Parking

Carpooling and rideshare are strongly encouraged due to limited parking
On-site parking will be available in designated spaces and on the DG path inside the front fence line.
Parallel curb parking on Ecke Ranch road is allowable, so long as cars do not breach the curb line.
Additional curb parking is available on Paseo De Las Verdes, just one block south of the Farm Lab entrance.
There is no available parking along Quail Gardens Drive
For approved events expecting over 300 guests, alternate parking and shuttling must be provided by the event host.

Insurance

All Non-School Based User Groups are required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit, per occurrence, during the term of their approved Request for Use of School Facilities. Evidence can be provided by means of a Certificate of Insurance and Additional Insured Endorsement.

If you are not an insured business or non-profit, you must get insurance for the day to use the facility.

FAQ's

What can I use on site?
The available spaces are the native garden courtyards, the south field, and the upper and lower spaces between classrooms. We have available electrical, WiFi, and parking areas. We provide directional signage to highlight the event entrance, restrooms and parking areas. Classrooms, greenhouses, chicken coops, and the crop fields are not available for use. No picking or harvesting is allowed.

Can I store items overnight?
We do not have a covered or secure area to store items prior to events. The east side of the office deck may be used to store items, if needed.

Do you have a kitchen or can we cook at the site?
We do not have a kitchen for events. Catering or outdoor rental cooking equipment is permitted.

Can alcohol be served at my event?
A one day permit is required for all non-profit hosted and fundraising events. Private events require a vendor with a permit.

ABC website

Can I bring a fire pit?
No fire pits, candles, or open flame allowed. Outdoor heaters and pizza ovens are permissible.

No Smoking.
No smoking, vaping, sparklers, or fireworks are allowed on the premises at any time.

What if it rains?
We do not have a rain contingency plan. If weather is questionable, you are permitted to rent a large event tent.

Do you allow dogs?
Dog and other pets are not allowed on the property due to organic certification regulations.

What does the custodial fee cover?
The custodial fee ensures an EUSD employee is on-site for the duration of the event. This staff member will open the property for you at the designated set-up start time, maintains restrooms, is the users POC, and secures the site following the event. The EUSD team member is not responsible for event set-up or clean-up; that is the responsibility of the user.

Can we clean up the next day?
The majority of event clean-up needs to be handled on the evening of the event. No food or alcohol can be left on the premises outside of event hours. Rental item pick up can occur the morning after your event - if arranged in advance.

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