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Planning commission approves three enclosed lifeguard towers for Shaw’s Cove, 9th and 10th Streets
Summary
The commission approved design-review permits and coastal development permits for three enclosed lifeguard towers to replace open chairs at Shaw’s Cove, 9th Street and 10th Street; staff said towers are on skids for year‑round staffing and delivery by barge and are CEQA-exempt under class 2, 3 and 11 exemptions.
Laguna Beach commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 15 to approve design review applications and coastal development permits allowing the city to replace open lifeguard chairs with enclosed surveyor-junior towers on skids at Shaw’s Cove, 9th Street (Thousand Steps) and 10th Street.
Principal planner Martina Caron and Marine Safety Chief (Kai) introduced the request, describing towers to be delivered by barge and placed on skids so they can be relocated as needed until permanent caisson-mounted towers are sited. Staff said the towers are a model previously approved and used at other city beaches and recommended three separate motions (one per tower), each finding the action exempt from CEQA under classes 2, 3 and 11.
Commission questions focused on: whether the tower model is already in use (staff: yes, it’s the same model used on city beaches aside from a few locations), why skids are being used rather than permanent caissons (skids allow quicker installation and protect staff from the elements while geotechnical and wave-runup studies for permanent caissons are completed), expected life expectancy (manufacturer: 12–15 years; operational evidence shows up to 20 years), and how the towers will be secured in storms (condition requires they be secured or moved when storm events threaten).
Commissioners and staff also discussed barge delivery and environmental precautions: staff said the selected marine contractor dives/snorkels delivery areas beforehand to avoid kelp beds and coordinates with Public Works and Marine Safety. Commissioners asked about site lines, typical placement relative to the mean high tide line (staff: proposed locations are inland of the mean high tide line to minimize surf exposure), and neighborhood notification (standard posting and radius notices were sent; no public comments were received at the hearing).
After discussion Commissioner comments were supportive of providing year‑round enclosed protection to lifeguards. The commission adopted the recommended resolution(s) by roll call: Commissioner Goldman — yes; Commissioner Whiting — yes; Commissioner Dubin — yes; Chair Pro Tem Kellenberg — yes; Chair Sadler — yes. Staff will proceed with the work plan to install the enclosed surveyor-junior towers at the three approved locations.
