Commission approves Fire Station 4 replacement with conditions after extensive public debate over height, location and traffic

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on May 21 approved the design review, coastal development permit, conditional use permit and sign permit for the replacement of Fire Station No. 4 in South Laguna, but only after significant public comment and lengthy commissioner discussion about building height, siting relative to a retaining wall and the drive‑through apparatus layout that allows emergency vehicles to egress directly onto Coast Highway.

Tom Perez, city engineer, and the city’s project architect presented the proposal: an approximately 8,367-square-foot replacement station on the corner of Coast Highway and Fifth Avenue intended to house three full‑time firefighters and two ambulance operators with room for a future fourth firefighter. The design shows a single‑story apparatus bay and a two‑story living/office area, a relocated retaining wall and a proposed flat roof with a parapet. Staff cited prior council approvals for site acquisition and an IS/MND adopted by council in 2022; staff recommended approval and a finding that no subsequent environmental review was required under…