Pacific Marine Mammal Shelter Looks To Expand Site In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Members of the Laguna Beach Planning Commission will discuss whether or not green light a proposed expansion of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center at Wednesday's upcoming meeting.

The expansion, if approved, would include upper and lower-level additions to the center, as well as a two-story addition to the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, which is located next to the center. The building will be shared by both organizations, according to a city staff report.

To move forward with the expansion, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center must gain approval for Conditional Use Permit amendments, design review, a Coastal Development Permit and Variance, according to the staff report.

The expansion also includes the construction of decks and walkways connecting the shared space between the marine center and shelter, as well as the construction of a 2,000 square-foot water reclamation facility that would allow the center to filter its own water.

According to the staff report, the center's seven rehabilitation pools operate under a "dump and fill" process, meaning each pool is drained and re-filled two to three times per day, on average.

Members of the Laguna Beach Planning Commission meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, 505 Forest Avenue. For more information on the project, visit the city's website.