Planning commission extends Pacific Marine Mammal Center temporary permit to June 30, 2026

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on Dec. 5 approved an extension of the temporary use permit and coastal development permit for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, allowing continued operation of a temporary animal-care facility on city property (the Laguna Beach Dog Park) through June 30, 2026.

Assistant planner Sarah Olson told the commission staff had received one public comment expressing concern about compatibility with an adjacent food distribution facility, specifically odor in warm months. Olson said staff recommended adoption of the resolution with prior conditions remaining in force and that the action was exempt from CEQA.

Glenn Gray, CEO of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, told the commission construction delays—chiefly a change in Southern California Edison’s project management that affected a power-line decision and work to add a backup generator and tie mission-critical functions into it—have slowed completion. Gray said the most complex remaining work is the water-reclamation facility, which requires an inspection tied to a completion grant and is scheduled for an early-February inspection that could slip. He described mitigation steps already taken, including moving odorous materials away from the food pantry and changing trash pickup routines.

Commissioners asked about odor and mitigation; a volunteer at the food pantry said earlier problems had improved. Commissioner Dubin moved to approve the six-month extension; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.