STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
January 13, 2026
STUDY SESSION
2 SUBJECT: PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER FIELD HOSPITAL REQUEST FOR
PERMANENCY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive the presentation from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and provide input regarding whether staff should conduct further analysis of the request, including evaluation of legal, policy, and procedural requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
The City issued a Temporary Use Permit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) to allow continued animal care operations during renovation of its primary campus. The temporary field hospital has proven to be a valuable resource for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. The PMMC has submitted a formal request for City Council consideration of a permanent field hospital at the current location. This study session provides background, summarizes the request, and outlines the issues for City Council discussion.
No action is requested.
Purpose of Study Session
The purpose of this study session is to:
• Present background and context regarding the Temporary Use Permit and field hospital operations • Receive PMMC’s presentation regarding service improvements and operational benefits • Allow City Council to discuss potential policy direction • Identify issues requiring further analysis before any future action
DISCUSSION
Background
The City issued a Temporary Use Permit to the PMMC for the construction and operation of a field hospital to allow continued animal care and rehabilitation services during renovation of its main campus. The field hospital is located at the northern end of the Laguna Beach Dog Park.
The overall dog park parcel is approximately 110,000 square feet. The field hospital site encompasses approximately fifteen thousand square feet, and the remaining area of park available for dog use is approximately ninety-five thousand square feet.
The campus renovation project is scheduled for completion in 2026. During the temporary period, the field hospital has functioned as a critical facility supporting marine mammal rescue, stabilization, and rehabilitation services serving Laguna Beach and the surrounding coastal region.
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER FIELD HOSPITAL REQUEST FOR PERMANENCY January 13, 2026
PMMC Request
In late 2025, the City received a letter from the PMMC requesting City Council consideration of making the field hospital a permanent fixture. The letter is included as Attachment 1.
As part of the study session, PMMC will provide a presentation describing operational experience with the field hospital and the service improvements achieved through its use.
The specific request from PMMC is for the City to amend the existing long-term lease already in place with PMMC to include the following:
• The field hospital site
• An additional building located between the PMMC barn and the Animal Shelter to be used as a shared use facility
If the request is granted, PMMC indicates that upon completion of the main campus renovation, it would remove the temporary trailers, restrooms, and storage units around the field hospital. PMMC proposes converting that area into approximately ten parking spaces for PMMC volunteers and staff who otherwise park along Laguna Canyon Road.
Dog Park Considerations
PMMC acknowledges that a permanent field hospital would affect the Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park and overall dog park operations. As part of its request, PMMC proposes returning a portion of land located in the northeastern section of the site back to use by the dog park to partially offset the permanent footprint of the field hospital.
Staff Considerations
The City has not conducted an analysis of the specific legal, policy, or procedural requirements associated with amending the existing lease or any potential conveyance of City property related to this request. Any consideration of a permanent field hospital would require evaluation for consistency with City policies and applicable state law.
Next Steps
If the City Council wishes to continue consideration of this request, the following questions are intended to guide study session discussion and potential direction if helpful:
1. Does the City Council wish to direct staff to further evaluate the PMMC request to make the field hospital a permanent facility at the current location?
2. Should staff conduct a formal analysis of the request for consistency with City policies and applicable state law, including evaluation of whether the proposal would trigger requirements under the Surplus Land Act?
3. Does the City Council wish to direct staff to obtain an appraisal of the subject land to establish an objective valuation to inform any future lease amendment or property related decision?
4. How should staff evaluate potential impacts to the Laguna Beach Dog Park and the Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park, including the proposed return of a portion of land in the northeastern area of the site to dog park use?
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER FIELD HOSPITAL REQUEST FOR PERMANENCY January 13, 2026
5. Does the City Council wish to form an ad hoc committee to further develop a concept City Council consideration at a later date?
6. What additional information or alternatives does the City Council wish staff to evaluate before returning with potential options or recommendations?
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Letter from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center requesting consideration of a permanent field hospital facility (Pgs. 4-17)
Submitted By:
.
Approved: .David A Kiff
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City Manager