Fire Station No.1 and Balboa Branch Library Landscape Changes Appeal

This project involves an appeal regarding minor landscaping modifications to Coastal Development Permit No. PA2024-0140, which governs the demolition and reconstruction of the City of Newport Beach's Fire Station No. 1 and the Balboa Branch Library. Originally approved by the City Council in September 2024, the project includes the removal of two diseased Special City Landmark trees. The current appeal concerns a July 3, 2025, decision by the Community Development Director to alter the approved landscaping plans to better support local nesting birds, such as great blue herons. These modifications include replacing Catalina Ironwood trees on Island Avenue and California Sycamore trees on East Bay Avenue with Western Sycamore trees, as well as introducing Sweetshade and Australian Willow trees into the East Bay Avenue parking lot area. The proposed landscape changes necessitate an adjustment to the parking layout, which will result in the loss of one surplus parking space. The project is located at 100 East Balboa Boulevard, Newport Beach, California, and is being managed by the City of Newport Beach Public Works Department. Under the provided environmental documentation, the project qualifies for a Class 2 categorical exemption because the changes involve replacement or reconstruction on the same site with the same purpose and capacity, and are determined to have no significant impact on environmental resources. Specific administrative details such as contract value, pricing, and formal solicitation numbers are not provided in the current documentation.