Historical review board approves West Walling fire station exterior changes with conditions

The Mendocino County Historical Review Board on May 4 approved exterior alterations to the West Walling Fire Department building at 10461 Lansing Street, adopting staff recommendations and adding three conditions related to county road work, a preservation preference for the department bell and sign display, and a specification for the replacement pedestrian door.

Planner Goldman of Planning and Building Services told the board the project—filed as MHRB2026-0005 and listed in the Mendocino town plan as a Category 2 historic resource—proposes removing a window, relocating and widening the pedestrian door for accessibility, and shifting a smaller garage door. Goldman read staff’s three supplemental conditions into the record, including, in his words, “Condition 6 is the landowner shall obtain an encroachment permit with from Mendocino County Department of Transportation for any work located within the county road right‑of‑way.” Goldman also described Condition 7 as a preference to preserve the existing bell and sign display, ideally relocating it between the garage doors, and Condition 8 to require the replacement personnel door to include a half‑light window similar to the existing style.

Contractor Jack Hornbaum, who said he is overseeing the work, told the board the project team’s "proposal has always been to remove the brick completely" because the veneer traps moisture and accelerates rot; he said removing the brick and creating a clean exterior membrane will help the structure last longer. "All it does is create an opportunity to trap between the materials," Hornbaum said, arguing the change is necessary for the building’s longevity.

Board discussion at the site visit and at the hearing focused on accessibility requirements, Department of Transportation constraints for work in the road right‑of‑way, and whether the historic bell could remain on the sidewalk without violating accessibility standards. Goldman said preservation of the bell was not guaranteed if accessibility or DOT rules prevented it; if the bell remains, the board would need to review the specific placement.

A motion to approve the staff report with the three additional conditions passed on a roll call vote; the record shows the revised staff recommendation carried 4–1, with Julian Lopez Absley noted in the record in connection with the dissent. Board members reading the roll call recorded Sharon Haddigold, Alan Sanders and Deirdre Lam as voting in favor.

The board directed staff to include the new conditions in the file and to confirm any required DOT encroachment permit is obtained before work within the county right‑of‑way proceeds. The item will be subject to any further review required if the bell’s placement changes or if the fire district proposes to remove or otherwise relocate historic elements.

The board’s action followed a site visit earlier in the day; staff posted images related to the application to the record before the hearing.