The second of what will eventually be four new city fire stations moved closer to approval following a public hearing by city council this week.

Council also gave first reading to an ordinance that would permit variances needed to construct a firehouse on an undeveloped lot south of East David Road in the Kettering Corporate Center, which is zoned for industrial and warehouse uses in an economic development district.

Meanwhile, a vacant medical office building has been demolished and the site has been cleared at 3484 Far Hills Ave., where the first of the new fire and EMS stations will be constructed.

In contrast to council deliberations on the Far Hills station, which brought protests and petitions from several residents in 2012, a Lynnfield Drive resident concerned about increased noise was the only one who addressed city council about the David Road site.

City officials have already held public meetings to explain their choice of the location bounded by East David to the north, Hempstead Station Drive to the east and Glenstead Drive to the west. The Kettering Planning Commission has approved easing some restrictions that accompanied the zoning, which was assigned in 1989.

Council is expected to vote Feb. 12 on changes that city planner Ron Hundt said would include allowing curb cuts for access to David Road and relaxed standards on driveways and landscaping.

A committee to study the stations’ design requirements has been appointed. No architect has been hired and construction has not been scheduled.

“Without plans, we don’t know if access to David will be needed, but this would allow that option,” Hundt told city council, adding that landscaping restrictions need to be considered “because a fire station requires a large area of pavement. We will design a premium facility that includes landscaping.”

Kettering is still seeking ideal locations for the other two new stations that will be part of a five-station grid replacing the current seven Kettering fire stations. The facility at 2861 Bobbie Place, east of the Wilmington Pike-Dorothy Lane intersection, will be retained. It was built in 1982.

Purchase price is $875,930 for the East David lot, which would not all be needed for the fire station. Part of the property could be sold and developed for another use. Estimated cost of each new fire station is $3 million to $5 million.