American Canyon firefighters are waiting for the green light, literally, before they move into their new digs.

At least some American Canyon fire crews will not move to the city's new fire and police station this summer unless a nearby traffic signal is built, according to fire officials.

The traffic light at the intersection of Donaldson Way and Highway 29 has not yet received the OK from Caltrans. As a result, the American Canyon Fire District may only move its administrative staff and keep crews at two other locations -- the new Public Safety Building on East Donaldson Way and the old fire station on James Road on the west side of the highway.

"We're looking at options," Fire Chief Keith Caldwell said last week.

Assistant Fire Chief Glen Weeks, who will succeed Caldwell as fire chief next month, on Friday said the fire engines stationed at the new Public Safety Building would have to take American Canyon Road to reach Highway 29, causing delays in their response time.

The other tenant -- the American Canyon Police Department -- is expected to occupy the new $8.5 million, 17,000-square-foot fire and police station building by July 15, according to the fire chief.

Standard Pacific Homes, the developer of the Vintage Ranch subdivision of 740-plus homes east of Highway 29, was responsible for the construction of the signal at East Donaldson Way and Highway 29, according to a 2001 agreement with the city. Under the agreement, which was amended in 2005, the city would issue 50 or fewer certificates of occupancy for new homes built north of East Donaldson Way if the work was not completed, according to the city and the developer.

The company this year requested that the city amend the agreement and approve an additional 20 certificates of occupancy, according to the city.

In a letter to the city, Standard Pacific's Senior Project Manager Ken Baki said the delays were caused in part because Caltrans had not approved the work. Caltrans spokesman Keith Wayne said the application for the traffic signal project was initially filed Feb. 11, 2005.

City public works staff this week recommended that the City Council deny Standard Pacific Homes' request for an additional 20 certificates of occupancy in part because of public safety concerns.

The American Canyon City Council on Thursday voted 4-0 to postpone a decision until June 21 after Standard Pacific requested that the matter be continued. City Councilman Don Callison could not attend the meeting because of a knee injury.

Baki on Thursday said he expects Caltrans will approve the light "soon."

On Friday, Caltrans spokesman Wayne also said a decision is imminent.

"It's very close to being approved," Wayne said, referring to the permit for the traffic signal. "I think we're close," he said.

Public Works Director Robert Weil on Friday said he does not have construction schedule for the traffic signal. The work, he estimated, could take roughly six months.