Solar Panel Installation at Ladera Elementary School
Summary
SCH Number
2017058580
Public Agency
Tustin Unified School District
Document Title
Solar Panel Installation at Ladera Elementary School
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/30/2017
Document Description
Tustin Unified School District proposes to install shade structure photovoltaic arrays at Ladera Elementary School. The proposed project would involve installing elevated shade structures to house the solar energy panel systems and would occur over parking lots and a turf field. Three structures would be installed, two over paved parking lots in the south and one over a turf field in the north. Project installation would not impact the use of the parking lots or turf field. Ten ornamental landscape trees would be removed to allow for unshaded solar energy collection. To connect the panels to the school's electrical system, the wiring would be installed underground and connected directly to the school's existing electrical system. The solar systems would produce approximately 80% of the school's electricity demand, reducing the District's reliance on utility-supplied electricity and improving the environment by reducing the District's contribution to global warming emissions.
No increases in enrollment, capacity or intensity of uses are proposed as part of this project. The project would be installed per Division of the State Architect (DSA) approved design specifications. The project would be executed per appropriate and current District standards, guidelines and construction Best Management Practices (BMPs). The new solar structures would serve as a campus improvements, and as such, the beneficiaries of the project include the school's students, faculty, staff and members of the community.
Contact Information
Name
David Miranda
Agency Name
Tustin Unified School District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Tustin
Counties
Orange
Other Location Info
2515 Rawlings Way
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S: 15303, 21080.35, Class 3
Reasons for Exemption
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structure: installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Solar arrays would be mounted on a proposed overhead shade structure similar to a carport structure over a turf field; thus, the project would be categorically exempt from CEQA. The project would enhance the renewable energy capabilities of the school and the structure installed over the turf field would not alter or expand the use of the field. Further, a review of the possible exceptions to the exemption (CEQA Guidelines Section 15303) determined that no exceptions exist and the school project qualifies for the categorical exemption.
CEQA Guidelines Section 21080.35 provides that solar energy systems installed on the roof of an existing building or on an existing parking lot are statutorily exempt from CEQA. The structures installed over the existing parking lots would not alter or expand the use of the parking lots. Further, a review of the possible exceptions to the exemption (CEQA Guidelines Section 21080.35) determined that no exceptions exist and the school project qualifies for the statutory exemption. Greater detail of the categorical and statutory exemptions can be found in the Supplement to Ladera Elementary School Solar Energy Project.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.