Solar Energy Project - Helen Wittmann Elementary School
Summary
SCH Number
2021040134
Public Agency
ABC Unified School District
Document Title
Solar Energy Project - Helen Wittmann Elementary School
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/6/2021
Document Description
The District proposed to install solar energy arrays on an elevated carport-like shade structure (Structure A) on the turf playing field and a carport structure (Structure B) on the existing parking lot at the southeast corner of the campus. Structure A would be a minimum of 10-foot high and Structure B would be a minimum of 13-foot high, all comprised of metal columns and beams supporting array panels. Structure A would have 210 photovoltaic (PV) modules with direct current system size of 88.200 kilowatts (kW) tilted at 7 degrees angle and Structure B would have 324 PV modules with 136.080 kW tilted at 7 degree angle. Therefore, the campus' solar energy system would have a total of 534 PV modules and 224.280 kW DC system size. Approximately 552 feet of conduit would be installed through directional borings from the solar array structures to an existing electrical equipment box adjacent to the administration office (see Figure 2). The project would also provide underground conduit for installation of car chargers in the future. However, installation of car chargers require additional funding and would not be installed at this time. The District and general community will benefit from a reduction in energy consumption and reduced energy costs.
Contact Information
Name
Ryan Carter
Agency Name
ABC Unified School District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Cerritos
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Zip
90703
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303, and 15314
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves the construction of six solar energy arrays on elevated shade structures. The proposed solar arrays would serve the existing school programs and would not result in an increase in student capacity or an expansion of existing use. No off-campus improvements would be necessary. Because existing use of the facility as a high school will stay the same, the project Is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1, Class 3, and Class 14 exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301, 15303, and 15314. The proposed project was also reviewed for possible exceptions under Section 15300.2 and found that the exceptions do not apply. Additionally, the proposed project is statutorily exempt because it is consistent with CEQA Section 21080.35, which provides that solar energy systems installed on the roof of an existing building or on an existing parking lot. One solar array structure would be installed over an existing parking lot. See Attachment to Notice of Exemption for further explanation of the evaluation, which is available at the ABC Unified School District Office, 16700 Norwalk Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
21080.35
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves the construction of six solar energy arrays on elevated shade structures. The proposed solar arrays would serve the existing school programs and would not result in an increase in student capacity or an expansion of existing use. No off-campus improvements would be necessary. Because existing use of the facility as a high school will stay the same, the project Is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 1, Class 3, and Class 14 exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301, 15303, and 15314. The proposed project was also reviewed for possible exceptions under Section 15300.2 and found that the exceptions do not apply. Additionally, the proposed project is statutorily exempt because it is consistent with CEQA Section 21080.35, which provides that solar energy systems installed on the roof of an existing building or on an existing parking lot. One solar array structure would be installed over an existing parking lot. See Attachment to Notice of Exemption for further explanation of the evaluation, which is available at the ABC Unified School District Office, 16700 Norwalk Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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