Pickleweed Park Enhancements Project

2022050025

City of San Rafael

NOE - Notice of Exemption

5/2/2022

5/2/2022

Theo Sanchez

City of San Rafael Public Works Department

Associate Civil Engineer

Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project

111 Morphew St
San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 725-1003

Theo.Sanchez@CityofSanRafael.org

37°58'6"N 122°29'51.9"W

Canal St & Kerner Blvd

94901

9.7

009-032-07

Highway 101

SMART line

Bahia Vista Elementary School

San Rafael Bay

1N

6W

2

Categorical Exemption

Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, 15304, 15311

Categorical Exemption Class 1: Existing Facilities per §15301 Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The key consideration for this exemption is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use. The proposed project would construct minor alterations to existing public recreation infrastructure that involve a negligible or no expansion in use, including a) converting the existing grass soccer fields to an environmentally friendly synthetic turf; b) upgrading an existing playground for children under the age of five years old; c) renovating and/or replacing the existing restrooms located between the soccer fields and park; d) installing a shade structure and/or gazebo in the existing picnic area; e) installing new landscaping and irrigation in the park and surrounding walkways; f) installing pedestrian-scale pathway lighting and security cameras; g) and widening a small, existing asphalt surface parking lot. All of these proposed project activities would occur within existing recreational facilities and involve maintenance and improvements without a major expansion of existing use. Categorical Exemption Class 2: Replacement or Reconstruction per §15302 As stated in Section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines, Class 2 of the Categorical Exemptions includes replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. The proposed project description includes enhancements to an existing facility, including a) resurfacing of an existing soccer field with synthetic turf; b) renovating and/or replacing the existing restroom structure located between the soccer fields and park and c) upgrading an existing playground for children under the age of five years old, all of which qualifies under this exemption. Section 15302(b). Subsection (b) allows for “replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity.” Categorical Exemption Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures per §15303 As stated in Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines, Class 3 of the Categorical Exemptions includes construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities, or structures. The proposed project description includes accessory facilities to an existing structure (the Albert J Boro Community Center), including installation of a new, small outdoor basketball/sport court and a new exercise area for adults that qualify under this exemption. Categorical Exemption Class 4: Minor Alterations to Land per §15304 As stated in Section 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines, Class 4 of the Categorical Exemptions includes minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. The proposed project description includes enhancements to an existing facility, including converting a grass field to a synthetic turf as well as installing new landscaping/trees throughout the project limits, which qualify for exemption under Section 15304(b). Subsection (b) allows for “new gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient or fire resistant landscaping.” Furthermore, the installation of underground irrigation and electrical conduit/conductors qualifies for exemption under Section 15304(f). Subsection (f) allows for “minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.” Most of proposed project improvements could be considered as qualifying under this exemption. Categorical Exemption Class 11: Accessory Structures per §15311 As stated in Section 15311 of the CEQA Guidelines, Class 11 of the Categorical Exemptions includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities. The proposed project entails accessory structures and facilities at the location of an existing institutional facility, the Albert J Boro Community Center. The proposed project description includes enhancements to an existing facility, including widening a small, existing asphalt surface parking lot, which qualifies for exemption under Section 15311(b). Subsection (b) allows for “small parking lots.” Furthermore, the installation of underground storm drain pipe and electrical conduit/conductors qualifies for exemption under Section 15304(f). Subsection (f) allows for “minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.”