Bridging the EV Charging Gap: a Scalable Model for Convenient, Affordable, and Reliable Level 2 Charger Deployment in Downtown Oakland

Summary

SCH Number
2024020904
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Bridging the EV Charging Gap: a Scalable Model for Convenient, Affordable, and Reliable Level 2 Charger Deployment in Downtown Oakland
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/23/2024
Document Description
The project will install 446 Level 2 EV chargers and 2 battery energy storage systems at parking lots in downtown Oakland, CA.

Contact Information

Name
Katherine Dillon
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Cities
Oakland
Counties
Alameda
Regions
Citywide, Northern California, San Francisco Bay Area
Zip
94612

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Sec. 15301 provides that projects which consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, and which involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the responsible agency’s determination, are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project involves installation of 446 electric vehicle Level 2 chargers across 14 parking lots in downtown Oakland. At existing sites, the electric vehicle chargers will be installed on existing pavement or in existing parking garages. Therefore, the project falls within section 15301 and will not have a significant effect on the environment.? California Code Regulations (CCR) Title 14 Section 15301 provides that projects which consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alterations of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, and which involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former, are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project meets the requirements of 14 CCR 15301 because installation of the electric vehicle chargers and associated equipment will only involve minor alterations and no expansion of existing or former use since the installations will occur predominantly in existing facilities such as parking areas.

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15303
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Sec. 15303 provides that projects which consist of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; 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, are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project consists of installation of new equipment to the existing sites. All the equipment will be installed in existing paved parking lots or parking garages. Therefore, the project falls within section 15303 and will not have a significant effect on the environment.

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Sec. 15304 provides that projects which consist of 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 are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. In this project, minor trenching and directional boring may be necessary to lay conduit from the existing or new electrical infrastructure (transformer, switchgear, etc.) to the charging equipment. The trenching/boring will take place on currently paved ground and surface will be restored. Therefore, the project falls within section 15304 and will not have a significant effect on the environment.

Attachments

Notice of Exemption

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