Mission Canyon Trailhead Repaving Project

2024021165

City of Santa Barbara

NOE - Notice of Exemption

2/29/2024

2/29/2024

Kaitlin Mamulski

City of Santa Barbara

Project Planner

Lead/Public Agency

PO Box 1990
Santa Barbara, CA 93102-1990

(805) 897-2685

kmamulski@santabarbaraca.gov

Tunnel Road

153-270-009

Categorical Exemption

15301 (c) Existing Facilities

CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (c) Existing Facilities. This Project meets Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 (c) categorical exemption, because the repair and maintenance of the existing pavement does not result in an increase in use or capacity, rather repairs the existing facilities and maintains access for recreation. Biology. The Project does occur within areas containing sensitive biological resources. All Project work will take place within the right-of-way and there will be no disruption to biological habitats. Standard SWMP BMPs will be implemented to protect Mission Creek from runoff. Therefore, the effect on biological resources is considered less than significant. Creeks. The Project is located within 100’ of top of bank of Mission Creek. As noted above, standard SWMP BMPs will be implemented to protect the creek from runoff. All work proposed is within the right-of-way. The effect on the creek is less than significant. Front Country Trails. The Project is collocated with the Mission Canyon Trailhead. The purpose of the Project is to preserve recreational access by repaving the turnaround/trailhead area. The Project is considered to have a beneficial impact on Front Country Trails. High Fire Hazard Area. The Project site is in the Extreme Foothill Hazard Area. Work in Extreme Foothill Hazard Areas will not be permitted on "Red Flag Alert" days, as required by the Santa Barbara City and County Fire Departments. All work within High Fire Hazard Areas is subject to regulation and BMPs as outlined by the Project Specifications and Contract documents. Parks and Recreation. The Project is in the vicinity of Front Country Trails, specifically, near the Mission Canyon Trailhead. The Project will maintain access for recreational trails by re-paving the turnaround/trailhead area. Given the improvements to the trailhead, the Project is considered to have a beneficial impact on recreational resources. Trees. The project area contains mature trees, however, there are no tree removals or tree pruning associated with the Project. Therefore, the effect on trees is considered less than significant. In conclusion, the Project will re-pave the vehicle turnaround/trailhead area preserving several uses of this area. Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards the environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Department recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the 15301 (c) Existing Facilities categorical exemption of the CEQA Guidelines.