Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways to Housing Project: Jamacha Sleeping Cabins
Summary
SCH Number
2024030515
Public Agency
San Diego County
Document Title
Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways to Housing Project: Jamacha Sleeping Cabins
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/14/2024
Document Description
150 sleeping cabins, for use as emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness. The cabins would not have kitchens or bathrooms but would have electricity and fire sprinklers. The project would also include administration structures, communal restroom facilities, shower facilities, communal food storage facilities, other supply storage, a medical structure, a staff breakroom structure, laundry facilities, guard stands, a pet area, a parking lot, perimeter fencing with privacy screening, entry/exit gates for cars and pedestrians, lighting, landscaping, trash enclosures, a security system, covered canopy area and picnic tables, and sidewalk and driveway improvements. The Jamacha Sleeping Cabins Project would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The term of the proposed lease is for seven years. The development and operation of the site as an emergency shelter use will improve shelter options in the Spring Valley area, while individuals and families experiencing homelessness seek permanent housing. The site is currently vacant disturbed area designed as public/semi-public facilities and owned by Caltrans. While the site is previously disturbed, it is possible that native soil could be uncovered during any minor excavation for utilities or site improvements. Therefore, as part of the project and in accordance with existing regulations, an archaeological monitor will be onsite during all excavation activities to ensure any potential resources discovered on the site are protected and impacts are avoided. In addition, biological surveys would be conducted prior to any removal of existing vegetation on the site during bird nesting season to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This project is a specific action necessary to mitigate the emergency associated with the San Diego County declared emergencies for shelter crisis and homelessness as a public health crisis.
Contact Information
Name
Marcus Lubich
Agency Name
County of San Diego General Services
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Area
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Jamacha Road and Elkelton Boulevard
Zip
91977
State Highways
State Route 125
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
The County of San Diego Board of Supervisor’s declared a Shelter Crisis on September 11, 2018 (6) and subsequently declared homelessness a public health crisis on September 27, 2022 (21). Taken together, the unexpected and dramatic increase in homelessness without the ability to obtain shelter, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, hepatitis A outbreaks, and recent flooding events, is an emergency in unincorporated San Diego County. San Diego County had a 20% increase in homelessness 2023, and currently for every person that is housed 6 new persons become homeless. This situation presents documented dangers to health, life, and property and a burden on, and loss of access to, essential public services, which presents an emergency as defined by CEQA. The health and safety of unsheltered persons in the unincorporated area of San Diego County is threatened by a lack of shelter. The leasing of Caltrans property and development of the Jamacha Sleeping Cabins site are statutorily exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Section 15269 (c) because they are specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate San Diego County’s shelter crisis. The project is necessary to avoid and prevent the emergency by providing shelter and services to the homeless occupants of the shelter, and by facilitating their transition from the homelessness to this shelter, and then on to long-term housing. The County’s Jamacha Sleeping Cabin site is a critical short-term project that will address the high-risk issues facing people experiencing homelessness. The Project, therefore, is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code, Section 21080(b)(4), as a specific action necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency, and as reflected in Article 18 of the Sate CEQA Guidelines, Section 15269(c).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The demolition and removal of existing fencing and soil berms on the site is exempt pursuant to CEQA Section 15301(l)
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15303
Reasons for Exemption
The project would involve the installation of temporary, small trailers to support the facility to provide security, medical and community services, administration, storage, toilets, and showers. Because of the limited number and size of structures.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves exterior alterations to existing utility lines including street improvements, minor alterations to land including minor grading, installation of sleeping cabins, minor utility extensions (e.g., electrical, water, and sewer), irrigation lines, pavement improvements.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15311
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves accessory structures including privacy fencing with pedestrian and vehicle entry gates, security lighting, administrative trailers, security stand, and restrooms and hand washing stations, considered appurtenant to the small cabins.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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