Space Exploration Technologies Corp. 2nd Amendment to Sublease HD-9340
Summary
SCH Number
2024060427
Public Agency
Port of Long Beach
Document Title
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. 2nd Amendment to Sublease HD-9340
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/11/2024
Document Description
The Port of Long Beach (Port) entered into the 2nd Amendment to Sublease HD-9340 with Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) for use of eight parcels (approximately 15.6 acres) of existing land, submerged land, pier structure, and office space located on the Navy Mole in the Port of Long Beach for berthing of ships, boats, barges, and other watercraft; recovery of spacecraft launch equipment at sea and return to premises; offloading of equipment by crane; temporary storage and removal of unexpended fuel and hazardous materials; storage of equipment in relation to its operations; and all lawful activities related and incidental thereto (Project). Under the 1990 Certified Port Master Plan Update, the SpaceX facility is a permitted 'Primary Port Facility' use within District 4 (Terminal Island) of the Long Beach Harbor District due to its dependence on access to water frontage to recover spacecraft launch equipment at sea and berth ships, boats, barges, and other watercraft related to its operations. Under the 2nd Amendment to Sublease HD-9340, the term will be extended an additional five years expiring on April 30, 2028 and include: 1) adjustment of monthly rent; 2) incorporation of Environmental Covenants; 3) termination of Area Assignments AA-21-16 and AA-24-01 upon the effective date of the 2nd Amendment; and 4) proposal of certain improvements and alterations that are subject to the approval process set forth in Sublease HD-9340, including, but not limited to, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), issuance of Harbor Development Permit(s), and any necessary approval and consent by the Base Realignment and Closure Team.
Contact Information
Name
Alyssa Rodriguez
Agency Name
Port of Long Beach
Job Title
Environmental Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Long Beach
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Zip
90802
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 Existing Facilities (Class 1): The Class 1 Categorical Exemption consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, 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 Project is determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the CEQA because the project consists of an amendment to SpaceX's Sublease HD-9340 with the Port for the continued use of the existing facility operated by SpaceX at 2980 Nimitz Road in the Port of Long Beach. Under the 2nd Amendment, the total acreage of the premises would be increased from 8.3 acres to 15.6 acres to provide adequate access to land, submerged land, and office space to conduct operations; however, there would be no change in use or intensity of the premises. The Project does not propose an expansion of use beyond that existing. The SpaceX facility is located on a portion of premises previously subleased for the operation of a spacecraft processing facility to assemble, test, and store launch vehicles and satellites, and the berthing of ships, boats, barges, and other watercraft.
The continuation of existing operations would not create substantial, adverse changes to the environment or result in a significant cumulative impact. The incorporation of Environmental Covenants into the sublease (requirements that the tenant must comply with to reduce air emissions from operations) will further reduce the potential for significant effects associated with operation of the facility. SpaceX is required to comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations associated with activities on and in connection with the premises, including those regulating the use, storage, generation, or disposal of hazardous materials, substances, or wastes. Any future improvements to the property proposed by the tenant during the term of the sublease, would be subject to Harbor Development Permits and CEQA. The Port has determined that none of the exceptions to the exemptions in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 foreclose the use of the categorical exemption CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); therefore, the Project is exempt from CEQA, and no further environmental review is required (World Business Academy v. California State Lands Commission (June 13, 2018) Cal.App.5th and Berkeley Hillside Preservation v. City of Berkeley (March 2, 2015) 60 Cal.41hl086)).
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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