Hilton Bayfront Rooftop Unit Replacement
Summary
SCH Number
2024090459
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Hilton Bayfront Rooftop Unit Replacement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/12/2024
Document Description
The proposed project is for the replacement of two (2) rooftop make-up air units (AH-1 and AH-2) and two (2) rooftop air conditioner units (AC-3 and AC-4) at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in the City of San Diego, CA. For each of the four replacements, the process would include removal of the existing rooftop unit and all appurtenances, disconnecting, cleaning, and reconnecting existing condensate lines, preparation of a new roof curb to accommodate the installation of the new replacement unit, and installation of the replacement unit. The replacement units would be similar in size and dimensions, would have similar power requirements, and would meet Title 24 Energy Compliance standards.
Prior to the installation of the new units, the contractor would disconnect and set aside the existing units utilizing small, hand-operated gantry cranes (approximately 6 feet tall) and prepare, install, and set the roof curbs for the new units. Removal and replacement of the existing units would be completed mostly with hand tools, but helicopter use would be required to assist in the removal of the old units from the rooftop and to lift the new units into place. The helicopter would make an estimated 4-6 trips up and 4-6 trips down from the roof of the Hilton Bayfront Hotel for the removal of the set-aside units and replacement of the new units.
The proposed temporary helicopter use for this project is permitted by Executive Director Approval under SDUPD Code Section No. 8.02 (b)(2) and the issuance of a Parks and Recreation permit which classifies this helicopter use as a "special event" under the Master Special Events Permit to One Park Boulevard for Temporary Event Programming at Hilton San Diego Bayfront (Project No. 2021-005). San Diego Bayfront Park ("park"), adjacent to the proposed project area, has been identified by the contractor as the staging and storage area, as well as the helicopter landing area during lift activities. Due to the existing light poles, the helicopter is not permitted to land on the top level of the Hilton Bayfront garage or rooftop and all landings are to occur at the park. Due to the project's proximity to public areas, temporary closure of Bayfront Park and a portion of the South Embarcadero promenade would be required for public safety. Closure to the promenade would occur intermittently and only while the helicopter is in flight. Removal of the expired units is expected to take under an hour and would be followed by a window of time where the helicopter would be grounded, and public access would be restored. Closures would resume after preparation for the incoming units is completed and the helicopter operator would proceed with lifting the new units into place via helicopter. Public access would again be restored upon the completion of the lift activities.
Traffic and pedestrian control personnel would be present during the project duration to assist with the intermittent closures and would be located at various locations in and around the proposed project site, including but not limited to, the South Embarcadero Promenade, the sidewalk along Convention Way and Park Boulevard, the entrance to Park Boulevard from Harbor Drive, Gull Street, and numerous locations at the base of the Hilton Bayfront Hotel. Appropriate signage notifying public of the intermittent closures would be posted 2 weeks before the day of the proposed project. Truck staging and loading is to occur along the Park to Bay Link Trail, located directly in front of the Hotel and neighboring Bayfront Park.
Construction for the proposed project is estimated to take place approximately late Fall 2024.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Kelly Cunningham
Agency Name
Port of San Diego
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1 Park Blvd
Other Information
Located on the roof of the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at 1 Park Boulevard in the City of San Diego, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) because it would involve the removal and replacement of the expired rooftop units which would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing and would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use. Sections 3.a.(7) and 3.b. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities: Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, including but not limited to:
(7) Existing facilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility service
AND/OR
3.b. Replacement or Reconstruction: Includes replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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