Murchison Elementary School New Play Structures and Matting
Summary
SCH Number
2025020553
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
Murchison Elementary School New Play Structures and Matting
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/18/2025
Document Description
The Project will add two new accessible play structures with integrated shade component and install approximately 2,800 square feet (sq.ft.) of DuraSAFE matting in the existing playground area. The Project will include two 16’ x 16’ x 14’ play structures with footings at a depth between 8 to 12 feet. The new play structures and matting will serve students 5-12 years old at Murchison Street Elementary School (Murchison Street ES or Campus) (Exhibit A). The Board of Education approved the Project’s budget of $1,077,407 on November 19, 2024.
The Project will be implemented pursuant to all applicable State, federal, and local regulations and all applicable Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) specifications, standards, and/or guidelines, including those in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the updated Standard Conditions of Approval for District Construction, Upgrade, and Improvements Projects (SC) as adopted by the Board of Education on December 12, 2023. LAUSD’s SCs, design guidelines, and best management practices are designed to be incorporated into the Project design in order to avoid or limit potential adverse impacts associated with the District’s projects.
The beneficiaries of the Project include Murchison Street ES students, faculty, staff, families, school supporters, and the community at large who may request access to the Campus pursuant to the Civic Center Act (CA Ed. Code Sections 38130 - 38139).
Contact Information
Name
Zulema Renteria
Agency Name
Los Angeles Unified School District
Job Title
Environmental Planning Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Murchison Street Elementary School New Play Structure and Matting Project (Project) will be located on the approximately 5.6-acre Murchison Street Elementary School campus (Murchison Street ES or Campus). The Campus is located on 1501 Murchison Street in the Lincoln Heights/El Serreno community of the City of Los Angeles. It is bound by Alcazar Street to the north, Murchison Street to the east, Lancaster Avenue to the south, and Tremont Street to the west. The Campus is located in an urbanized community primarily consisting of commercial uses, multi-family, and single-family residences.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303, 15304, 15311
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 - Existing Facilities
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination.
The Project will add two new accessible play structures and will install approximately 2,800 square feet (sq.ft.) of DuraSAFE matting to an existing playground area. The Project will include two 16’ x 16’ x 14’ play structures with footings at a depth between 8 to 12 feet. The new play structures will provide shade and address unmet Campus needs and provide students with an upgraded learning environment. Installation of play structures and matting will not present a new or expanded use of the Campus. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
Section 15303 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Class 3 consists of replacing or reconstructing existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.
The Project will result in the installation of two new play structures and matting on the existing play yard that will include a shade component. The upgraded equipment and matting will address unmet campus needs and provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment. Installation of the new equipment and matting will not result in an increase or alteration of the current use, function, or capacity of the existing Campus. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
Section 15304 – Minor Alterations
Class 4 consists 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 expect for forestry or agricultural purposes.
The Project will include the installation of two new shade structures and matting that involve minimal land disturbance. Installation will not involve major grading, excavation, or other significant alterations to land. Installation of the new equipment and matting will not result in an increase or alteration of the current use, function, or capacity of the existing Campus. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
Section 15311 – Accessory Structures
Class 11 consists of construction or replacement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including, but not limited to, on-premises signs and small parking lots.
The Project will include the installation of two new play structures with shade components and matting on the existing play yard. The new play structures and matting are consistent with the existing use of the Project area and will enhance playground experience and support the primary educational and recreational use of the site. The Project will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing playground. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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