Centennial Park Landscaping Update by San Diego Unified Port District
Summary
SCH Number
2025021046
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Centennial Park Landscaping Update by San Diego Unified Port District
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/27/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve landscaping improvements within Centennial Park and the Ferry Landing parking lot by the San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the city of Coronado, California. The existing landscaping in the project area consists largely of Carissa shrubs, which provide little color for the park and require significant maintenance to upkeep. The purpose of removing the existing landscaping would be to plant new water-wise plants that would improve the plant diversity and bring color to the park’s landscaping. There would be no removal of trees associated with the project, only removal of existing shrubs. The following landscaping improvements are proposed:
• Remove existing shrubs from landscaping areas throughout Centennial Park and the west side of the Ferry Landing Parking Lot.
• Replant with a mix of water-wise, non-invasive plant species.
• Move the existing “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” monument boulder from the turf to the planting bed in the middle of the octagonal paver area
• Modify/remove existing irrigation to replace with drip irrigation
Work for the proposed project is anticipated to begin in early 2025 and take approximately six (6) months to complete with ongoing maintenance as needed. Work would be conducted between approximately 6:00am-2:30pm Monday-Friday, with work usually being done one day a week. No power equipment would be used before 7:00am. Equipment required for the proposed project would include hand power tools, a stump grinder, packer truck, dump trailer, small tractor, and associated equipment. No staging areas would be required for the proposed project. There would be no closures to the streets, sidewalks, promenade, or park at the project site. Additionally, the vista areas at Centennial Park and along First Street would not be affected by the proposed project because the District would manage the height of the new plants via selective pruning to ensure the sightlines at vista areas are maintained, consistent with existing practices.
Due to the close proximity of the planter beds to the parking stalls on the west side of the Ferry Landing parking lot, there would be a section of the Ferry Landing parking lot that would be temporarily closed off during the proposed project. Approximately 29 parking stalls on the southwest and west side of the lot would be closed off for approximately four (4) days of work. After the first temporary closure, approximately 13 parking stalls on the west and northwest corner would be closed off for approximately two (2) days of work. When possible, the temporary closure of parking stalls would be limited to weekdays and restored for public use following completion of work each day. At select parking stalls, signage would be set up approximately 72 hours in advance to notify the public of the temporary parking closures.
Contact Information
Name
Justin Huitema
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Coronado
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1101 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1), 15302 (Class 2) and 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Sections 3.a.(12), 3.b. and 3.d.(5) of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would involve landscaping improvements that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would involve the replacement of existing irrigation/landscaping that would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as that being replaced, would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Sections 3.a.(12), 3.b. and 3.d.(5) of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): 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:
(12) Maintenance of existing landscaping, native growth, and water supply reservoirs.
AND/OR
3.b. Replacement or Reconstruction (SG § 15302) (Class 2): 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.
AND/OR
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees, including, but not limited to:
(5) New gardening or landscaping.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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