Hollywood Bowl Artists Pavilion & Promenade 3 Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025040404
Public Agency
Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation
Document Title
Hollywood Bowl Artists Pavilion & Promenade 3 Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/8/2025
Document Description
Promenade 3 Exit Ramp: The proposed Promenade 3 Exit Ramp project at the Hollywood Bowl (Bowl) aims to enhance public access, improve safety, and provide an alternative ADA-accessible exit pathway for patrons seated in the upper promenade sections (Promenades 3, 4, and 5). Currently, patrons exiting the Bowl experience congestion, particularly along the East pathway, impacting ADA accessibility and emergency egress. The new exit ramp will offer an alternative route with switchback ramps connecting directly to ADA parking and shuttle hubs, reducing crowding and improving evacuation times during emergencies. Due to site constraints, including historic features, steep slopes, and existing patron amenities, widening the current pathways is not feasible, providing a separate exit ramp the preferred solution. The project does not involve the addition of seating or parking spaces, nor does it expand the Bowl’s use; rather, it is designed solely to improve accessibility and safety within the existing operational footprint. Thirteen trees, including eucalyptus, pittosporum, melaleuca, pine trees, and Cedrus deodara, will be removed; none are protected California native species. Replacement trees will be planted in designated areas in accordance with the Hollywood Bowl Design Guidelines. The project will also include retaining walls to stabilize the existing hillside parallel to the Odin Pathway.
The Hollywood Bowl is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, none of the historic elements are located within the Promenade 3 Exit Ramp area; thus, no historic structures or elements will be impacted. The project will be designed in compliance with the Hollywood Bowl Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to preserve the Bowl’s historic character while enhancing accessibility and public safety.
Artists Pavilion and Stage Right Terrace Renovation: The Artists Pavilion and Stage Right Terrace Renovation project at the Hollywood Bowl aims to enhance facilities for artists and production crews by converting long-standing temporary structures into permanent, functional spaces. The project includes an approximately 7,930 square feet addition onto existing buildings within an already urbanized area with existing, well-developed infrastructure. The project consists of three key elements: (1) the Artists Pavilion, a covered structure with a permanent kitchen over the existing Restroom #4 roof deck, designed to provide meals and a comfortable gathering space for artists and crews; (2) the Stage Right Terrace, a permanent roof covering over the existing terrace to protect against firework debris and support lighting, fire alarms, and AV equipment; and (3) a bridge connecting the Artists Pavilion to Stage Right, allowing for securemovement between artist support areas without passing through public spaces. This connection will enhance security for performers, including large groups like the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles student performers, the Master Chorale, and the USC Marching Band. While the project site includes existing structures such as Restroom #4, Field Gate, and Stage Right Terrace, none are classified as contributing historic features. The project will be designed in compliance with the Hollywood Bowl Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to maintain the Bowl’s historic integrity while improving artist amenities, safety, and security.
Contact Information
Name
Jui Ing Chien
Agency Name
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
Job Title
Park Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Countywide
Other Information
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sections 15301(h), (e)(2), and (f); and 15303(c) and (e)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is consistent with State Guidelines for the implementation of CEQA. The project aligns with Section 15301, Class 1, which provides for the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, Section 15301(h), which allows for maintenance of existing landscaping; Section 15301(e)(2), which allows for additions to existing structures, provided that the addition does not exceed 10,000 square feet in an area where all public services and facilities are available to support the maximum development permissible under the General Plan and where the project site is not environmentally sensitive; and Section 15301(f), which allows for the addition of safety or health protection devices for use in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features.
The project is also consistent with Section 15303, Class 3, which provides for the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and/or the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another, where only minor modifications are made to the exterior of the structure. This includes, but is not limited to, Section 15303(c) for structures that do not involve the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances and do not exceed 10,000 square feet in floor area in an urbanized area on sites zoned for such use, provided that all necessary public services and facilities are available and the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive; and Section 15303(e) for accessory (appurtenant) structures.
The proposed use of Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions does not include activities that are excepted from the exemptions as defined in Section 15300.2 (a) of the CEQA Guidelines. Specifically, the specified activities do not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern designated, precisely mapped, or officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies.
The County has considered the cumulative impact of the proposed activities and determined that the cumulative impact of the specified activities will not result in significant impacts on the environment that would constitute an exception to Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions as described in Section 15300.2 (b) of the CEQA Guidelines.
The County has considered the potential for significant impacts on the environment resulting from the specified activities and determined that there are no unusual circumstances that would result in significant effects on the environment constituting an exception to Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions as described in Section 15300.2 (c) of the CEQA Guidelines.
The specified activities will not result in damage to scenic resources, such as trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings or similar resources or involve work within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway that would constitute an exception to Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions as described in Section 15300.2 (d) of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21084 (c) of the CEQA Statutes.
The specified activities do not involve work on a site included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code relating to solid and hazardous wastes and do not constitute an exception to Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions as described in the Section 15300.2 (e) of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21084 (d) of the CEQA statutes.
The specified activities would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as specified in section 21084.1 of the CEQA Statutes and do not constitute an exception to Classes 1 & 3 Categorical Exemptions as described in Section 15300.2 (f) of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21084.1 of the CEQA Statutes.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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