873 San Antonio Volen Residence Removal of Encroachments
Summary
SCH Number
2025040558
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
873 San Antonio Volen Residence Removal of Encroachments
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/10/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the removal of existing hardscape and replacement of landscape at the Volen residence at 873 San Antonio Place in the city of San Diego, California. The project site consists of existing encroachments on District property, including an existing high level, retaining/site wall; landscape; patio area; and a portion of concrete walkway totaling approximately 200 square feet (sf). Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve removing the existing hardscape and replacing any existing landscaping removed during the proposed project. Work would also include removal of the existing approximately 50-foot-long by 5-foot-wide concrete walkway extending from the property to a nearby public pier. Once removed, the walkway area would be replaced with landscape or recontoured to match the grade of the existing Bessemer Path and left as compacted, bare earth. The Applicant shall revegetate the area directly northwest of the existing Bessemer Path in accordance with a plant palette created by the District for the La Playa area. Prior to the revegetation, the applicant shall provide a landscape design subject to District review for consistency with the plant palette. All species proposed for replanting shall be non-invasive and drought tolerant. No existing irrigation systems are located on District property, and no new irrigation systems are proposed. The intention of the proposed project is to return the designated Open Space area to its natural state for use and enjoyment by the general public, with minimal landscape maintenance required in the long-term.
Work for the proposed project is anticipated to occur in Spring 2025 and would take approximately two (2) weeks to complete. Equipment to complete the proposed project would include hand tools and a mini-excavator and compactor to complete demolition activities. A small construction crew would be required to complete the proposed project, and all project staging would take place on the project site. Temporary closures on Bessemer Path adjacent to the project site would be required during construction of the proposed project and shall be minimized to the fullest extent feasible. Signage notifying the public of the duration of the closures and alternative access points shall be posted during closures. No closures to the path shall take place on weekend days.
A Right of Entry License Agreement (ROELA) is required for the proposed project for the Applicant to enter certain District property located in La Playa. The area proposed for use under this ROELA would be used by the Applicant and their authorized agent(s) and contractor(s) for the purpose of removing current encroachments and replacing of encroachments with stabilized decomposed granite and District approved, non-invasive and drought tolerant plants, as well as ingress and egress in support of those activities. It is anticipated that the ROELA would have a total term of approximately one (1) year, or upon completion of the work, whichever occurs earlier. The ROELA may be terminated by the District as a matter of right and without cause at any time upon providing twenty-four (24) hours’ notice in writing to the Applicant of such termination.
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
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Joshua Volen
Agency Name
Homeowner
Job Title
Homeowner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
873 San Antonio Place, San Diego, CA 92106
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Section 3.a.(8) and 3.d.(5) of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because the project would consist of the removal of existing hardscape and replacement of landscaping with native and drought tolerant species that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 3.a.(8) and 3.d.(5) of the District’s CEQA Guidelines is 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. (8) Existing highways, streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities, except where the activity would involve removal of a scenic resource including a stand of trees, a rock outcropping, or a historic building. 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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