Amendment to the San Diego Unified Port District Tariff No. 1-G to Increase Rates and Update the Format and Language
Summary
SCH Number
2025050274
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Amendment to the San Diego Unified Port District Tariff No. 1-G to Increase Rates and Update the Format and Language
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/7/2025
Document Description
The proposed project involves an amendment to the San Diego Unified Port District Tariff No. 1-G (Tariff) to increase rates and update the format and language. The Tariff governs the rates and charges applicable for all maritime-related commercial activity under the District’s jurisdiction. The Tariff is reviewed annually to ensure that the District’s rates and charges are competitive, and the rules are current. In addition, the rates and charges are reviewed to reflect the prevailing market rates and economic climate.
The proposed Tariff amendment involves a General Rate Increase (GRI) for dockage, wharfage, demurrage, storage, space occupancy, and miscellaneous rates and charges, effective July 1, 2025. There are several factors that are considered during staff’s Tariff analysis, including relevant economic indicators such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for the West Region, All Urban Consumers; All Items in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California; and All items San Diego-Carlsbad, California (CPI-Us), the Producer Price Index (PPI) for Navigational Services to Shipping, rate recommendations made by California Association of Port Authorities’ (CAPA) as well as actual rate increases by other CAPA member ports. Staff also considered potential impacts of the current Administration’s tariff actions as they relate to the District’s cargo book of business.
The amendment would be effective July 1, 2025, with the exception of list item (2), and includes the following changes:
1. Implement a three percent (3%) General Rate Increase (GRI) in General items, Dockage items, Wharfage items, Demurrage, Storage & Space Occupancy items, and Miscellaneous items.
2. Implement a rate increase of zero point one hundred eighteen cents ($0.118) for (a) Rates Per Lineal Foot of Length Per Day for Dockage Charge for Commercial Fishing Vessel – Item No. 0570, effective May 1, 2026.
3. Perform an amendment to modify Tariff language and add a corresponding rate of three dollars and fifty-eight cents ($3.58) for (6) Dockage Charge for Private and Commercial Yachts Per Lineal Foot Per Day for Rates for Full Dockage – Item No. 0575.
4. Implement a rate increase of three-hundred dollars ($300.00) for (c) Start-Up Charge for Mobile Harbor Crane Fees – Items No. 0738.
5. Implement a rate increase of three-hundred dollars ($300.00) for (d) Close-Down Charge for Mobile Harbor Crane Fees – Item No. 0738.
6. Implement a five percent (5%) Annual Rate Increase (ARI), plus an eight percent (8%) Producers Price Index (PPI) to Pilotage Rates and Charges – Item No. 0800.
7. Perform an amendment to modify Tariff language and remove an obsolete item for Commercial Vehicles, Heavy-weight – Item No. 0664.
8. Perform an amendment of Tariff language and other minor language modifications.
The proposed rate increases would aid in balancing the rising operational and maintenance costs, and the financial reserve needs while maintaining a rate structure that is comparable to competitor ports. Additionally, while some of the Tariff will be used for maintenance, such maintenance shall not be for capital improvements to expand systems.
Contact Information
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Josefina Khalidy
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Principal, Maritime Business Retention
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
National City, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
San Diego, CA 92101, and National City, CA 91950
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges (SG § 15273)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is determined to be Statutorily Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges) and Section 2.h. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is an amendment to the Tariff to increase rates, add new rates, and update format and language that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing. The Statutory Exemption listed above is appropriate for the proposed project because it is to meet operational expenses, financial reserve needs and requirements of the District. Section 2.h. of the District's CEQA Guidelines is as follows:
2.h. Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges (SG § 15273): CEQA does not apply to rates or other charges established by the District for the purpose of meeting operational expenses; purchasing or leasing supplies, equipment, or materials; meeting financial reserve needs; obtaining funds for capital projects necessary to maintain service; or obtaining funds necessary to maintain intra-city transfers as are authorized by city charter. The public agency shall incorporate written findings in the record of any proceedings in which an exemption under this section is claimed, setting forth with specificity the basis for the claim of the exemption.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities (Class 1)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 3.a. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is an amendment to the Tariff to increase rates, add new rates, and update format and language that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing. Section 3.a. 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.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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