Icehouse Safety Platforms Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025050560
Public Agency
City of Santa Barbara
Document Title
Icehouse Safety Platforms Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/14/2025
Document Description
The project involves construction of an equipment maintenance safety mezzanine on the east side of the Icehouse, modification of the west balcony to service elevator conveyor, and installation of two service hatches. The project a proposes installation of 2 ½ ft catwalk on the east side of the Icehouse so maintenance can service the equipment and installation of two small access ports to improve employee safety. The balcony on the west side will be extended out 2.5 feet to access equipment. The project would not expand the operational use of the Icehouse structure.
Contact Information
Name
Kaitlin Mamulski
Agency Name
City of Santa Barbara, Public Works Engineering
Job Title
Project Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Barbara
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
City Pier
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities. This Project meets § 15301 Existing Facilities categorical exemption because the repair and maintenance of existing facilities to meet current safety standards will not result in an expansion of use.
Biology. The Project is located on the City Pier which is elevated above the Pacific Ocean by 8-15 feet depending on the tide. The Project must comply with Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect the water quality in the harbor. Project specific BMPs will be implemented by the contractor and verified by the Waterfront Department. Additionally, A pre-construction survey for nesting birds shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if active nests of special-status birds, or common bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and/or the California Fish and Game Code, are present in the construction zone or within 300 feet of the construction zone. The survey shall be conducted within 1 week prior to construction or site preparation activities that would occur during the nesting/breeding season of native bird species potentially nesting on the site (February 1 through August 30). With adherence to the BMPs and performance of a pre-construction survey for nesting birds, the effect on biological resources is considered less than significant.
Coastal Zone. The Project is located in the CCC’s retained jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone and will require a Coastal Waiver. Compliance with the CCC’s Coastal Waiver and the Project’s BMPs will ensure the effects on Coastal Zone resources are less than significant.
Visual. There will be above-ground features of the Project, however, the changes will be in keeping with the surrounding facilities and would therefore have a less than significant impact on visual resources.
In conclusion, the Project will involve minor repair and maintenance of existing facilities to meet current safety standards and will not result in an expansion of use. The Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Department recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the Class 1, 15301 Existing Facilities categorical exemption of the CEQA Guidelines.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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