Illuminated Sign Replacement by Manchester Grand Hyatt at South Embarcadero
Summary
SCH Number
2025051332
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Illuminated Sign Replacement by Manchester Grand Hyatt at South Embarcadero
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/29/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve removing the current illuminated lettering and installing a new set of illuminated high rise channel letters to the upper façade of Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Tower 1 by Manchester Grand Hyatt (Hotel)(Applicant) in the city of San Diego, California. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would include removing one (1) set of existing “Hyatt” illuminated high rise channel letters and installing one (1) new set of “Grand Hyatt” illuminated letters of similar size in the same location to more accurately represent the Hotel. The proposed signage would have a maximum illumination of 2700 Kelvin and at no time would this threshold be exceeded. The lettering, consisting of polycarbonate and acrylic faces with metal retainers and perforated vinyl paint, would be attached to the top of the Tower 1 north facing wall with non-corrosive mounting hardware.
Equipment for the proposed project would include a swing stage, anchored from the rooftop of the Hotel tower, and hand tools to remove the existing lettering and install the new signage. The new lettering would be delivered and installed in sections, and all necessary equipment would be stored on the roof of the Hotel. Any preparation work and construction staging would also occur on the roof with approximately 4-5 workers on-site each day to complete the proposed project. There are no anticipated closures or impacts to public access, parking stalls, or Hotel operations to complete the proposed project.
Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to occur in approximately summer 2025 and would take approximately 1 week to complete.
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
Kelly Cunningham
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Kasey Clark
Agency Name
G and J Neon Signs
Job Title
Contractor Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Other Location Info
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1); Section 15311 (Class 11)
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 Section 15311 (Accessory Structures) and Section 3.a. and Section 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because the installation of on-premise signage would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, and would include replacement of a minor structure accessory to an existing facility. Sections 3.a. and 3.i. of the District's CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities: 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.
AND/OR
3.i. Accessory Structures: Includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing facilities, including:
(3) On-premise signs.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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