Mountain View Whisman School District

Agenda Item for Board Meeting of 10/22/2020

Agenda Category:  REVIEW AND ACTION

Agenda Item Title:  Adoption of Resolution No. 02-102220 for Determination that the Perimeter Controls Projects at Two Public School Campuses are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Approving the Projects, and Directing the Filing of a Notice of Exemption (10 minutes)

Estimated Time:  10 minutes

Person Responsible: 

Background: 

The District has developed two (2)  separate fencing upgrades and additions projects, each one consisting of the installation of new, 6’ ornamental metal fencing and gates and 6’ chain link fencing and gates (“Projects”) at the sites listed below.

The District must complete environmental review under CEQA, which exempts certain defined projects from completing a negative declaration or environmental impact report.  District staff have determined that the Projects meet the definitions of the Class 1, Class 3, and Class 11 Categorical Exemptions. 

RATIONALE:

The Class 1 Categorical Exemption, set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15301, exempts a project that consists of minor alterations of existing public structures or facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of use.  The Class 3 Categorical Exemption, set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15303, exempts a project that consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures and installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures, including fences.  The Class 11 Categorical Exemption, set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15311, exempts a project that consists of construction or placement of minor structures accessory to existing institutional facilities. 

Here, the Projects consist of the installation of ornamental metal fencing and gates and chain link fences at the existing public school campuses and will not involve expansion of use.  Further, the fencing and gates are new, small accessory structures on existing public school campuses, which are institutional and in an urban, built-up environment.

Once a project is determined to be exempt, it is no longer subject to either the procedural or substantive requirements of CEQA.  Thus, CEQA review would be complete should the Board determine that the Projects are exempt and to carry out the Projects.  In addition, there are no known unusual circumstances that would otherwise except the Projects from these categorical exemptions.  Accordingly, it is proper to determine the Projects categorically exempt under CEQA.

Should the Board adopt the Resolution, District staff will file a Notice of Exemption with the Santa Clara County Clerk and the State Clearinghouse.

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve to Adopt Resolution No. 02 -102220 Determining that the Perimeter Controls Projects at Two Public School Campuses are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Approving the Projects, and Directing the Filing of a Notice of Exemption.