Novato Evacuation Route Expansion Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025070384
Public Agency
Novato Fire Protection District
(NFD)
Document Title
Novato Evacuation Route Expansion Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/10/2025
Document Description
The purpose of the proposed project is to improve vegetation clearance along routes in the Novato Zone to provide better access for first responders and emergency vehicles and safer evacuation for residents. The proposed project would also improve access by reducing heat, flame, ember, and smoke impingement on roadways and nearby structures for evacuating residents in the event of an approaching wildfire.
Contact Information
Name
Lynne Osgood
Agency Name
Novato Fire Protection District
Job Title
Fire Marshall
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Novato
Counties
Marin
Regions
Citywide
Other Location Info
Vegetation treatment and herbicide application along evacuation routes within the Novato Zone
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304(i). Minor alterations to land; 15301. Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304, Class 4 for Minor Alterations to Land and Class 1, for Existing Facilities. A Class 4 exempt project consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. A Class 1 exempt project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed project would involve new vegetation treatment along approximately 229 miles of roadways throughout the Novato Zone. Additionally, the proposed project would incorporate herbicide application as a potential treatment method for invasive and non-native plant species for the existing and approved evacuation route project within the Novato Zone mentioned above and the proposed project. The application of herbicides would assist in vegetation treatment activities where other treatment methods (e.g., mechanical) are not well-suited or inefficient. The scope of the proposed project is consistent with minor alteration to the condition of the vegetation along the routes and maintenance of the existing roadways.
Additionally, no healthy, mature, scenic trees would be removed; no work would take place within sensitive habitat, including wetlands or waterways; and no ground disturbance, such as excavation, would take place. There are no facts or circumstances specific to this project that would support an exception to the categorical exemption. No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Marin
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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