Temporary Trailers by Austal USA in National City
Summary
SCH Number
2025080999
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Temporary Trailers by Austal USA in National City
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/22/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the temporary installation of modular trailers by Austal USA, LLC (Applicant) to support a U.S. Navy ship’s crew while berthed at the Austal USA facility in National City, California. The objective is to provide temporary structures adjacent to the ship in order to meet operational standards for the approximately six-month duration of the ship's stay. In lieu of operating from the ship while it is at berth, the crew would operate from the temporary trailers for the extent of the ship’s berth. The project is necessitated by U.S. Navy duty requirements for crew to remain on watch and in close proximity to ships while berthed. As such, the ship’s crew would be on duty while utilizing the trailers. The project area where the trailers would be located is an existing vacant space in the Applicant’s leasehold covered in asphalt. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve the delivery, placement, and connection of six (6) modular trailers consisting of three (3) office trailers, each measuring approximately 10 feet by 40 feet, two (2) trailers to serve as a rest space , each measuring approximately 13 feet by 53 feet, and one (1) facilities trailer measuring approximately 10 feet by 35 feet. Approximately 2 feet long ¾ inch rods would be used as anchor points for the office trailers. The rods would be pushed into the asphalt at an angle, and a strap would secure the anchor points to the office trailers.
All trailers would be equipped with internal utility systems, including lighting, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure and would require connection to existing 240V electrical, potable water, and sewer systems available at the facility. No additional infrastructure would be needed for utility support and no trenching would be required. Mobilization equipment will include trucks for transport and hand tools to complete utility connections. The combined trailers are expected to support up to approximately 25 crew members and would remain stationary on site, with trailer operation anticipated to begin in Summer 2025. The trailers would be removed from the site following the U.S. Government ship’s departure, which would be after approximately six (6) months.
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
Justin Huitema
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Hugo Bermudez
Agency Name
Austal USA
Job Title
Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
National City
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1313 Bay Marina Drive, National City, CA 91950
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and Section 3.c. of the District's Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because would consist of installation and location of new, small structures in the form of temporary trailers. Section 3.c. of the District's
CEQA Guidelines is as follows:
3.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures CSG § 15303} (Class 3}: Includes construction of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and conversion of existing small structures from one use to another with minor modifications to the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include:
(2) Accessory (appurtenant) structures and mechanical equipment including, but not limited to, garages, sheds, railway spur tracks, pilings, temporary trailers, industrial equipment enclosures, fences, parking, on-site roadways, walkways and health and safety devices.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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