GILLESPIE FIELD – NEW 50-YEAR AVIATION LEASE WITH AIRWORLD LLC. AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 2)
Summary
SCH Number
2025081227
Public Agency
San Diego County
Document Title
GILLESPIE FIELD – NEW 50-YEAR AVIATION LEASE WITH AIRWORLD LLC. AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 2)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/27/2025
Document Description
The proposed action is the approval of a new 50-year aviation lease with Airworld LLC. (lessee). The new lease would allow the tenant to continue providing aviation services at Gillespie Field. The lease term aligns with FAA Guidance and state law regarding lease terms, which generally recommends that lease term be limited to a period of no more than 50 years, unless a longer term is necessary to allow for amortization of a substantial investment. This new Aviation Lease would commence on September 1, 2025, and terminate on August 31, 2075.
Contact Information
Name
Jamie Abbott
Agency Name
County of San Diego
Job Title
Director of Airports
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Cities
El Cajon
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The project is located at Gillespie Field Airport in the City of El Cajon within San Diego County, California.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section G 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines exempts from CEQA review actions consisting 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 key consideration in applying this exemption is whether the proposed action involves expansion of an existing use. The proposed action involves the approval of a new lease with an existing lessee, Airworld, LLC, for the continuation of existing operations and facilities uses, involving no or negligible expansion of existing or former use. Accordingly,
the proposed action is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines. Any future capital improvements that would be subsequently proposed by the lessee and approved by the Director of Airports would be subject to CEQA review, as applicable.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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