San Jacinto Leadership Academy Modernization Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025090244
Public Agency
San Jacinto Unified School District
Document Title
San Jacinto Leadership Academy Modernization Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/8/2025
Document Description
The District proposes the addition of a two-story building with 10 classrooms, administrative offices, workrooms, and restrooms on the northwestern portion of the campus; removal of ten portable classrooms that are currently in the northwestern portion of the campus and will be replaced by the new classroom building; interior alterations to four existing classroom buildings on the campus; and addition of a new 38 space parking lot near the intersection of Tahquitz Street and Ramona Boulevard, which will include three electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces, and three ADA parking spaces
New Classroom Building:
The District proposes the construction of a two-story classroom and administrative building on the northwestern portion of campus, along Ramona Boulevard. The new building will include 10 new classrooms, student and staff restrooms, utility rooms, a health office, administrative offices, a conference room, a workroom, an elevator, and a lobby area. The new building will be 18,335 gross square feet. The addition of the new building will replace the portable classrooms proposed to be removed.
Portable Classroom Removal:
The proposed project will include the removal of 10 portable classrooms (Building Nos. 201–205 and 301–305) and associated utilities currently located at the northwestern portion of the campus, with the new classroom building serving as their replacement.
Building Modernization:
The proposed project will also include the modernization of four existing buildings—Building 400, 500, 700, and 800. Modernization will include minor interior upgrades to doors, walls, restrooms, and ceilings.
New Parking Lot and Access:
The proposed project will add a new 38-space parking lot near the intersection of Tahquitz Street and Ramona Boulevard on the northwestern corner of campus, and the location of an existing grassy field. Access to the new parking lot will be provided by a connection to an existing driveway on Tahquitz Street that currently provides access to an adjacent parking lot, located directly north of the project site. The new parking lot will provide additional parking for students and staff, and will include three electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces and 13 EV-capable parking stalls. Three ADA parking stalls will be added. New associated landscaping and tree shading will be implemented throughout the parking lot.
Hardscaping and Landscaping:
Proposed new hardscaping and landscaping will be added to the areas surrounding the proposed new building and parking lot and will consist of ornamental landscaping, shade trees, and concrete paving. New hardscaping will encompass 31,750 total square feet, and new landscaping will encompass 6,100 total square feet.
Construction:
The proposed project will be constructed in three phases over approximately 14 months, beginning in November 2026 and ending in January 2028. Phase 1 will consist of the construction of the new classroom and administrative building; Phase 2 will consist of the modernization of Buildings 400, 500, 700, and 800; and Phase 3 will consist of the removal of the ten portable classrooms.
All construction equipment and workers will be within the boundaries of the project site, and contractors will adhere to Section 8.40.090, Construction Activity Noise Regulations, of the City of San Jacinto Municipal Code, which limits construction activities to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays to avoid disruption to nearby residences. The proposed project will not increase the net total number of classrooms on the campus and will not increase the school’s student capacity. All project improvements will occur on campus, and no off-site improvements will be included as part of the proposed project.
Contact Information
Name
Mary Elder
Agency Name
San Jacinto Unified School District
Job Title
Facilities Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Jacinto
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Ramona Boulevard and 1st Street
Zip
92583
Parcel #
434-130-011 and 434-152-009
State Highways
State Route 79
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, CCR §15301, Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed modernization of four existing school buildings and the removal of the portable classrooms are exempt from CEQA under Class 1, Existing Facilities (Section 15301) because all improvements will occur within existing buildings within the boundaries of the fully developed and operational SJLA campus. Additionally, the proposed new classroom and administrative building will be a permanent replacement for the 10 existing portable classrooms that will be removed; thus, the proposed project will not result in the expansion of the existing campus or change the use of the project site. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15301.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, CCR §15302, Replacement or Reconstruction
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed addition of the new two-story classroom and administrative building is exempt from CEQA under Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction, because the proposed new building will be constructed within the school boundaries and will replace the 10 portable classrooms with a new structure that will serve the same purpose and capacity; thus, the proposed project will not result in an increase in student capacity. Additionally, the proposed project will not result in the expansion of the existing campus boundaries and will connect to the existing utilities on the campus. The proposed new building will serve the same purpose and capacity as the portable classrooms to be removed. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15302.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 11, CCR §15311, Accessory Structures
Reasons for Exemption
The addition of the 38-stall parking lot on the SJLA campus is exempt from CEQA under Class 11, Accessory Structures (Section 15311). The proposed project will include the addition of a small surface parking lot on a corner of the project site that is currently a grassy field area. The addition of the parking lot includes a connection to an existing driveway on Tahquitz Street that currently provides access to an adjacent school parking lot, located directly north of the project site. This area is part of the existing developed SJLA campus, and the new parking lot will serve the existing needs of the school. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15311.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 14, CCR §15314, Minor Additions to School
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed addition of the new building is exempt from CEQA under Class 14, Minor Additions to Schools (Section 15314), as the proposed building will be within the existing SJLA campus, on the northwestern portion. The proposed new building will not increase student capacity, as the 10 new classrooms will be replacing the 10 portable classrooms currently in the center of campus. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15314.
The proposed project will not alter or expand the existing school use, increase student capacity, and will only make modifications to the existing campus. No off-campus improvements will occur.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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