Drone Show Event by Drone Studios at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Summary
SCH Number
2025091129
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event by Drone Studios at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/24/2025
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 12-minute drone show on October 17th, 2025 by Drone Studios to occur for an associated scheduled concert at the Rady Shell in San Diego, CA. The drones would be deployed from and landed at the tip of Embarcadero Marina Park North (EMPN) and displayed over the park and the water. The drone show would have a ceiling of 400 feet (ft) above ground level. The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up starting at approximately 2:00 p.m. and clean-up ending at approximately 11:00 p.m.
A temporary safety perimeter 400 feet from the edge of the drone show area would be established using cones and caution tape and enforced by event staff for an approximately 15-minute period prior to the drone show at the drone launching and landing site. Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter with an area of approximately 30 ft x 30 ft and consist of approximately 500 drones. No other closures of the walkway, road, or grass area are anticipated to occur, and the proposed event could be viewed by the public from various angles. For the duration of the drone show, the event producer will have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring of any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting and relevant observations to the District. Event staff would occupy approximately 5 spaces in the nearby EMPN public parking lot. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Jeff Stein
Agency Name
Drone Studios
Job Title
Drone Pilot
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 Minor Alterations to Land (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Sections 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines is as follows:
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land: Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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