Public Access and Signage Improvements by The Brigantine, Inc. at Portside Pier
Summary
SCH Number
2025100337
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Public Access and Signage Improvements by The Brigantine, Inc. at Portside Pier
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/8/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve signage and facilities improvements by The Brigantine, Inc. (Tenant) to enhance public accessibility of the second-level public viewing deck at Portside Pier in the city of San Diego, California. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would include the following:
• Replacement of the sign cabinet faces of the permanent signage currently mounted on the glass basket facing North Harbor Drive.
• Removal of the existing “Ketch Grill & Taps” wall sign on the second level and replacement with new “Public Viewing Deck – Open to the Public” wall sign.
• Removal of the hostess stand from the public viewing deck.
• Installation of an auxiliary service and beverage station adjacent to the existing Dockside bar on the second level.
Replacement of the permanent signage would be limited to the installation of new permanent sign cabinet faces on the existing sign cabinets. No new lighting or alteration of the size of the sign cabinets are proposed as part of the project. Replacement of the cabinet faces would update the sign annotating upstairs use to read “Public Access – Public Deck on 2nd Level,” appropriately identifying the public use, in addition to new Dockside branding; the sign annotating downstairs use would replace the existing Dockside branding with new Portside Coffee & Gelato branding.
The proposed project would also include a new wall sign on the second level to clearly identify public access of the viewing deck and ensure the space is not perceived as a continuation of the restaurant. The proposed wall sign would be approximately 20’ long by 42” high, painted along the south-facing wall, and would replace the existing “Ketch Grill & Taps” branding with “Public Viewing Deck – Open to the Public.” Additionally, the unpermitted restaurant table services on the second level public viewing deck area would cease in operation.
Installation of the new cabinet sign faces, wall sign, and placement of open seating would clearly identify the public viewing deck to members of the public, and therefore, ensure public accessibility at Portside Pier. The public viewing deck would maintain its existing square footage of approximately 3,711, with tables and benches for up to 108 visitors, as well as the contiguous awning extending over the public viewing deck to provide shade for members of the public.
In addition to the proposed public improvements, the proposed project would include the installation of an auxiliary service and beverage station, adjacent to the existing Dockside bar. The auxiliary station would not create an extension or expansion of the Dockside restaurant or bar, or increase the number of eating establishments/restaurants, as no new seating is proposed, and would only support existing Dockside operations to prevent overcrowding around the bar and enhance customer experience. The auxiliary station would remain entirely within the Tenant leasehold area. Placement of the station would result in no interference to the accessibility of, nor would it extend or infringe upon, the public viewing deck.
Completion of the proposed project would result in the appropriate delineation of four (4) eating establishments (three restaurants and a gelato and coffee shop ) at Portside Pier, not to exceed the 1,000-seat limitation as allowed in the Portside Pier Development Project Coastal Development Permit (CDP-2017-09).
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 Tenant 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
Matt Morton
Agency Name
The Brigantine, Inc.
Job Title
Director of Development
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Davin Cox
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Portside Pier
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1); 15303 (Class 3); 15311 (Class 11)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15311 (Accessory Structures), and Sections 3.a., 3.c., and 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of installing accessory signage and minor improvements to existing facilities to enhance public accessibility that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing and would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, and would consist of the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures. Sections 3.a., 3.c., and 3.i. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities: Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, including but not limited to:
(11) Existing on and off-premise signs.
AND/OR
3.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures: 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.
AND/OR
3.i. Accessory Structures: Includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing facilities, including:
(3) On-premise signs.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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