Installation of CoastSnap Beach Monitoring Equipment by University of California, Santa Barbara and University of California, Los Angeles at Imperial Beach Pier
Summary
SCH Number
2025101112
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Installation of CoastSnap Beach Monitoring Equipment by University of California, Santa Barbara and University of California, Los Angeles at Imperial Beach Pier
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/23/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the installation of a photo station for beach and coastline data collection on Imperial Beach Pier by researchers affiliated with University of California, Santa Barbara and University of California, Los Angeles (Applicant), as part of the CoastSnap California Program (CoastSnap), in the city of Imperial Beach, California. The proposed project would also include the issuance of a Tidelands and Occupancy Permit (TUOP).
CoastSnap is a community-based beach monitoring program which allows for repeated data collection through community members and beach visitors that utilize the permanent photo stations and CoastSnap app by uploading shoreline images taken from a fixed location over time. CoastSnap photo stations have been distributed in coastal regions across the world, including the state of California, and provide valuable imagery and data to track coastal changes and sea level rise. Images taken from the Imperial Beach Pier would be collected as part of the new CoastSnap California Program, and uploaded to a CoastSnap California web page and image repository so that all California imagery and data would be located in a centralized repository and available to the public. Installation of the proposed project would contribute to a new, statewide coastline monitoring tool that can be utilized by various groups and organizations including citizens, researchers, management agencies, and local governments.
The location of the proposed project was selected due to the pier’s proximity to the Border Field State Park, one (1) of the 12 CoastSnap monitoring sites across the state of California. The pier is the nearest location with high foot traffic, ensuring sufficient image collection, and provides an adequate vantage point of the coastline towards Border Field State Park. The proposed photo station would be installed on the eastern end of the pier along the south side railing, within approximately 215 feet of Portwood Pier Plaza.
Work to specifically complete the proposed project would consist of the installation of a metal photo cradle (slightly larger than the average smartphone) and standard A4 sized informational signage (approximately 8.27” x 11.69”) on the railing and vertical post of the pier, which would be attached using simple screws. Installation is anticipated to occur in November 2025, with on-going maintenance as necessary, and would require one (1) person with a power drill and screws. The photo station, including the photo cradle and informational signage, would be removed upon expiration of the TUOP or completion of the intended research, whichever occurs first.
Issuance of the TUOP would allow the Applicant for their use of portions of Imperial Beach Pier only for the non-exclusive purpose of scientific research deployment, including installation, operation, maintenance and removal of equipment in place, and for no other purpose whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Executive Director of the District. It is anticipated that the TUOP would have a term of approximately five (5) years. The TUOP may be terminated by the Executive Director of the District or their duly authorized representative or the Applicant as a matter of right and without cause at any time upon the giving of thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to the other party of such termination.
Contact Information
Name
Kyle Emery, Ph.D.
Agency Name
University of California, Santa Barbara
Job Title
Researcher
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
Imperial Beach
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Imperial Beach Pier
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3); Section 15306 (Class 6); Section 15311 (Class 11)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15303 (New Construction of Conversion of Small Structures), 15306 (Information Collection), and 15311 (Accessory Structures), and Sections 3.c., 3.f., and 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the installation and on-going maintenance of a photo station for the purposes of basic data collection activities which would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Sections 3.c.. 3.f., and 3.i. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
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.f. Information Collection: Includes basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which has not yet been approved, adopted or funded.
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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