Removal of Queen Palm Trees by San Diego Unified Port District on Shelter Island
Summary
SCH Number
2025101163
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Removal of Queen Palm Trees by San Diego Unified Port District on Shelter Island
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/23/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would Involve removal of dying Queen Palm trees (palm trees) and replacement with Pink Trumpet trees by the San Diego Unified Port District (District)in the City of San Diego, California. Currently, two (2) palm trees on the western edge of Shelter Island are in danger of falling due to damaged trunks caused by a fungal disease commonly known as "Pink Raf'. The palms shall be replaced with Pink Trumpet Trees (Handroanthus impetiginosus) in a 24" box. Removal of the palm trees would take place in October of 2025 and is expected to take one (1) business day. Planting of the replacement trees is anticipated to occur in late 2025. The trees would be ground at the time of removal while the District's Field Operations Department is conducting additional routine landscaping. Standard equipment such as chainsaws, associated work vehicles, and hand tools would be used for tree removal. Maintenance of the trees would be ongoing, as-needed, including replacement of the Pink Trumpet trees in the event of tree failure.
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 Applicant 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
Kurt Brickley
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1500 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land, and Section 3.a. and 3.d of the District's Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA as identified below because it would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not result In a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees.
Section 3.a. and 3.d. of the District's CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities CSG § 15301) (Class 1): 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.
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land {SG § 15304) {Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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