Palomar Health Care Joint Powers Authority Agreement
Summary
SCH Number
2025101234
Public Agency
University of California
Document Title
Palomar Health Care Joint Powers Authority Agreement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/24/2025
Document Description
The proposed action involves the University of California’s investment and participation in formation of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and subsequent acquisition, and operation of an existing healthcare provider and its existing healthcare facilities located in the northern San Diego County region.
Contact Information
Name
Brian Harrington
Agency Name
University of California
Job Title
Director of Physical and Environmental Planning
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
UC San Diego Health and Palomar Health Locations
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
PRC Sec. 21080, CEQA Guidelines Section15004
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it: (1) involves a transfer of property that is contingent on future CEQA compliance per CEQA Guideline 15004; (2) does not constitute a “project” “approval”; and (3) can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061). Furthermore, and in the alternative, operational changes and associated capital improvements contemplated under the JPA are categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301: Existing Facilities, which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities with negligible or no expansion of use. Potential modifications anticipated under the JPA are limited to interior improvements of existing buildings with negligible expansion of their current use. None of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions identified under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 would apply.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it: (1) involves a transfer of property that is contingent on future CEQA compliance per CEQA Guideline 15004; (2) does not constitute a “project” “approval”; and (3) can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061). Furthermore, and in the alternative, operational changes and associated capital improvements contemplated under the JPA are categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301: Existing Facilities, which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities with negligible or no expansion of use. Potential modifications anticipated under the JPA are limited to interior improvements of existing buildings with negligible expansion of their current use. None of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions identified under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 would apply.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Common Sense Exemption (Sec. 15061(b)(3)).
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it: (1) involves a transfer of property that is contingent on future CEQA compliance per CEQA Guideline 15004; (2) does not constitute a “project” “approval”; and (3) can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061). Furthermore, and in the alternative, operational changes and associated capital improvements contemplated under the JPA are categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301: Existing Facilities, which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities with negligible or no expansion of use. Potential modifications anticipated under the JPA are limited to interior improvements of existing buildings with negligible expansion of their current use. None of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions identified under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 would apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.