William Mulholland Middle School Solar Photovoltaic Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025101429
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
William Mulholland Middle School Solar Photovoltaic Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/29/2025
Document Description
The Project will install a photovoltaic system consisting of carport shade structures on existing parking lots and rooftop systems on the Gymnasium building to generate 556 kW of solar energy. Supporting infrastructure for the solar and electric vehicle (EV) charging systems will be integrated to enhance site sustainability, including the installation of 13 EV charging stations. The Board of Education (BOE) approved the Project's budget of $5,973,080 on February 11, 2025.
The Project will be implemented pursuant to all applicable State, federal, and local regulations and all applicable Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified or District) specifications, standards, and/or guidelines, including those in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the updated Standard Conditions of Approval for District Construction, Upgrade, and Improvements Projects (SC) as adopted by the Board of Education on December2023. LAUSD's SCs, design guidelines, and best management practices are designed to be incorporated into the Project design in order to avoid or limit potential adverse impacts associated with the District's projects. The beneficiaries of this Project are the students, faculty, staff, families, school supporters, and the community at large who may request access to
the facilities and grounds of the Campus pursuant to the Civic Center act (CA Ed. Code Sections 38130-38139).
Contact Information
Name
Zulema Renteria
Agency Name
Los Angeles Unified School District
Job Title
Environmental Planning Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The William Mulholland Middle School Solar Photovoltaic Project will be located on the approximately 35-acre campus (Mulholland MS or Campus). The Campus is located at 17120 Vanowen Street in the Lake Balboa neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles. It is bound by Vanowen Street to the north, Balboa Boulevard to the east, Haynes Street to the south and Aldea Avenue to the west. The Campus is located in an urbanized community primarily consisting of single-family residences on all sides.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303, 15304, 15311
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 Existing Facilities
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination.
The Project will consist of the installation of PV canopies and other minor alterations of existing public structures and mechanical equipment. The project involves no expansion of the facility's use at this time. It therefore fulfills the requirements for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption.
Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications arc made to the exterior of the structure.
The installation of new PV canopies constitutes the construction of new small structures. The solar arrays would be characterized as new, small facilities or accessory structures as defined by Section 15303 (e) "Accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences." It
therefore fulfills the requirements for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption.
Section 15304 - Minor Alterations
Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes.
The Project will include installation of carport shade structures that involves minimal land disturbance. Installation will not involve major grading, excavation, or other significant alterations to land. Installation of the new carport shade structures will not result in the removal of any trees. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
Section 15311 - Accessory Structures
Class 11 consists of construction or replacement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including, but not limited to, on-premises signs and small parking lots.
The Project will include installation of carport shade structures on the existing school parking lots. The shade structures will benefit staff members and visitors that drive to the Campus, and the solar infrastructure will support energy conservation goals of the District. The Project will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing parking lots. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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