Removal and Replacement of Trees at Chula Vista Bayfront Park by San Diego Unified Port District
Summary
SCH Number
2025101492
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Removal and Replacement of Trees at Chula Vista Bayfront Park by San Diego Unified Port District
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/30/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the removal and replacement of two (2) conifer trees by the San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the city of Chula Vista, California. The two (2) trees are located in the northern planter island in the parking lot at the Chula Vista Bayfront (CVB) Park.
The two (2) existing trees have both died due to improper irrigation and would be replaced with two (2) drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive trees to be planted at more suitable locations within CVB Park.
The District and/or the District’s landscape service providers would remove the two (2) trees in approximately early 2026 using a truck, hand tools, and associated tree removal equipment. The tree removal operations would begin and conclude on the same day. Tree replacement plantings would be completed in approximately mid-2026, with ongoing maintenance as needed, including replacement of the two (2) trees within the first five (5) years of planting if they fail. Work hours for the proposed project would be Monday-Friday from approximately 7am-3:30pm. There would be no impact on parking stalls, traffic, or public access associated with the proposed project. If needed during tree removal activities, the work crew would direct pedestrians safely around the work site. There would be no full closure of the promenade at any point of the proposed project.
With tree removal activities, if the bird breeding and nesting season cannot be avoided and removal must occur between February 15 and September 1, the District proposes that a breeding and nesting bird survey would be conducted prior to tree removal activities. If an active nest is located, all work within 500 feet of raptor nests and 300 feet of other nests, or a distance determined to be appropriate by a qualified biologist, would be postponed until such nest is vacated and the juveniles have fledged and when there is no attempt of a second nesting.
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 District 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
Chula Vista
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
980 Marina Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
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 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the removal and replacement of two (2) trees and the associated tree maintenance that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees, and would result in no permanent effects on the environment.. Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 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.
AND/OR
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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