Solar PV Installation by Southwestern Yacht Club at Shelter Island
Summary
SCH Number
2025110232
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Solar PV Installation by Southwestern Yacht Club at Shelter Island
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/6/2025
Document Description
The Project consists of the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system on the roofs of two (2) existing buildings by Southwestern Yacht Club (Applicant) in the city of San Diego, California.
In April 2025, the San Diego Unified Port District (District) became aware of certain work completed in 2024 through an audit report. The following work was completed without the benefit of District-issued permits or approvals at the project site:
• Clubhouse Building: Installation of 154 solar photovoltaic modules over the south and west roof slopes of the structure’s roof.
• Annex: Installation of 32 solar photovoltaic modules over the south and west slopes of the structures roof.
No rooftop solar panel module or electrical equipment was installed higher than the highest point of the existing building, and therefore the new panels and equipment do not impact existing views. The modules were mounted on iron rails and secured to the existing roof structures using iron ridge rail and footings, and required electrical related work including wiring, cable, conduits, and breakers. The project included trenching for new 1-1/4” PVC conduit from an existing pull box to the Annex at a depth of 18” below grade. The racking system and modules did not require additional grounding hardware, lugs, or copper wire on the roofs.
Contact Information
Name
Jennifer Reider
Agency Name
Southwestern Yacht Club
Job Title
Controller
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego, CA 92106
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1), 15303 (Class 3) and 15311 (Class 11), and PRC § 21080.35
Reasons for Exemption
The project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), 15311 (Accessory Structures), and Public Resources Code Section Guideline 21080.35 and Sections 3.a., 3.c., 3.i. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is the installation of a solar panel system on existing roofs that 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, and would not result in the removal of trees. Sections 3.a., 3.c., 3.i. 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.c. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (SG § 15303) (Class 3): 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.
AND/OR
3.i. Accessory Structures (SG § 15311) (Class 11): Includes construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing facilities.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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