Goleta Water District Ellwood Reservoir Solar Power Systems
Summary
SCH Number
2025120104
Public Agency
Goleta Water District
Document Title
Goleta Water District Ellwood Reservoir Solar Power Systems
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/3/2025
Document Description
Goleta Water District (District) owns and operates Ellwood Reservoir. The District proposes to install solar energy arrays on the property to mitigate potential public safety power shutdowns and emergency impacts, as well as offset energy costs incurred by the District
Contact Information
Name
Daniel Brooks
Agency Name
Goleta Water District
Job Title
Engineering and Infrastructure Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Ellwood Reservoir
Northern Limit of Glen Annie Rd.
Goleta, CA
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC 21080 (b) (3) - Solar Energy System
Reasons for Exemption
California Public Resources Code section 21080.35 was modified in 2011 pursuant to SB 226 to provide statutory exemption from the requirements of CEQA for the installation of solar energy systems associated with building rooftops and parking lots. This project will install solar energy systems that meet the criteria of PRC 21080.35.
In addition to the statutory exemption cited above, the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301: Class 1 Existing Facilities because the Project would involve no expansion of use. The solar arrays will be in an area where no environmental sensitive habitat exits; i.e an existing overflow parking area.
The Project is exempt from CEQA under CCR, Title 14, Section 15304, since it 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, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface will be restored.
The Project is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15311 - Class 11 Accessory Structures. Class 11 consist of construction, or placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institution faculties, which is applicable to this project because this project includes placement of solar arrays
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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