Los Altos Library Courtyard Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025120195
Public Agency
Santa Clara County Library District
Document Title
Los Altos Library Courtyard Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/5/2025
Document Description
Renovation of an existing outdoor courtyard at the Los Altos Civic Center adjacent to the Los Altos Library to improve space for residents to read, work, and learn. The project includes the replacement of an existing wood pergola with a pre-engineered shade structure within a courtyard protected by secured perimeter fencing. New planting, hardscape, and outdoor rated furniture will further enhance this added feature for use by the residents within the Los Altos community.
Contact Information
Name
Jennifer Weeks
Agency Name
Santa Clara County Library District
Job Title
County Librarian
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Los Altos
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
S. San Antonio Road and Edith
Zip
94022
State Highways
Foothill Expressway
Schools
Los Altos High School
Other Location Info
Los Altos Civic Center
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures). SCCLD relies on a number of findings by the City of Los Altos:
• The Project is consistent with the City’s General Plan goals due to the project being for governmental use under the Public and Institutional Land Use designation, and it complies with the permitted uses of the PCF zoning district, which allows uses for facilities owned, leased, or operated by a city, county, and state.
• The project complies with the Community Design & Historic Resources Element, particularly Community Design Policy 1.8, by promoting thoughtful design that respects the character of its surroundings without duplicating elements or styles.
• The project complies with the Zoning Standards of the PCF Zoning District.
• The project does not involve the removal of any character-defining features, which are essential for historic designation. The project preserves all existing Civic Center Apricot Orchard apricot trees, and any designated heritage tree is not impacted. The Civic Center Orchard retains its integrity of location, as it has not been moved.
• The project complies with the Historic Preservation Ordinance, does not adversely impact the resource’s physical integrity or historical significance, and meets the findings of Section 12.44.140.A of the Los Altos Municipal Code and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• The project will not result in any significant impacts relating to traffic, noise, air quality, water quality; the site can be served by all required utilities and public service; and none of the circumstances described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
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.