Circulation Improvement Project – Fiscal Year 2025-26
Summary
SCH Number
2025120252
Public Agency
City of Laguna Woods
Document Title
Circulation Improvement Project – Fiscal Year 2025-26
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/5/2025
Document Description
The project involves the installation of traffic safety lighting and conduit, as well as various traffic signal components such as backplates, visors, and illuminated street name signs.
The project is intended to (1) replace deteriorated traffic signal backplates and visors, (2) improve the visibility of pedestrians and other users of the public sidewalk system, including in crosswalks, and (3) improve the visibility and awareness of traffic signals for motorists.
By replacing deteriorated infrastructure and improving visibility, the project will facilitate better management of the public right of way and protect public safety and welfare.
Contact Information
Name
Justin Faylona
Agency Name
City of Laguna Woods
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Laguna Woods
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Intersection of El Toro Road/Lutheran Church & Catholic Church
Other Information
Intersection of El Toro Road/Avenida Sevilla
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15301, Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 (the State CEQA Guidelines) Section 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities). Section 15301 exempts from environmental review the “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 existing or former use.”
Subsection (c) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety, and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes).”
Subsection (d) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety, unless it is determined that the damage was substantial and resulted from an environmental hazard such as earthquake, landslide, or flood.”
Subsection (f) of Section 15301 provides the following as non-exclusive examples of types of “existing facilities”: “Addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices.”
The project includes maintenance and minor alterations to existing infrastructure within the City of Laguna Woods’ public right-of-way for an existing public street and arterial highway (El Toro Road). This work does not expand or change the existing or former use of El Toro Road. The new overhead safety lights and poles are intended to work in conjunction with existing crosswalks at the intersections of (1) El Toro Road/Lutheran Church & Catholic Church and (2) El Toro Road/Avenida Sevilla by increasing their visibility and the visibility of pedestrians and other users thereof. The modifications of the traffic signals at the intersection of El Toro Road/Lutheran Church & Catholic Church are intended to increase their visibility to motorists. The replaced traffic signal backplates, visors, and illuminated street name signs are intended to address instances of minor deterioration not resulted from an environmental hazard such as earthquake, landslide, or flood. The replaced traffic signal backplates will include new retroreflective borders for increased visibility to motorists. The replaced illuminated street name signs will serve navigational and public safety purposes in conjunction with roadway use and operation. The project will enhance the visibility of existing facilities for the purpose of protecting public safety and welfare.
Based on the scope of work, the project meets the criteria for Class 1 categorical exemption.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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