United States District Court (USDC) Perimeter Retaining Wall Waterproofing Project, Riverside
Summary
SCH Number
2025120383
Public Agency
Riverside County
Document Title
United States District Court (USDC) Perimeter Retaining Wall Waterproofing Project, Riverside
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/10/2025
Document Description
The USDC, located at 3470 12th Street in Riverside, provides court services to our residents. The court is experiencing erosion issues which is causing water intrusion to approximately 620 linear feet of the retaining wall which is located adjacent to Lemon Street. The scope of work to the USDC Perimeter Retaining Wall Project includes addressing the erosion at the plant beds (-11,300 square feet), water-proofing the existing retaining planter wall by utilizing a more sustainable material to prevent water intrusion; and replacing the existing plants with drought-tolerant plants to reduce water usage and maintenance. The improvements to the landscaping and perimeter retaining wall at the USDC is identified as the proposed project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The operation of the facility will continue to provide public services and will not result in a significant expansion of existing use. No additional direct or indirect physical environmental impacts are anticipated.
Contact Information
Name
Mike Sullivan
Agency Name
Riverside County
Job Title
Senior Environmental Planner/Facilities Operations Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Riverside
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
3470 12th Street, east of Lemon Street
Zip
92501
Parcel #
215-321-019
State Highways
SR-91
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 Class 1 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
This Class 1 categorical exemption includes the operation, repair, maintenance, leasing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures or facilities, provided the exemption only involves negligible or no expansion of the previous site’s use. The project, as proposed, includes site improvements to the existing landscaped area and retaining wall surrounding the USDC. Minor landscaping and improvements to the retaining wall will be completed to prevent erosion and water intrusion into the retaining wall and adjacent building. The use of the facility would continue to provide public services to the community and would not result in a significant increase in capacity or intensity of use. Therefore, the project is exempt as it meets the scope and intent of the Categorical Exemption identified in Section 15301, Article 19, Categorical Exemptions of the CEQA Guidelines.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Section 15061 (b)(3) Common Sense
Reasons for Exemption
In accordance with CEQA, the use of the Common Sense Exemption is based on the “general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.” State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15061(b) (3). The use of this exemption is appropriate if “it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.” Ibid. This determination is an issue of fact and if sufficient evidence exists in the record that the activity cannot have a significant effect on the environment, then the exemption applies and no further evaluation under CEQA is required. See No Oil, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles (1974) 13 Cal. 3d 68. The ruling in this case stated that if a project falls within a category exempt by administrative regulation or 'it can be seen with certainty that the activity in question will not have a significant effect on the environment', no further agency evaluation is required. The proposed improvements to the existing facility will not result in any direct or indirect physical environmental impacts. The improvements would require limited construction activity within the County owned property and would not alter the function or use of the site or have any external physical effects. The improvements are limited minor landscaping and retaining wall improvements. The improvements would enhance the quality of public services and provide a safe and secure facility by reducing erosion and preventing water intrusion. The use and operation of the facility will be substantially similar to the existing use and will not create any new environmental impacts. Therefore, in no way, would the project as proposed have the potential to cause a significant environmental impact and the project is exempt from further CEQA analysis.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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