Northridge Middle School Solar Photovoltaic
Summary
SCH Number
2026010056
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
Northridge Middle School Solar Photovoltaic
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/5/2026
Document Description
The project will install a photovoltaic system mounted on new carport and shade structures to produce 674 kW of solar energy. It will also include the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Supporting infrastructure for the solar and EV systems will be integrated to enhance site sustainability. In the northeast parking lot, the Project will provide two new accessible handicap parking stalls and an accessible pedestrian path connecting the parking lot to the existing handicap-accessible gate and the rest of the Campus. For the solar panel arrays located within the existing
playground area, the Project will provide an accessible path of travel (POT) that connects to an existing handicap accessible route serving the remainder of the Campus. The Board of Education (BOE) approved the Project's budget of $4,888,613 on February 11, 2025.
Contact Information
Name
Zulema Renteria
Agency Name
Los Angeles Unified School District
Job Title
Environmental Planning Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Northridge Middle School - Solar Photovoltaic Project will be located on the approximately 27.1-acre Northridge Middle School campus (Northridge MS or Campus). The Campus is located at 17960 Chase Street in the City of Los Angeles. It is bound by Chase Street to the north, Zelzah Avenue to the east, Schoenborn Street to the south and Lindley Avenue to the west. The Campus is located in an urbanized community primarily consisting of single-family residences located on Chase Street and Zelzah Avenue. Multi-family residential land uses are located on Schoenborn Street and Lindley Avenue.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303, 15304, 15311
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 Existing Facilities
Class 1 consists of 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 use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination.
The Project will consist of the installation of PV canopies, POT upgrades, and other minor alterations of existing public structures and mechanical equipment. The project involves no expansion of the facility's use at this time. It therefore fulfills the requirements for a Class 1 Categorical Exemption.
Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made to the exterior of the structure.
The installation of new PY canopies constitutes the construction of new small structures. The solar arrays would be characterized as new, small facilities or accessory structures as defined by Section 15303(e) "Accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences." It
therefore fulfills the requirements for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption.
Section 15304 - Minor Alterations
Class 4 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 except for forestry or agricultural purposes.
The Project will include installation of carports and shade structures that involves minimal land disturbance. Installation will not involve major grading, excavation, or other significant alterations to land. Installation of the new carport shade structures will not result in the removal of any trees. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
Section 15311 - Accessory Structures
Class 11 consists of construction or replacement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including, but not limited to, on-premises signs and small parking lots.
The Project will include installation of carport and shade structures on the existing Campus. The shade structures will benefit staff members and visitors that drive to the Campus, and the solar infrastructure will support energy conservation goals of the District. The Project will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing parking lots. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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