Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of Malibu Farm at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Summary
SCH Number
2026010486
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of Malibu Farm at Embarcadero Marina Park North
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/16/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 10-minute drone show on February 3rd, 2026, by Drone Studios on behalf of Malibu Farm at Embarcadero Marina Park North (EMPN) in San Diego, CA. The drones would be deployed from and landed at the western edge of EMPN. The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up starting at approximately 6:00 p.m. and clean-up concluding at approximately 10:00 p.m.
A temporary safety perimeter would be established at the western edge of EMPN along a small section of the promenade adjacent to the waterfront. During the drone show, pedestrian access within the safety perimeter would be temporarily restricted using cones, caution tape and enforced by staff for a period of 15-minutes during the drone show. An alternative nearby walkway and park space would remain open at all times. Following the 15-minute period, the promenade would be reopened. No other closures of the walkways or road are anticipated to occur. The proposed event would be able to be viewed by the public without cost from various areas throughout the Embarcadero. Once the drone show concludes and the drones are secured, the safety perimeter would be removed. In the unlikely event a drone descends into the water, a net would be used to collect the drone immediately. The proposed drone shows would not impact commercial fishing activities or public access due to their limited nature.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 100 drones. The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Event staff would occupy approximately 3 spaces in the nearby EMPN public parking lot. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jeff Stein
Agency Name
Drone Studios
Job Title
Drone Pilot
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1 Embarcadero Marina Park North, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Section Guideline 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) because it is for a temporary event that would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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