Tree Removals, Replacements and Plantings in Various Locations within District Tidelands
Summary
SCH Number
2026010965
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Tree Removals, Replacements and Plantings in Various Locations within District Tidelands
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/28/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the removal, replacement and planting of trees by San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the cities of San Diego, Coronado and Chula Vista, California. All removed trees would be replaced at a minimum ratio of 1:1, with drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive trees. The tree locations and activities are as follows:
Approximately one (1) Pindo palm tree on Shelter Island Drive adjacent to Shoreline Park was damaged by an automobile and would be removed and replaced onsite with approximately two (2) Pindo palms, or similar species, in late 2026. The removal work would take approximately two (2) days of work and approximately two (2) days for replacement.
Approximately four (4) Ficus trees at the “T” section of Harbor Island Drive require removal due to their roots lifting the adjacent concrete sidewalk, potentially posing a safety risk. They would be removed in early 2026 and replaced with a minimum of four (4) trees to be planted at Harbor Island Park in early 2026. This would take approximately four (4) days of work for removal and two (2) days for replacement plantings.
Approximately three (3) Norfolk Island Pine, or similar species, would be planted at Aircraft Carrier Memorial Park in early 2026 and would take approximately two (2) days of work.
Approximately four (4) California coast live oak, or similar species, would be planted at Coronado Tidelands Park along the southern portion of Tidelands Park Beach in early 2026 and would take approximately one (1) day of work.
Approximately two (2) Mexican fan palms and one (1) Golden waddle are located along the vacant parcel west of 150 Bay Boulevard in Chula Vista. They would be removed in early 2026 over approximately two (2) days of work and replaced with three (3) Tecate cypress, or similar species, at Chula Vista Bayfront Park in early-mid 2026 over approximately two (2) days of work.
Approximately one (1) Eucalyptus tree died at Chula Vista Bayfront Park and would be removed and replaced with one (1) tree in early 2026 within the turf area on the north end of the park and would take approximately one (1) day of work for removal and one (1) day for replacement.
The District and/or the District’s landscape service providers would remove and replace the trees using a truck, chainsaw, chipper, bucket truck, stump grinder, hand tools and associated equipment. The four (4) Ficus tree removals would require a partial closure of Harbor Island Drive which would include traffic control and flaggers for approximately four (4) days of work in early 2026. As a result of the temporary and partial nature of the street closure, there would be a less than significant impact on traffic. The other tree removal locations are not anticipated to require street closures.
Tree replacements and plantings would include ongoing maintenance as needed, including replacement of the trees within the first five (5) years of planting if they fail. Work hours for the proposed project would be from approximately 7:00 am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. Tree removal locations which are adjacent to a sidewalk, walkway or promenade would include a work crew safely redirecting pedestrians around the tree removal site during work.
With tree removal activities, if the bird breeding and nesting season cannot be avoided and removal must occur between February 15 and September 1, a breeding and nesting bird survey would be conducted prior to tree removal activities. If an active nest is located, all work within 500 feet of raptor nests and 300 feet of other nests, or a distance determined to be appropriate by a qualified biologist, would be postponed until such nest is vacated and the juveniles have fledged and when there is no attempt of a second nesting.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the District would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Kurt Brickley
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Forestry Services and Open Spaces Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Chula Vista, Coronado, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
2301 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
“T” Section of Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
1875 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
41 Navy Pier, San Diego, CA 92101
2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado, CA 92118
150 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA 91910
980 Marina Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the removal, replacement and planting of trees and the associated tree maintenance that would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees, and would result in no permanent effects on the environment. Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.]
AND/OR
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees, including, but not limited to:
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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