West Kern Fleet Electrification and Microgrid Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026020081
Public Agency
West Kern Water District
(WKWD)
Document Title
West Kern Fleet Electrification and Microgrid Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/3/2026
Document Description
The project consists of the installation and operation of behind-the-meter distributed energy resources at existing West Kern Water District facilities, including an approximately 406 kW-DC photovoltaic (PV) system installed on carport structures, a battery energy storage system (BESS) sized up to approximately 270 kW / 810 kWh (final sizing subject to detailed engineering), and eight dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) units for fleet charging. The project also includes associated electrical infrastructure, microgrid controls, trenching, and minor site improvements. The system will operate in non-export mode and will not deliver power to the utility grid.
Contact Information
Name
Wendy Adams-Rosenberger
Agency Name
West Kern Water District
Job Title
Regulatory Administrator
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Kern & 9th Street
Zip
93268
Total Acres
less than 1 acre
Jobs
1
Parcel #
032-030-16
State Highways
CA
Schools
Taft Union High School, Buena Vista High
Township
32S
Range
23E
Section
13
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 & 15303
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption under State CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because it involves the installation, operation, and minor alteration of electrical and energy infrastructure at an existing facility. The improvements will not result in a significant expansion of existing use and will involve negligible or no change to the footprint or operational characteristics of the site. Trenching and electrical work are limited in scope and will occur within previously disturbed areas.
The project also qualifies for a Class 3 categorical exemption under State CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), because it includes the installation of small-scale energy facilities and equipment, including PV carport structures, battery storage cabinets, EV charging stations, and associated electrical equipment. These features are accessory to the existing use of the site and do not involve the construction of large or environmentally disruptive structures.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 21080.35 & 15282 (k)
Reasons for Exemption
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.35 – Solar Energy Systems, the installation of a solar energy system on an existing parking facility is statutorily exempt from CEQA. The proposed photovoltaic system will be installed on new carport structures located within an existing, previously developed parking area that has been in use for more than two years. The installation does not require the demolition of existing structures or the removal of mature, protected trees and will not result in a significant expansion of use. Therefore, the solar PV component of the project qualifies for the statutory exemption under PRC § 21080.35.
Additionally, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15282(k), the installation, maintenance, or operation of electric vehicle charging stations is statutorily exempt from CEQA. The project includes the installation of eight dual-port Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment units at an existing developed facility for fleet charging purposes. All associated electrical infrastructure, trenching, and minor site improvements are ancillary to the installation and operation of the EV charging stations. Accordingly, the EVSE component of the project qualifies for the statutory exemption under CEQA Guidelines § 15282(k).
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.