Muir Pines and Roots Renovation
Summary
SCH Number
2026020307
Public Agency
University of California San Diego
Document Title
Muir Pines and Roots Renovation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/9/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would renovate approximately 18,000 gross square feet (GSF) of the existing Muir Pines and Roots dining facility (formally Stewart Commons) building within Muir College. The renovation aims to improve functionality, increasing indoor and outdoor seating, and meet growing demand from recent campus housing expansions. Scope of work includes an interior renovation, including back-of-house areas, new kitchen equipment, upgraded mechanical systems, and the addition of service/cooking platforms with hot and cold pickup zones to support online ordering. Pines and Roots would receive interior updates such as new paint, flooring, lighting, and kitchen equipment upgrades to support a pizza-focused menu. Exterior improvements include activating the existing outdoor seating areas, improved pedestrian flow through entry/exit points, updated signage and wayfinding, deteriorated areas of roof replacement, and façade restoration. The project would also address required seismic upgrades identified through a Tier 3 structural analysis, enhancing the building’s lateral load system to improve performance during seismic events. The renovation is targeting LEED certification in accordance with the UC Sustainable Practices Policy.
Contact Information
Name
Alison Buckley
Agency Name
University of California, San Diego
Job Title
Senior Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
La Jolla
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Scholars Drive and Muir Lane
Zip
92093
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 15301 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Class 1: Existing Facilities because it consists of the operation, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. No exceptions to an exemption apply per 15300.2.
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.