Nicolas Valley Elementary School Renovation Project

2026020434

Temecula Valley Unified School District

NOE - Notice of Exemption

2/11/2026

2/11/2026

Amber Perez

Temecula Valley Unified School District

Director of Facilities Development

Lead/Public Agency

31350 Rancho Vista Road
Temecula, CA 92592

(951) 506-7914

aperez3@tvusd.us

33°32'49.9"N 117°7'29.3"W

39600 North General Kearny Road

92591

1.85

957-080-002

SR-79

N/A

N/A

Rancho ES, Chaprral HS

N/A

7S

2W

19

San Bern

The entire school campus is 12.61 acres. Only about 1.85 acres will be disturbed.

Categorical Exemption

Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, and 15314

Class 1 – Existing Facilities (CEQA Guidelines Section 15301): The proposed project qualifies for this exemption because it occurs entirely within the existing NVES campus boundary and does not change the school’s use or operational capacity. The removal of four existing relocatable classroom buildings, totaling 17 classrooms, and the conversion of the existing MPR into an expanded kitchen constitute an alteration and reuse of existing school facilities. Utility improvements associated with the new MPR are limited to supporting existing educational uses and do not extend service beyond the campus. No changes to internal circulation are proposed, and no increase in student population or intensity of use would occur. Therefore, the proposed project represents the continued use and modernization of existing facilities with no expansion of use beyond current conditions. Class 2 – Replacement or Reconstruction (CEQA Guidelines Section 15302): The proposed project qualifies for this exemption because the new MPR functionally would replace the existing relocatable classrooms and the existing MPR, all within the same campus footprint. Although the configuration would change, the overall educational purpose would remain the same, and classroom capacity would be reduced rather than expanded. Class 3 – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (CEQA Guidelines Section 15303): The proposed construction of the new MPR on the existing NVES campus qualifies for this exemption because it would consolidate the existing MPR and 17 relocatable classroom buildings into one single institutional structure serving the existing school. The proposed project would reduce the total number of classrooms from 17 to 11, resulting in no increase in intensity of use. The existing MPR would be converted into an expanded kitchen for the school by renovating its interior, with only minor exterior modifications. The proposed project does not involve expanding the NVES campus footprint, does not require new roadways or circulation improvements, and does not trigger demand for additional public services. The scale and purpose of the new MPR are consistent with small institutional facilities contemplated under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15303. Class 14, Minor Additions to School (CEQA Guidelines Section 15314): The proposed project qualifies for this exemption because the new MPR would include 11 classrooms, replacing 17 existing classrooms, resulting in a net reduction of classroom count and no increase in student enrollment capacity. The proposed project is designed to modernize facilities and improve functionality by consolidating existing facilities into one building rather than expanding educational capacity. Therefore, the future potential removal of two remaining relocatable classrooms, if implemented, would further reduce the classroom count and increase turf field and landscaped area. The proposed project would not represent growth or intensification of the existing school.