LAVC Sewer Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026020685
Public Agency
Los Angeles Community College District
Document Title
LAVC Sewer Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/19/2026
Document Description
Los Angeles Valley College is a public
community college located adjacent to Grant High School in the neighborhood of Valley Glen, California that was founded in 1949. Surrounded by paved roads, parking lots, and walkways, the land is landscaped with mature trees and garden type plants around and above an aging sewer system. The majority of the College's vitrified clay pipe (VCP) sewer system is approximately 70 years old. The life expectancy of vitrified clay pipe is 50-70 years, therefore the College's sewer system is at the end of its life expectancy. There is substantial evidence to support that over half, 4,300 linear feet of over 7,500 linear feet, of sewer pipe is at risk of imminent failure and poses a threat to public health and safety. Pipes are fractured and showing signs of severe deterioration; pipes are compromised by tree root penetration; evidence of sewer breakage will worsen and lead to sink holes; sewage leaks could result in groundwater contamination; a localized failure would result in a large sewage spill and campus shutdown. As such, the Project will seek to replace and repair the deteriorating sewer. ("Project"). The Project will not increase the sewer capacity.
Contact Information
Name
Brian J. Bergman
Agency Name
BDG LAW GROUP
Job Title
Attorney
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Dr. Leigh T. Sata
Agency Name
Los Angeles Community College District
Job Title
Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Email
Name
Maria Conlon
Agency Name
BDG LAW GROUP, APLC
Job Title
Legal Assistant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Van Nuys
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Zip
91401
Jobs
1
Airports
0
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR § 15301, 14 CCR § 15302, and 14 CCR § 15303
Reasons for Exemption
1. 14 CCR 15301 - Existing Facilities
CEQA categorical exemption 1, also known as the "existing facilities11 exemption, applies to the operation, maintenance, repair, or minor alteration of existing facilities, structures, mechanical equipment, or topographical features. This exemption applies when there is no or negligible expansion of the existing or former use. The exemption itself provides examples of the types of projects it covers, including, but not limited to (1) " ... utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services", (2) "restoration or rehabilitation of ... mechanical equipment to meet current standards of public health and safety ... ", and (3) installation ... of a steam sterilization unit for the treatment of medical waste .... " (14 CCR 15301).
The Project involves the replacement/repair of the existing sewer system without increasing its footprint. As such, it qualifies for the 14 CCR 15301 exemption.
2. 14 CCR 15302- Replacement or Reconstruction of Existing Structures of Facilities An additional CEQA exemption that applies to the Project is the Class 2 exemption, which consists of the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. (14 CCR 15302). Replacement structures and facilities do not need to have the exact same footprint as prior structures and facilities; instead, it is sufficient if it is located on the same overall project site. (Dehne v. County of Santa Cruz (1981) 115 Cal. App. 3d. 827, 837).
This exemption includes, but is not limited to (1) "replacement or reconstruction of existing schools ... to provide earthquake resistant structures which do not increase capacity more than 50 percent", (2) "replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity", (3) "replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity", and (4) conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines ... " (14 CCR 15302).
As this Project involves the replacement/repair of the existing sewer system without increasing its footprint, the exemption found at 14 CCR 15302 also applies to the Project.
3. 14 CCR 15303 - Construction. Installation or Conversion of Small Structures, Facilities, or Equipment
The Class 3 exemption consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include but are not limited to, (1) "water main, sewage, electrical, gas, and other utility extensions, including street improvements ... ," (2) "accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences", and (3) "an accessory steam sterilization unit for the treatment of medical waste ... ". (14 CCR 15303)
The Project involves replacing the deteriorating sewer system, which is also covered by this exemption.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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