Tree Removals and Replacements at Chula Vista Bayfront and North Embarcadero
Summary
SCH Number
2026021004
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Tree Removals and Replacements at Chula Vista Bayfront and North Embarcadero
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/26/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the removal and replacement of trees by San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the cities of San Diego 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) Ficus tree on North Harbor Drive adjacent to the Crescent Zone in North Embarcadero died and requires removal. The tree would be removed in early 2026 and replaced with approximately three (3) conifer trees to be planted at Spanish Landing Park in approximately late 2026. This would take approximately two (2) days of work for removal and two (2) days for replacement plantings.
Approximately one (1) Sycamore tree along the sidewalk at Tuna Harbor Park requires removal due to becoming necrotic. It would be removed in early 2026 and replaced with approximately three (3) trees to be planted at Carrier Memorial Park in late 2026. This would take approximately two (2) days of work for removal and two (2) days for replacement plantings.
Approximately one (1) Eucalyptus tree died at Chula Vista Bayfront Park and would be removed in approximately early 2026 and replaced with one (1) tree in early 2026 within the turf area on the north end of the park and would take approximately two (2) days 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, stump grinder, hand tools and associated equipment. 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, San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
2254 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
3 Tuna Lane, San Diego, CA 92101
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 Section 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the removal and replacement 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. Section 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:
(5) New gardening or landscaping.
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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