Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of Hilton San Diego Bayfront at Embarcadero Marina Park South
Summary
SCH Number
2026030178
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of Hilton San Diego Bayfront at Embarcadero Marina Park South
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/4/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 10-minute drone show on March 27, 2026, by Drone Studios on behalf of Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel at Embarcadero Marina Park South (EMPS) in San Diego, CA. The drones would be deployed from and landed at the southern edge of EMPS and displayed east of the launch site directly over the water. The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up in the afternoon and clean-up in the evening.
A temporary safety perimeter would be established along the southern edge of EMPS along a small section of the waterfront walkway. Pedestrian access within the safety perimeter would be temporarily restricted for approximately 15 minutes using cones, caution tape and enforced by staff during the drone show. A nearby alternative walkway and adjacent park space would remain open at all times. Following the approximately 15-minute period, the walkway and park space would be reopened. No other closures of the walkways are anticipated to occur. The safety perimeter would also include the flight area and the water area over which the drones would be displayed, prior to and during the drone show. The proposed event would be able to be viewed by the public without cost from multiple locations throughout the Embarcadero. Once the drone show concludes and the drones are secured, the safety perimeter would be removed. In the unlikely event a drone descends into the water, a net would be used to collect the drone immediately.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 100 drones. The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Event staff would occupy approximately 3 spaces in the nearby EMPS public parking lot. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Jeff Stein
Agency Name
Drone Studios
Job Title
Drone Pilot
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guideline Section 15304 (Minor Alteration to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Section 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because because it is for a temporary event that would have a negligible, or no permanent, effect on the environment, nor would it involve the removal of mature, scenic trees. Section 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines is as follows: 3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving the removal of mature, scenic trees, including, but not limited to: (6) Minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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