Solar Photovoltaic Project at ten (10) Los Angeles Unified Campuses
Summary
SCH Number
2026030277
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
Solar Photovoltaic Project at ten (10) Los Angeles Unified Campuses
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/6/2026
Document Description
On December 03, 2019, the LA Unified Board adopted the Clean Energy Resolution ("Resolution"), transitioning Los Angeles Unified schools to 100% clean, renewable energy resulting in healthier students and more sustainable, equitable communities. Pursuant to the Resolution, Measure US funds have been prioritized within the School Upgrade Program (SUP) under the category of need for "School Upgrades and Reconfigurations to Support Wellness, Health, Athletics, Learning, and Efficiency." Projects to install photovoltaic (PV) panels, electrification, and electrical infrastructure fall under this SUP category of need. The installation of PV systems to generate electricity from solar power offers the District the opportunity to significantly offset its energy costs over the long term and to achieve its goals for environmental
stewardship and clean energy.
The Project will be individually designed on each of the ten campuses (Campus or Campuses), but will include a mix of the following components:
• Rooftop Installations of Photovoltaic Solar Panels
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Carport and Photovoltaic Shade Structures
• Landscape upgrades pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Project will be implemented per all applicable local and State regulations, as well as all District Standards and Specifications, such as those provided in Los Angeles Unified's (LA Unified) Subsequent Program Environmental Impact Report for the School Upgrade Program (Subsequent PEIR). The Project will not cause an increase in student capacity or enrollment and would not result in an increase in the intensity of use. The beneficiaries of the Project include students and staff at each of the respective schools and the community at large who may request access to the facilities and grounds of the Campuses pursuant to the Civic Center Act (CA Ed. Code Sections 38130 - 38139).
Contact Information
Name
Zulema Renteria
Agency Name
Los Angeles Unified School District
Job Title
Environmental Planning Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Angeles, South Gate
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1. Crenshaw High School, 50 IO 11 th Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif.
2. John Muir Middle School, 5929 South Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, Calif.
3. Los Angeles High School, 4650 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, Calif.
4. Markham Middle School, 1650 East 104th Street, Los Angeles, Calif.
5. Pacoima Middle School, 9919 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, Calif.
6. San Miguel Elementary School, 9801 San Miguel Ave, South Gate, Calif.
7. Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES), I 8605 Erwin St, Tarzana, Calif.
8. South Gate Middle School, 3351 Firestone Blvd, South Gate, Calif.
9. Sun Valley Magnet School, 7330 Bakman Ave, Sun Valley, Calif.
10. Sutter Middle School, 7330 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, Calif.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303, 15304, 15311
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 Existing Facilities
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination.
The Project will consist of the installation of rooftop PV panels, PV canopies and carports, EV charging stations and other minor alterations of existing public structures and mechanical equipment, including ADA upgrades. All proposed Project components would involve minor alterations to existing Campuses and will occur within the area occupied by existing facilities at each Campus. The Project components will not present a new or expanded use of the Campuses. Therefore, the Project constitutes minor alterations to existing school sites that result in no expansion of use and meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Class 3 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 to the exterior of the structure.
The installation of new PV canopies and carports, rooftop PV systems, EV charging stations and ADA upgrades constitutes the construction of new small structures. The solar arrays would be characterized as new, small facilities or accessory structures as defined by Section 15303 (e) "Accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences." Therefore, the Project meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
Section 15304 - Minor Alterations to Land
Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes.
The Project will include installation of carport and shade structures that involve minimal land disturbance. Installation will not involve major grading, excavation, or other significant alterations to land. Installation of the carport and shade structures will not result in the removal of any trees. Therefore, the Project meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15304.
Section 15311 - Accessory Structures
Class 11 consists of construction or replacement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including, but not limited to, on-premises signs and small parking lots.
The Project will include installation of rooftop PV systems, PV canopy structures, carports and EV charging stations on existing school buildings and parking lots. The shade structures, carports and EV charging stations will benefit staff members and visitors that drive to the Campus, and the solar infrastructure will support energy conservation goals of the District. The Project will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing buildings and parking lots. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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