Foothill College Decarbonization Utility Plant Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026030467
Public Agency
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
Document Title
Foothill College Decarbonization Utility Plant Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/11/2026
Document Description
The Foothill-De Anza Community College District will construct a decarbonization utility plant on Parking Lot 2A. The project includes removing 11 existing parking spaces from Parking Lot 2A. The decarbonization utility plant will be approximately 2,550 square feet in area and include an open-air enclosure with seven concrete pads for electrical equipment, air source heat pumps, and chilled water pumps. The maximum height of the structure is nine feet. Two-inch aluminum acoustic panels will be placed along the interior walls to minimize noise levels in the surrounding areas. The project will serve the Foothill Community College Main Gymnasium and Pool and other campus buildings. There is no tree removal or landscaping included as part of the project. The project does not include changes to student enrollment or campus
capacity.
Contact Information
Name
Michael Hohl
Agency Name
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
Job Title
Project Manager, Bond Program
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Los Altos Hills
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
Perimeter Road and El Monte Road
Zip
94022
Total Acres
0.067
State Highways
280
Schools
Los Altos School District, St. Nicholas Catholic School, Ventana
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures; 15314, Minor Addition to Schools
Reasons for Exemption
The project will take place at a parking lot at Foothill College and includes only the construction of a decarbonization utility plant which fits into the scope of the Class 3 exemption as a single, small structure. The project improves campus utilities and does not include the addition of classrooms nor an increase in student enrollment. The construction activities will not result in a significant effect, and the operational effects of the project will be environmentally beneficial. The project meets the criteria for categorically exempt construction or conversion of small structures in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 and minor additions to schools in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15314, and none of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions in State CEQA Guidelines Section 5300.2 apply. Therefore, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment pursuant to CEQA and a Notice of Exemption is appropriate for the project.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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