Spikes Peak Solar Temporary Meteorological Station (Administrative Permit No. AA25-024)
Summary
SCH Number
2026030578
Public Agency
Merced County
Document Title
Spikes Peak Solar Temporary Meteorological Station (Administrative Permit No. AA25-024)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/13/2026
Document Description
The project proposes to install a temporary solar meteorological station to measure irradiance, temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and other meteorological measurements for a period of up to three years. The project site is designated Agricultural land use in the General Plan and zoned A-1 (General Agriculture).
Contact Information
Name
Ana Browning
Agency Name
County of Merced
Job Title
Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Lynn Wilder
Agency Name
Spikes Peak Solar, LLC
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Merced
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Interstate-5 and West Butts Road
Zip
95322
Total Acres
756
Parcel #
069-220-014, 069-220-036, 069-220-046, 069-220-049, and 069-220-067.
State Highways
I-5
Waterways
California Aqueduct, Delta Mendota Canal
Township
9S
Range
8E
Section
13 14
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15306 ("Information Collection"); 15303 ("Small Structures")
Reasons for Exemption
The project proposes a temporary meteorological tower to collect information such as irradiance, temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Due to its small size, temporary nature, and the applicant's proposal to use biological monitors during installation and removal, the project would not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Nor would County approval of this use permit restrict the County’s ability to approve, reject or modify any separate proposal to develop a solar energy project at the site. It is thus exempt under Section 15306. Similarly, because the project would involve only limited numbers of small structures, it is also exempt under Section 15303, which applies even to much larger structures, such as single-family residences and duplexes. Finally, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the proposed project -- temporary installation of a small
meteorological station under the supervision of biological monitors -- may have a significant effect on the environment, it is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3). None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 apply to the proposed project.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption)
Reasons for Exemption
The project proposes a temporary meteorological tower to collect information such as irradiance, temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Due to its small size, temporary nature, and the applicant's proposal to use biological monitors during installation and removal, the project would not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. Nor would County approval of this use permit restrict the County’s ability to approve, reject or modify any separate proposal to develop a solar energy project at the site. It is thus exempt under Section 15306. Similarly, because the project would involve only limited numbers of small structures, it is also exempt under Section 15303, which applies even to much larger structures, such as single-family residences and duplexes. Finally, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the proposed project -- temporary installation of a small
meteorological station under the supervision of biological monitors -- may have a significant effect on the environment, it is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3). None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 apply to the proposed project.
County Clerk
Merced
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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