Shade Structures Project at three (3) Los Angeles Unified Campuses
Summary
SCH Number
2026030995
Public Agency
Los Angeles Unified School District
Document Title
Shade Structures Project at three (3) Los Angeles Unified Campuses
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/24/2026
Document Description
The projects (Project or Projects) at the three LA Unified campuses (Campus or Campuses) will provide new shade structure(s) and associated landscape and hardscape improvements pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Board of Education authorized a total of $817,504 on April 8, 2025, for the Projects at Fair Avenue ES and San Fernando ES and authorized $321,377 on September 10, 2024, for the Project at LaMotte ES.
The Project will be individually designed on each of the three campuses (Campus or Campuses).
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, San Fernando
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
1. Fair Avenue Elementary School, 6501 Fair Avenue, North Hollywood, Calif.
2. Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte Elementary School, 4410 Orchard Ave, Los Angeles, Calif.
3. San Fernando Elementary School, 1130 Mott Street, San Fernando, 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.
All Projects will result in the installation of new shade structure(s) on the existing play yards. The new shade structure(s) will address unmet Campus needs and provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment. All proposed Project components would involve minor alterations to existing Campuses and will occur within the area occupied by existing facilities at each Campus such as path of travel and ADA upgrades. Installation of the new shade structure(s) will not present a new or expanded use of the Campus. Therefore, the Project fulfills 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 Projects will result in the installation of a new shade structure(s) on the existing play yards. The new shade structure(s) will address unmet campus needs and provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment. Installation of the new shade structure will not result in an increase or alteration of the current use, function, or capacity of the existing Campus. The shade structures 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 Projects meet 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 Projects will include the installation of new shade structure(s) 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 Projects meet 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 Projects will include installation of new shade structure(s) on the existing play yards. The new shade structures are consistent with the existing use of the Project areas and will enhance playground experience and support the primary educational and recreational use of the sites. The Projects will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing playground. Therefore, the Projects meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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