East Campus Medical Center Seismic Improvements and Modernization
Summary
SCH Number
2026040035
Public Agency
University of California San Diego
Document Title
East Campus Medical Center Seismic Improvements and Modernization
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/1/2026
Document Description
UC San Diego proposes to implement seismic and infrastructure upgrades at the 6.05-acre East Campus Medical Center site at 6655 Alvarado Road, San Diego, CA 92120, to bring the existing 302-bed acute care hospital into compliance with California Senate Bill 1953 which requires all California General Acute-Care Hospitals to meet graduated structural and nonstructural seismic strengthening requirements. The proposed improvements would occur within approximately 316,000 gross square feet of existing hospital facilities, excluding the parking structure. The project includes replacement and modernization of aging building systems - including steam, roof, electrical distribution, HVAC components, hot water, nurse call, security, overhead paging, building automation systems, and other interior service systems - to improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. To meet required Nonstructural Performance Category (NPC) 4D and NPC 5 standards, the project would anchor critical equipment and install life-safety and emergency support systems, including new underground storage tanks located within existing paved and landscaped areas north, south and east of the Hospital. Tank installation would involve standard excavation and construction practices within previously disturbed areas, followed by site restoration. In addition, the project would implement SPC-4D compliance which includes structural retrofits to bring the East Tower and associated structures into compliance with Seismic Performance Category 4D. Improvements include reinforced structural elements such as concrete shear walls, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening, shotcrete bands, and foundation upgrades. All work would occur within the developed hospital campus, would not expand capacity or change the hospital’s use, and would support UC San Diego Health’s ability to maintain essential medical services. The project would comply with the University of California Sustainable Practices Policy.
Contact Information
Name
Alison Buckley
Agency Name
UC San Diego
Job Title
Senior Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Alvarado Road and Reservoir Drive
Zip
92120
Total Acres
6.05
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 Class 1: Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA, Class 1: Existing Facilities as it involves the operation, repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing hospital facilities with no expansion of use or increase in capacity. The project would bring the current facilities to meet current standards and safety. None of the exceptions to the exemption pursuant to 15300.2 apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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