Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center Improvements Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026040467
Public Agency
San Joaquin County Office of Education
(SJCOE)
Document Title
Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center Improvements Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/10/2026
Document Description
The project scope includes the installation of a new playground with interpretive signage and the demolition of an existing restroom facility in the “Wagon Wheel” area of the education center campus. The proposed project is located entirely within the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center at 29442 Airport Way (Assessor Parcel Number [APN]: 241-180-16), in Manteca, San Joaquin County, California. The project area spans approximately 13 acres of a previously landscaped area within the school’s boundaries (Exhibit 1). The project scope includes the installation of a new playground with interpretive signage and the demolition of an existing restroom facility in the “Wagon Wheel” area of the education center campus. As the actions associated with the proposed project are not expected to result in a significant environmental impact, it is expected that this project is exempt under the Class III Categorical (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and Class XIV Categorical Exemption (Minor Additions to Schools), as described in the California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 15300 et seq.
Contact Information
Name
Anthony Flores
Agency Name
San Joaquin County Office of Education
Job Title
Division Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Manteca
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
Address is 29442 Airport Way, Manteca, California 95337.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3 § 15303; and 14 § 15314
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project would not result in a significant environmental impact and is not
disqualified by any of the exceptions to CEQA exemptions. Class 3 projects are described in § 15303 as “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 in the exterior of the structure.” The installation of a new playground within Durham Ferry’s existing property qualifies as the “installation of small new equipment”, and thus fits the description provided in Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 15303. Class 14 projects are described in § 15314 as “minor additions to existing schools within existing school grounds where the addition does not increase original student capacity by more than 25% or ten classrooms, whichever is less.” The installation of a new playground and demolition of an existing restroom facility will take place entirely within Durham Ferry’s existing property. The proposed project does not involve the addition of ten or more classrooms, nor would it increase the school’s student capacity by more than 25%. Therefore, it fits the description provided in Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 15314. Implementation of the project would not be expected to result in significant impacts on the environment (please see Table 1). The activities that make up the proposed project (the installation of a new playground, demolition of an existing restroom facility) meet both the description of a Class 3 and Class 14-exempt project as well as the criteria listed in the Exceptions to CEQA Categorical Exemptions. The project area is not located on a hazardous waste site or other environmental features of critical concern. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact, nor would it result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative impact. The project area is not in the vicinity of a Scenic Highway, and the project would not be expected to impact historical resources. No historic properties are known to exist within the project area; if artifacts were to be found during construction, work would stop immediately, and a qualified archaeologist would be consulted with before work were to resume. As part of SJCOE's typical due diligence process, if any construction work is scheduled during the California nesting bird season (generally February 1st through August 31st), a preconstruction nesting bird survey would be conducted by a qualified biologist to avoid impacts on nesting birds. The long-term effects of the proposed project are likely to improve the school’s ability to accommodate and provide recreational opportunities for students on campus. Considering the data summarized in this memorandum, it is Terracon’s opinion that the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center Improvements Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA documentation.
County Clerk
San Joaquin
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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