Terra Cotta Middle School New Classroom Building Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026051190
Public Agency
Lake Elsinore Unified School District
Document Title
Terra Cotta Middle School New Classroom Building Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/29/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would include the removal of 16 modular classrooms and associated improvements on the eastern portion of the campus, along Grand Avenue. The proposed project would also require removal of one shade structure and modular restroom building. Seven existing modular buildings and two modular restroom buildings would remain. The new 15,720 square-foot classroom building would replace the modular classrooms that would be removed and would contain 10 classrooms, restrooms, and a kitchen, storage room, and mechanical room. Additionally, the exterior of the building would include a covered lunch shelter. The modular classrooms would meet the current needs of the campus and would not increase the student capacity of Terra Cotta MS.
The proposed project would install a new fire lane and fire hydrant on the eastern portion of the project site, between the new classroom building and the existing modular classrooms to remain. The new fire lane would connect to an existing fire lane to the south that connects to Grand Avenue. Construction of the proposed project would be completed in one phase, anticipated to occur from February 2027 to March 2028. Construction will include grading and utility trenching. Utility lines, including electric, fiber optic, gas, and water, would be connected to the existing campus utility lines.
Contact Information
Name
Brad Runge
Agency Name
Lake Elsinore Unified School District
Job Title
Director of Facilities
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Lake Elsinore
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Cross Streets
Grande Avenue and Lakeshore Drive
Zip
92530
Total Acres
26.72
Parcel #
389-040-006 and 389-040-063
State Highways
SR-74
Railways
N/A
Airports
N/A
Schools
See below
Waterways
N/A
Township
05S
Range
05W
Section
34
Base
San Bern
Other Information
Rice Canyon Elementary School, Withrow Elementary School, Lakeside High School, Machado Elementary School, Innovation High School San Diego, Alberhill Elementary School
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 § 15301; Class 2 § 15302; Class 14 § 15314
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 (Existing Facilities)
The proposed project consists of the replacement of existing school facilities and associated improvements within an established campus, with no expansion of use. The project would replace 16 existing modular classrooms with a new permanent classroom building containing 10 classrooms, resulting in a net reduction in the number of classrooms. All proposed improvements would occur within the boundaries of the fully developed and operational Terra Cotta MS campus, and the proposed project would not expand the existing campus or change its use. As such, the proposed project fits within the requirements of the Class 1 exemption.
Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction)
Section 15302 provides a list of example projects that would qualify for a Class 2 exemption; the list of examples is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all qualifying projects. Examples provided include: the replacement or reconstruction of existing schools and hospitals to provide earthquake-resistant structures that do not increase capacity more than 50 percent; replacement of commercial structures with new structures of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity; replacement or reconstruction of existing utilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity; and others.
The proposed project consists of the demolition and replacement of existing school facilities and associated improvements within an established campus, with a net decrease in the number of classrooms and no increase in student capacity. The proposed project would serve the existing school population with the same purpose and capacity as the structures to be replaced. All proposed improvements would occur within the boundaries of the fully developed and operational Terra Cotta MS campus. Thus, the proposed project meets the requirements of the Class 2 exemption.
Class 14 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures)
The proposed project would replace existing facilities and result in a net reduction in the number of classrooms. The proposed project would not increase student capacity. All improvements would take place entirely within the developed Terra Cotta MS campus. The proposed project would not alter or expand the existing school use or increase student capacity. No off-campus improvements would occur. As such, the proposed project meets the requirements of the Class 14 exemption.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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