Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of USS Midway at Tuna Harbor Park
Summary
SCH Number
2026060568
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event by Drone Studios on behalf of USS Midway at Tuna Harbor Park
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/12/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 10-minute drone show on August 4, 2026, by Drone Studios on behalf of IUEC at the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, CA. The drones would be deployed from and recovered at Tuna Harbor Park and displayed west of the launch site directly over the water. The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up in the afternoon and clean-up in the evening. A temporary safety perimeter would be established on the northern corner edge of Tuna Harbor Park using cones and caution tape and enforced by staff. Pedestrian access within the safety perimeter would be temporarily restricted for approximately 25 minutes during and following the drone show. A nearby walkway bordering the south side of the park area would be available at all times. No other closures of the walkway or road are anticipated to occur. The drone operator would be required to minimize disruptions to pedestrian access to the fullest extent feasible. The proposed event would be publicly viewable at no cost from various areas throughout the Tuna Harbor area. Once the drone show concludes and the drones are secured, the temporary safety perimeter would be removed.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 200 drones. Additionally, event staff would ensure a safety zone within the flight area, including the area of water over which the show would be performed. A dedicated safety boat would be on site to maintain a safety perimeter on the water during the show. In the unlikely event a drone descends into the water, the safety boat would collect the drone immediately.
The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Jeff Stein
Agency Name
Drone Studios
Job Title
Drone Operator
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Section 3.a. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it is for a temporary event that would have a negligible, or no permanent, effect on the environment, nor would it involve the removal of mature, scenic trees.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.