Operations Yard and Employee Parking Lot PV Solar and Battery Project (JN 225005)
Summary
SCH Number
2026060752
Public Agency
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Document Title
Operations Yard and Employee Parking Lot PV Solar and Battery Project (JN 225005)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/16/2026
Document Description
Design and installation of a photovoltaic solar panel array and battery system and Level 2 Charging Stations. The solar panels will be mounted to the roof of existing canopies and/or on new carport structures constructed in the existing employee parking lot. All work will occur within existing District property at active operations facilities and previously developed/disturbed areas. Construction and operation will comply with all applicable codes, regulations, and standards. The project will improve energy efficiency, stabilize long-term energy costs, and reduce environmental impacts associated with energy use.
Contact Information
Name
Tom Bloomer
Agency Name
Padre Dam Municipal Water District
Job Title
Engineer/CIP Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Santee
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Carlton Oaks Drive and Fanita Parkway
Zip
92071
State Highways
Highway 52
Schools
Carlton Oaks Elementary School; Carlton Hills Elementary School
Waterways
Santee Lakes
Other Location Info
On Padre Dam Municipal Water District property.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities Section 15301, Class 3 New Construction or Conversion Section 15303, Class 11 Section 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. The Project will consist of the installation of rooftop PV panels, PV carports, EV charging stations and other minor alterations of existing structures and mechanical equipment, including ADA upgrades where required. All proposed Project components would involve minor alterations to existing property and will occur within the area occupied by existing facilities. The Project components will not present a new or expanded use of the property. Therefore, the Project constitutes minor alterations to an existing site that result in no expansion of use and meets 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 installation of new PV canopies and carports, rooftop PV systems, EV charging stations and ADA upgrades constitutes the construction of new small structures. The solar arrays 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 Project meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
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 Project will include installation of rooftop PV systems, PV canopy structures, carports and EV charging stations on existing structures and parking lots. The solar infrastructure will support energy conservation goals of the District. The Project will serve as supplementary facilities to enhance the functionality of the existing buildings and parking lots. Therefore, the Project fulfills the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15311.
The Project has been examined in the context of these foregoing exemptions and has been found consistent with the criteria. The Project is not barred by any exceptions of Section 15300.2 because the Lead Agency/Applicant has determined that the Project: (1) is not located in a sensitive environment; (2) has no cumulative impact; (3) will not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; (4) will not result in damage to scenic resources; (5) is not located on a hazardous waste site; and (6) will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
The Project has been examined in the context of these foregoing exemptions and has been found consistent with the criteria. The Project is not barred by any exceptions of Section 15300.2 because the Lead Agency/Applicant has determined that the Project: (1) is not located in a sensitive environment; (2) has no cumulative impact; (3) will not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; (4) will not result in damage to scenic resources; (5) is not located on a hazardous waste site; and (6) will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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