Goat Grazing and Vegetation Management Pilot Program
Summary
SCH Number
2026060888
Public Agency
City of South Pasadena
Document Title
Goat Grazing and Vegetation Management Pilot Program
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/18/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of targeted fuel management activities on a total of 35 acres within 100 feet of existing legal residential structures located in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones on City-owned or
City-controlled property. Project activities aim to prevent and mitigate a wildfire emergency through a combination of targeted goat grazing and, where appropriate, limited hand or mechanical vegetation management
methods on flammable invasive species, such as dry grasses and brush, which serve as primary fuel for wildfires. By clearing these fuels and creating more open, less dense vegetation, the activities establish
natural firebreaks that slow the spread of flames and reduce the intensity of potential fires. This is particularly beneficial in wildland-urban interface areas, as it helps to create defensible space around homes and
structures, providing a critical buffer that protects properties and increases the likelihood of successful firefighting efforts during a wildfire event. The site will be monitored and managed by professional staff and the
City retains authority to modify or halt activities if site conditions warrant. The grazing activities are planned as a short-term pilot program lasting approximately one month.
Contact Information
Name
Greg Lloyd
Agency Name
City of South Pasadena
Job Title
Fire Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
South Pasadena
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Citywide, Countywide
Total Acres
35
Other Location Info
Monterey Hills
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 (Sec. 15301); Class 4 (Sec. 15304)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to statutory exemption 21080.49(c) and (d). Under this exemption, the legislature has specifically determined that CEQA does not apply to projects that establish defensible space for wildfire risk
reduction within 200 feet of a legal structure located in a high or very high wildfire zone or for a fuel break extending up to 200 feet from structures, including the clearance of flammable vegetation and trees less than 12 inches in diameter as
measured at chest height. The proposed project would remove hazardous accumulated ground and ladder fuels within up to 200 feet of homes to create a defensible space and a fuel break located within 200 feet of residences. The project is
also statutorily exempt from CEQA as the Legislature has specifically determined that CEQA does not apply to any actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency. Vegetation management is a critical tool to help firefighting agencies
prevent and mitigate wildfire emergencies. The project is categorically exempt as a Class 1 exemption as it is comprised of maintenance of topographical features, including but not limited to the maintenance of existing native growth in order to
prevent or mitigate wildfires. The project is also categorically exempt as a Class 4 exemption as it involves fuel management activities to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation, which are minor alterations in the condition of vegetation that
does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. These activities will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters as no sensitive
species have been documented within the project boundaries, exclusion areas will be fenced for areas susceptible to erosion, and the Fire Department has determined that 100 feet of fuel clearance is required due to extra hazardous fire
conditions.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080.49(c) and (d)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to statutory exemption 21080.49(c) and (d). Under this exemption, the legislature has specifically determined that CEQA does not apply to projects that establish defensible space for wildfire risk
reduction within 200 feet of a legal structure located in a high or very high wildfire zone or for a fuel break extending up to 200 feet from structures, including the clearance of flammable vegetation and trees less than 12 inches in diameter as
measured at chest height. The proposed project would remove hazardous accumulated ground and ladder fuels within up to 200 feet of homes to create a defensible space and a fuel break located within 200 feet of residences. The project is
also statutorily exempt from CEQA as the Legislature has specifically determined that CEQA does not apply to any actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency. Vegetation management is a critical tool to help firefighting agencies
prevent and mitigate wildfire emergencies. The project is categorically exempt as a Class 1 exemption as it is comprised of maintenance of topographical features, including but not limited to the maintenance of existing native growth in order to
prevent or mitigate wildfires. The project is also categorically exempt as a Class 4 exemption as it involves fuel management activities to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation, which are minor alterations in the condition of vegetation that
does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. These activities will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters as no sensitive
species have been documented within the project boundaries, exclusion areas will be fenced for areas susceptible to erosion, and the Fire Department has determined that 100 feet of fuel clearance is required due to extra hazardous fire
conditions.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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