Highlands Elementary School Improvements Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026070270
Public Agency
Saugus Union School District
Document Title
Highlands Elementary School Improvements Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/8/2026
Document Description
The proposed project includes improvements to the existing field on the northeastern portion of the campus. The existing grass field would be replaced with turf grass, and a new 10-foot-wide, concrete walking track would be constructed around the field and connect to the existing play courts at the southern edge of the field. Portions of the western edge of the field, adjacent to the playground and lunch shelter, would be converted to a native planting area. In addition, a new irrigation system would be installed on the field.
The proposed project would include the installation of a new fabric shade structure above the existing playground in the northern portion of the campus. Asphalt surfacing around the playground would be removed and replaced; the existing tetherball posts and footings would also be replaced. Asphalt west of the playground would also be replaced, new swing play equipment would be added, and play markings on the asphalt would be updated. Asphalt at the play courts in the center of the campus would be removed and replaced, and existing ramps to classroom buildings would be improved. New striping and a replacement ball wall would be added to the play courts. Existing storage units would be temporarily relocated during construction activities and returned to their original location upon completion. The asphalt at the northwestern and southwestern parking lots would also be replaced.
In the southern portion of the campus, concrete paving would be removed and replaced, with the addition of new play markings, a new chain-link cage area for play equipment, and improvements to the existing ramps to classroom buildings. Existing sod in this area would also be replaced. Additionally, concrete would be removed and replaced and drainage improvements made in two areas to the south and east of the administration and classroom building (Building B).
Construction of the proposed project would be completed in two phases. The construction of the new walking track, replacement of the existing field, and installation of the new irrigation system would be completed between June and July 2026. The replacement of asphalt on the play courts and parking lots and addition of the new shade structure would be completed between June and July 2027.
Contact Information
Name
Kathie Pisano
Agency Name
Saugus Union School District
Job Title
Director of Facilities
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Santa Clarita
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Catala Avenue and Empino Lane
Zip
91350
Total Acres
15.48
Parcel #
2808-021-901
State Highways
N/A
Railways
Union Pacific
Airports
N/A
Schools
Lucy’s Preschool and Child Care, Saugus HS, James Foster ES
Waterways
N/A
Township
4N
Range
16W
Base
San Bern
Other Location Info
27332 Catala Avenue
Other Information
Other schools: Santa Clarita ES, Arroyo Seco Junior High, Moriah Medical Collage, Bridgeport ES, Small World Preschool, Emblem Academy, Charles Helmers ES, Learn and Discover Preschool, Rosedell ES, Tiny Thinkers Preschool - Santa Clarita
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities, 14 CCR § 15301; Class 11, Accessory Structures, 14 CCR § 15311; Class 14, § 15314
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt under Class 1, Existing Facilities (Section 15301). The proposed project consists of minor alterations, maintenance, and repairs to an operational public facility, with no expansion of its existing use. Specific improvements—including field upgrades, asphalt and concrete replacement, a new shade structure, updated play equipment, drainage features, and hardscape striping—will occur within the existing campus and will not alter the campus boundaries. These proposed upgrades to the campus will serve the existing student population and staff without increasing enrollment or intensifying campus use. Therefore, the proposed project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15301.
The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 11, Accessory Structures (Section 15311), because it includes resurfacing of the northwestern and southwestern parking lots on the campus. The existing northwestern parking lot has a total of 30 parking stalls, and the existing southwestern parking lot has a total of 32 parking stalls. The proposed project will not change the number of parking stalls at either parking lot. The improvements would be within previously developed areas of the campus and would not expand the footprint or intensity of use. Therefore, the proposed project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15311.
The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 14, Minor Additions to Schools (Section 15314), because the proposed project would include minor additions and improvements to the existing school campus and would not result in the construction of any new classrooms. As such, the proposed project would not increase student capacity on the campus by 25 percent or 10 new classrooms. The proposed project includes construction of a walking track, replacement of the existing field with turf and installation of irrigation, installation of a shade structure, replacement of asphalt and concrete surfaces, and upgrades to playground and recreational facilities, which would take place entirely within the developed Highlands ES campus. The proposed project would not alter or expand the existing school use of the campus, would not increase student capacity or the number of classrooms, and would only result in minor improvements to the existing campus. No off-campus improvements would occur. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15314. The proposed project was also reviewed for possible exceptions under Section 15300.2, and it was found that the exceptions do not apply.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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