Electrical and HVAC Equipment Replacement by San Diego Convention Center Corporation at the San Diego Convention Center
Summary
SCH Number
2026070386
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Electrical and HVAC Equipment Replacement by San Diego Convention Center Corporation at the San Diego Convention Center
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/10/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve replacement of an existing switchgear, backup generator, and chiller/boiler equipment inside the Convention Center's central
plant by the San Diego Convention Center Corporation ("Applicant) in the city of San Diego, California. The project would replace aging infrastructure with new equipment to provide appropriate heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical power service to the Convention Center. Work to specifically complete the proposed project would involve the following:
• Generator and Switchgear Replacement - Replacement of existing switchgear and backup generator. New equipment would be delivered via the Convention Center's loading docks, and all work would be internal within the Convention Center. The size and capacity of the new switchgear and generator would be the same as existing. Construction would begin in October 2027 and complete in January 2028
• Central Plant Renovation - Phased removal and replacement of all existing boilers, chillers, pumps and associated equipment in the Central Plant.
A crane would be placed on a portion of the Marriott Marquis's parking lot near the entrance of the Convention Center's parking garage accessed through Harbor Drive for removal and replacement of equipment. For the safety of the public during removal, delivery, and replacement of equipment, temporary closures of the second-floor mezzanine pathway and the "Canyon Path" would be necessary. Applicant
shall provide a Public Access Program for District's review and approval 45 days before the commencement of any closures. The Public Access Plan shall detail public access to promenade, including relevant signage and detours through the ·Grant Stairway" as well as through the "Marina Walk". The projected dates for the Canyon Path and mezzanine path closures are:
o August - September 2027
o February - March 2028
o August - September 2028
o February - March 2029
Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to occur between August 2027 and March 2029 and would take approximately 1.5 years to complete with ongoing installations, modifications, maintenance, and removal as needed. If any removal and delivery date is completed early, all access shall be opened immediately.
Contact Information
Name
Luis Duran
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Anselmo Martinez
Agency Name
San Diego Convention Center Corporation
Job Title
Director of Engineering and Capital Projects
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15302 (Class 2)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), as well as Section 3.a. and 3.b (2) of the District's Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA. These are appropriate for the proposed project because the replacement of existing mechanical equipment would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, would consist of the replacement/reconstruction of an existing facility, would be located on the same site as the structure replaced, and would have substantially the
same purpose and capacity. Section 3.a. and 3.b(2) of the District's CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
AND/OR
3.b. Replacement or Reconstruction (SG § 15302) (Class 2}: Includes replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced.
(2) Replacement or reconstruction of marine terminal facilities, arid marine oriented commercial, industrial, and public and commercial recreational facilities, including buildings, piers, piles, wharves, marine ways; railroads; airport facilities, runways, taxiways, aprons, and ancillary structures to those facilities; electrical and mechanical systems and equipment; where the new structure will be on essentially the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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