Garey High School Gymnasium Improvements - New HVAC System and Bleachers and Flooring Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026070388
Public Agency
Pomona Unified School District
Document Title
Garey High School Gymnasium Improvements - New HVAC System and Bleachers and Flooring Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/10/2026
Document Description
The Pomona Unified School District proposes to undertake gymnasium improvement projects at Garey High School. The project encompasses three distinct scopes of work: (1) the installation of a new, energy-efficient Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including associated ductwork, controls, and ancillary mechanical components; the gymnasium has not previously been served by a mechanical HVAC system; (2) the replacement of existing bleachers with new bleachers of substantially the same purpose and seating capacity within the same facility; and (3) the replacement of existing gymnasium flooring. No new building footprint, change of use, or expansion of use is proposed. All work will be conducted within or upon the existing developed school site.
Contact Information
Name
Isela Vazquez
Agency Name
Pomona Unified School District
Job Title
Chief Facilities Officer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Email
Location
Cities
Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Pomona, San Dimas, Walnut
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Southern California
Cross Streets
Garey and Lexington
Zip
91766
State Highways
60 highway
Schools
Lexington Elementary; Fremont Academy of Engineering and Design
Other Location Info
321 West Lexington Avenue, Pomona, California 91766
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 Section 15301 Existing Facilities; Class 2 Section 15302 Replacement or Reconstruction
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for Categorical Exemptions under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Class 2 – Replacement or Reconstruction), as set forth below.
Class 1 – Existing Facilities (CEQA Guidelines §15301). Section 15301 exempts 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 existing or former use. Two components of this project qualify under Class 1: (a) the installation of a new, energy-efficient HVAC system including associated ductwork, controls, and ancillary mechanical components within and adjacent to the existing Garey High School gymnasium, which has not previously been served by a mechanical HVAC system; and (b) the replacement of existing gymnasium flooring, constituting a minor alteration to an existing facility. The Garey High School gymnasium is a fully operational public educational facility in active use for physical education, athletics, and school events. Neither scope of work alters the type, intensity, or scope of that use. No expansion of building footprint, floor area, gym occupant capacity, or use is proposed. All work will occur within or upon the existing developed school site.
Class 2 – Replacement or Reconstruction (CEQA Guidelines §15302). Section 15302 exempts the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. One component of this project qualifies under Class 2: the replacement of the existing gymnasium bleachers with new bleachers of substantially the same seating purpose and capacity, installed within the same facility. The bleacher replacement does not expand occupant capacity, change the use of the gymnasium, or alter the building footprint. The project therefore qualifies for a Class 2 exemption with respect to the bleacher scope of work.
Exceptions to Categorical Exemption (CEQA Guidelines §15300.2). None of the exceptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project. The project site is an existing developed school campus and is not located in or near a sensitive environment, scenic highway corridor, or hazardous waste site. The project does not involve the removal of a Landmark, and will not result in cumulative impacts when considered in connection with other projects. No unusual circumstances exist that would give rise to a reasonable possibility of a significant environmental effect. Accordingly, the project is properly exempt from CEQA review.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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