Drone Show Event on August 11, 2026, on behalf of The Rady Shell at Embarcadero Marina Park South
Summary
SCH Number
2026070609
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event on August 11, 2026, on behalf of The Rady Shell at Embarcadero Marina Park South
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/16/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 15-minute drone show on August 11, 2026, on behalf of The Rady Shell and located at Embarcadero Marina Park South in San Diego, California. The drones would be deployed from and landed at Embarcadero Marina Park South (EMPS) and displayed over the water southeast of the launch site to face the audience at The Rady Shell (Attachment A). The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up in the afternoon and clean-up in the evening.
A temporary safety perimeter would be established in the center section of the park area of EMPS using high-visibility delineators, signage and enforced by staff. The safety perimeter for the proposed drone show is positioned as close to the water as possible to provide the safest and most direct flight path from the staging area to the over-water show area, and to minimize temporary impacts to public access to the fullest extent feasible. Public access within the safety perimeter would be temporarily restricted before the drone show to allow for drone setup and during the drone show for a total of approximately 30 minutes. Adjacent park areas and portions of the perimeter promenade on both sides of the staging area would remain open and accessible to the public at all times. Following the approximately 30-minute restriction period once the drone show concludes and the drones are secured, the temporary safety perimeter would be removed, and the walkway and park space would be reopened to the public. No other closures of the walkways are anticipated to occur. The proposed event would be publicly viewable at no cost from various areas throughout the Embarcadero. The proposed drone shows would not impact commercial fishing activities or public access due to their limited nature.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 300 drones. Event staff would ensure a safety zone within the flight area, including the area of water over which the show would be performed. The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Graham Hill
Agency Name
HireUAVPro.com, LLC
Job Title
CEO
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) because it is for a temporary event that would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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