Burbank Grid Forward 4kV to 12kV Distribution System Upgrade
Summary
SCH Number
2026070696
Public Agency
City of Burbank
Document Title
Burbank Grid Forward 4kV to 12kV Distribution System Upgrade
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/17/2026
Document Description
Burbank Water and Power’s (BWP) Burbank Grid Forward project will upgrade its existing 4kV electrical distribution system to a modern 12kV system across two separate corridors in Burbank, California, all of which are identified as California Climate Investments priority areas. Within each of these corridors, construction will occur sequentially, progressing across defined areas within the two designated corridors, starting with the decommissioning and safe removal of 4kV lines and associated equipment. New 12kV feeder circuits will be installed overhead (and underground in some areas) (30 circuit miles) along with supporting components such as poles (2,121 total), transformers (913 total), switchgear, protective relays, vaults, and conduit systems. Once installed, the new infrastructure will undergo a rigorous commissioning process. The project, which will enhance grid reliability and resiliency, will also result in the retirement of two 4kV substations (Victory and Winona), ultimately reducing operations and maintenance costs.
Contact Information
Name
Michael Wang
Agency Name
City of Burbank, Burbank Water and Power
Job Title
Principal Electrical Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Burbank
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The proposed circuits (power poles and equipment, distribution lines, and substations) to be converted are located in dense urban/suburban areas, mostly residential, near rear property lines, or within existing sidewalks and alleys. Attachment 1 shows a map of the circuits to be converted. The comprehensive and phased upgrade will encompass approximately 3.7 square miles within Burbank city limits (over 20% of the city’s total footprint), and is located as follows: Corridor #1 Golden State Neighborhood (located to the west with the boundaries of Pacific Ave, Clybourn Ave, Burbank Blvd, and Hollywood Way) and Corridor #2 Hillside Neighborhood (located to the north with the boundaries of the Verdugo Mountains, Hollywood Way, Empire St., and Cambridge).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption (Sec. 15301 - Existing Facilities)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 consists of 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. The types of “existing facilities” itemized below are not intended to be all-inclusive of the types of projects which might fall within Class 1. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use. The relevant example of covered activities, include but are not limited to:
(b) Existing facilities of both investor and publicly-owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services. All pole lines in included in this project are existing and fall within this exemption since they will only need minor alterations to comply with new 12kV standards.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption (Sec. 15302. Replacement or Reconstruction)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 consists of 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, including but not limited to the relevant example of covered activities, included but not limited to: (b) Replacement of a commercial structure with a new structure of substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity. (c) Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. New structures will replace worn down and aging infrastructure where necessary and will fall within this exemption.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption (Sec. 15303 – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. The numbers of structures described in this section are the maximum allowable on any legal parcel. The relevant example of covered activities, included but are not limited to: (d) Water main, sewage, electrical, gas, and other utility extensions, including street improvements, of reasonable length to serve such construction. Some areas will require In some cases new structures may be installed or existing structures will be slightly modified to accommodate the upgraded 12kV equipment and will fall within this exemption.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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