O and M Roadway Right-of-Way Mowing and Maintenance
Summary
SCH Number
2026080012
Public Agency
Bear Valley Community Services District
(BVCSD)
Document Title
O and M Roadway Right-of-Way Mowing and Maintenance
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/3/2026
Document Description
The project consists of routine roadway and right-of-way maintenance activities conducted by the Bear Valley Community Services District within Bear Valley Springs, Kern County. Activities include vegetation management, mowing, trimming, and removal of hazardous or dead vegetation along roadways and access routes to maintain defensible space and reduce wildfire risk.
Work will occur within existing disturbed rights-of-way and will not involve expansion of roadways or new ground disturbance beyond minor surface impacts associated with maintenance activities. Treatment areas generally extend approximately 10 to 45 feet from the edge of pavement, depending on right-of-way width and site conditions.
The project may include removal of dead, dying, or hazardous trees that pose a safety risk to the public or infrastructure. No more than approximately 200 acres will be treated annually. The project is intended to improve public safety and reduce wildfire risk within the community.
Contact Information
Name
Dave Commons
Agency Name
Bear Valley Community Services District
Job Title
Director of Public Works
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Ethan Kennedy
Agency Name
Kern County Fire Department
Job Title
Fire Plan Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Tehachapi
Counties
Kern
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Cross Streets
Lower Valley Rd
Zip
93561
Other Location Info
This will be a road mowing project that encompasses all roads in the Bear Valley Springs community that are able to utilize a roadside mower.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1,4 Section 15301(a) 15304(i)
Reasons for Exemption
Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities):
The project involves the operation, repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including roadways and associated rights-of-way, with no expansion of existing use.
Section 15304 (Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land):
The project includes minor alterations to land, including vegetation management and fuel reduction activities that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for safety purposes. These activities are consistent with routine maintenance and wildfire risk reduction efforts and will not result in significant environmental impacts.
Exceptions to Exemptions:
The project does not trigger any of the exceptions to categorical exemptions identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2.
Specifically:
• The project will not result in significant cumulative impacts.
• There are no unusual circumstances that would result in a significant environmental effect.
• The project will not damage scenic resources within a designated state scenic highway.
• The project is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.
• The project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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