CDP 2025-0016/ HMP 2025-0003 (DEV2025-0004) – 4407 PARK DR

2026080182

City of Carlsbad

NOE - Notice of Exemption

8/6/2026

8/6/2026

KYLE VAN LEEUWEN

CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING DIVISION

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Lead/Public Agency

1635 FARADAY AVENUE
CARLSBAD, CA 92008

(442) 339-2611

kyle.vanleeuwen@carlsbadca.gov

DEBORAH SHEWAGA

IDEAL DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC

APPLICANT

Project Applicant

2600 ARGONAUTA ST
CARLSBAD, CA 92009

(760) 560-6773

DEBORAH@SANDIEGOARCHITECTS.COM

4407 PARK DRIVE

Categorical Exemption

New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures – Section 15303

CEQA Section 15303 allows for the construction of a single-family residence in a residential zone. The project development consists of a single-family residence and accessory (appurtenant) structures. Exceptions to Exemptions CEQA Section 15300.2 – Exceptions Planning staff evaluated all the potential exceptions to the use of Categorical Exemptions for the proposed project (in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2) and determined that none of these exceptions apply as explained below: a. Location. Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be located - a project that is ordinarily insignificant in its impact on the environment may in a particularly sensitive environment be significant. Therefore, these classes are considered to apply in all instances, except where the project may impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies. This project is eligible for Class 3 exemption. Response – The project site is not located within an Existing or Proposed Hardline Conservation Area or Standards Area of the Habitat Management Plan, and the easter portion of the site has been previously graded. The project proposes to develop the eastern portion, approximately 50%, of the site, leaving the western portion of the site undisturbed. The western half of the site does have moderate potential for Coastal California gnatcatchers, but no gnatcatchers or other special-status species were observed during the biological resource assessment performed by LSA Consulting (Exhibit 1, Biological Resources Technical Report). Additionally, the western half of the project site is held in an open space easement and a 20-foot buffer from natural habitat is provided. Therefore, the project will not have an impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern. b. Cumulative Impact - “All exemptions for these classes are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time is significant.” Response – There is no evidence to conclude that significant impacts will occur based on past project approvals or that the proposed Project's impacts are cumulatively considerable when evaluating any cumulative impacts associated with construction air quality, noise, transportation, or water quality in the area surrounding the proposed Project. The Project, and all future projects, will be required to comply with all applicable local, regional, and state laws, regulations, and guidelines, and as described above, any potential impact caused by the Project’s construction and operation would continue to be less than significant and would not contribute significantly to regional cumulative impact in the broader project region. Therefore, this exception does not apply. c. Significant Effect - “A categorical exemption shall not be used for any activity where there is a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances. Examples include projects, which may affect scenic or historical resources.” Response – There are no unusual circumstances that would have a significant impact on the environment due to the project. The Project does not involve any unusual circumstances. In regard to biological resources, the western half of the site does have moderate potential for Coastal California gnatcatchers, but no gnatcatchers or other special-status species were observed during the biological resource assessment performed by LSA Consulting (Exhibit 1, Biological Resources Technical Report). Additionally, the western half of the project site is held in an open space easement, 20-foot buffer from natural habitat is provided, and the project site not located within an existing or proposed Hardline Conservation Areas or Standards Areas of the Habitat Management Plan. The site contains no existing structures and the portion of the project site proposed for development has been previously graded. Therefore, the project will have no significant effects to historic or archeological resources on the property. d. Scenic Highway - “A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway. This does not apply to improvements which are required as mitigation by an adopted negative declaration or certified EIR.” Response – The area of proposed development is not located within the view shed of a state scenic highway or any state highway that is designated as eligible for listing as a scenic highway. The project site is surrounded entirely by existing residential development. Therefore, implementation of the Project will result in similar visual conditions compared with a no-project scenario. e. Hazardous Waste Site - “A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.” Response – The project site is not listed on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Hazardous Waste and Substance Site (CORTESE) List and has not been previously developed or used for any other purpose. f. Historical Resources - “A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.” Response – The site contains no existing structures and the portion of the project site proposed for development has been previously graded. Therefore, the project will have no significant effects to historic or archeological resources on the property. Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 19.04.070(B) - Exceptions Exceptions. Even though a project may otherwise be eligible for an exemption, no exemption shall apply in the following circumstances: 1. Grading and clearing activities affecting sensitive plant or animal habitats, which disturb, fragment or remove such areas as defined by either the California Endangered Species Act (Fish and Game Code Sections 2050 et seq.), or the Federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. Section 15131 et seq.); sensitive, rare, candidate species of special concern; endangered or threatened biological species or their habitat (specifically including sage scrub habitat for the California Gnatcatcher); or archaeological or cultural resources from either historic or prehistoric periods; Or 2. Parcel maps, plot plans and all discretionary development projects otherwise exempt but which affect sensitive, threatened, or endangered biological species or their habitat (as defined above), archaeological or cultural resources from either historic or prehistoric periods, wetlands, stream courses designated on U.S. Geological Survey maps, hazardous materials, unstable soils, or other factors requiring special review, on all or a portion of the site. (Ord. NS-593, 2001) Response – In regard to biological resources, the western half of the site does have moderate potential for Coastal California gnatcatchers, but no gnatcatchers or other special-status species were observed during the biological resource assessment performed by LSA Consulting (Exhibit 1, Biological Resources Technical Report). Additionally, the western half of the project site is held in an open space easement, a 20-foot buffer from natural habitat is provided, and the project site not located within an existing or proposed Hardline Conservation Areas or Standards Areas of the Habitat Management Plan. The site contains no existing structures and the portion of the project site proposed for development has been previously graded. Therefore, the project will have no significant effects on historic or archeological resources on the property. Nonetheless, the Project will be required to comply with standard City regulatory procedures outlined in the Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines (City of Carlsbad 2017) including conditions requiring archaeological monitoring of ground-disturbing activities during Project construction. Therefore, earth-moving activities associated with the Project would not affect archaeological or cultural resources from either historic or prehistoric periods. Hazardous materials, unstable soils or other factors requiring special review do not apply or are not found within this project location.