Tree Removal and Replacement by San Diego Unified Port District on Harbor Island
Summary
SCH Number
2026080721
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Tree Removal and Replacement by San Diego Unified Port District on Harbor Island
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/20/2026
Document Description
The proposed project would involve the removal and replacement of a tree by San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the city of San Diego, California. The removed tree would be replaced at a minimum ratio of 1:1, with a drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive tree. The tree locations and activities are as follows:
Approximately one (1) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) tree in the planter area along the pathway along North Harbor Drive adjacent to the current Hertz Corporation leasehold in East Harbor Island (Exhibit A) has died and requires removal. The tree would be removed and replaced in approximately late-2026 with a minimum of one (1) drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive tree to be planted in Harbor Island. This would take approximately two (2) days of work for removal and one (1) day for replacement planting.
The District and/or the District’s landscape service providers would remove and replace the tree using a truck, chainsaw, chipper, stump grinder, hand tools and associated equipment. Tree replacement and planting would include ongoing maintenance as needed, including replacement of the tree within the first five (5) years of planting if it fails. Work hours for the proposed project would be from approximately 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. Since the tree removal location is adjacent to a pathway, a work crew would safely redirect pedestrians around the tree removal site during work.
A breeding and nesting bird survey would be conducted prior to tree removal activities. If an active nest is located, all work within 500 feet of raptor nests and 300 feet of other nests, or a distance determined to be appropriate by a qualified biologist, would be postponed until such nest is vacated and the juveniles have fledged and when there is no attempt of a second nesting.
Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the District would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.
Contact Information
Name
Kurt Brickley
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Forestry Services and Open Spaces Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Justin Huitema
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
Zip
92101
Other Location Info
3202 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Class 1) and 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) and Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA because it would consist of the removal and replacement of a tree and the associated tree maintenance that would involve negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not result in a significant cumulative impact due to the continuation of the existing use, would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees and would result in no permanent effects on the environment.
The proposed tree is not considered a mature, scenic tree for the following reasons. While the District does not have a tree ordinance or policy, the City of San Diego Council Policy 900-19 for Public Tree Protection1 provides for the protection of designated trees under the following categories: Landmark, Heritage, Parkway Resource and Preservation Grove. The tree proposed for removal would not qualify as a Landmark, Heritage or Preservation Grove tree. While the proposed tree would potentially qualify as a Parkway Resource tree, the removal of the dead, not fully mature tree would not significantly affect the look of the whole row of trees because a consistent spread of canopy would remain throughout this area due to existing mature trees. Sections 3.a. and 3.d. of the District’s CEQA Guidelines are as follows:
3.a. Existing Facilities (SG § 15301) (Class 1): Includes operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
AND/OR
3.d. Minor Alterations to Land (SG § 15304) (Class 4): Includes minor alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation not involving removal of mature, scenic trees.
The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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