SBA Taxiways E, A3, and A5 Pavement Reconstruction Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026080872
Public Agency
City of Santa Barbara
Document Title
SBA Taxiways E, A3, and A5 Pavement Reconstruction Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/24/2026
Document Description
This Project consists of four different parts; Taxiway E “Echo”, Taxiway A3 “Alpha Three”, Taxiway A5 “Alpha Five”, and infield stormwater infiltration trenches. The three taxiways at the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (Airport) require varying levels of large-scale pavement repairs to restore the asphalt concrete pavement to like new condition.
Taxiway E will undergo a full-depth reconstruction for approximately 1,700 feet in length. During the reconstruction process, the Airport will reshape the geometry of Taxiway E, therefore expanding the amount of impervious pavement to enhance the safety and circulation of large commercial aircraft in the area south of the Airport terminal.
Taxiway A3 will require a mill (grind) and fill (repave) rehabilitation, less intrusive than reconstruction, for a portion of the total taxiway, approximately 200 feet in length.
Taxiway A5 has the most minimal pavement rehabilitation planned that only requires a protective seal coat applied to the taxiway surface for the whole length of the taxiway, approximately 300 feet.
In response to the expansion of impervious pavement, the Airport will also add new infield stormwater infiltration trenches, primarily constructed of gravel, to encourage slow stormwater infiltration into the surrounding soils. Changes to the geometry of Taxiway E will also require relocation of taxiway edge lights along with its buried electrical conduit and modifications to the buried storm drain piping and infrastructure.
Contact Information
Name
Jessica Metzger
Agency Name
City of Santa Barbara
Job Title
Airport Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Santa Barbara
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Fairview Avenue and Moffett Place
Zip
93117
Total Acres
826
Jobs
20
Parcel #
073-450-003
State Highways
CA
Railways
Union Pacific Railroad
Airports
Santa Barbara Airport
Schools
UCSB, Isla Vista El, Rainbow Prek
Waterways
Goleta Slough, Tecolotito Creek, Carneros Creek, San Pedro Creek, Pacific Ocean, San Jose Creek
Township
4N
Range
28W
Section
17
Base
SBBM
Other Location Info
This project is in the SBA Airfield, which is one large parcel, but the project only covers approximately
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301(c), Class 1 (Existing Facilities)
Reasons for Exemption
This Project meets the CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c), Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption, because it consists of repair and maintenance of existing pavement facilities at the Airport and does not result in an expansion of those facilities. The repair and maintenance activities will not increase the facility’s capacity and are necessary to maintain current levels of air traffic. These repairs are required to ensure that existing air traffic can continue to use the Airport safely.
This Project meets the above categorical exemption, because there will be only repaired and maintained with no expansion of use. No new development will take place under the proposed scope of work. No significant environmental impacts will be associated with the work.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15302(c), Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction)
Reasons for Exemption
The Project also meets CEQA Guidelines Section 15302(c), Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction) categorical exemption, because the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the taxiways are required to meet current Federal Aviation Administration safety standards and will result in facilities with the same purpose and capacity, with no expansion of use.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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