Santa Barbara Community College District Solar Power Array & Battery Energy Storage System Microgrid
Summary
SCH Number
2026080966
Public Agency
Santa Barbara Community College District
Document Title
Santa Barbara Community College District Solar Power Array & Battery Energy Storage System Microgrid
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/26/2026
Document Description
Notice of Exemption for the installation of solar photovoltaic carports, battery energy storage systems, transformers, inverters, and related electrical infrastructure within existing parking facilities on the East and West Campuses. The Board of Trustees of Santa Barbara City College has determined that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the applicable categorical exemptions identified in the Notice of Exemption.
The project includes the installation of 1.6 megawatts of carport-mounted solar arrays and associated battery energy storage systems across parking facilities on the East and West Campuses of Cliff Campus. The system will deliver 8-24+ hours of energy resilience, reduce carbon footprint, and lower long-term energy costs through renewable energy generation.
Contact Information
Name
Aden Ferillo
Agency Name
RRM
Job Title
Associate Planner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Rachel Hollander
Agency Name
RRM Design Group
Job Title
Sr. Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Name
Michelle Castillo
Agency Name
Scale Microgrids
Job Title
project manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Barbara
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Zip
93109
Total Acres
74
State Highways
US 101
Other Location Info
Santa Barbara Community College District Cliff Campus Parking Lots 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1 Existing Facilities, Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves the installation of carport-mounted solar arrays, battery energy storage systems, and related electrical equipment within existing, developed parking facilities on the East and West Campuses. All improvements constitute minor alterations to existing institutional facilities and paved areas, with no expansion of use, no land disturbance outside previously disturbed areas, and no modification of natural landforms. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.