Exhibit J
Environmental Assessment – Categorical Exemption
CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT APPLICATION NO. P21-06304
THE PROJECT DESCRIBED HEREIN IS DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
FROM THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 19 OF THE STATE CEQA GUIDELINES.
APPLICANT: Tricia Knight
TEK Consulting Inc. on behalf of Verizon Wireless
123 Seacliff Drive Pismo Beach, California 93449
PROJECT LOCATION: 640 R STREET (C/T) (APN: 468- 114-17); Located on the east corner of Mono Street and R Street abutting State Route 41.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Proposed construction of a new 8 0-foot mono- pine cell tower with (9) panel antennas and (12) wireless radio units; and an associated ± 668 square foot ground lease area. The facility will be located directly across from the vacant building in the corner of an outdoor storage area.
This project is exempt under Section 15303/Class 3 and Section 15332/Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines as follows:
Under Section 15303/Class 3, the proposed project is exempt from CEQA requirements when the project consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. This includes:
(c) A store, motel, office, restaurant or similar structure not involving the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances, and not exceeding 2, 500 square feet in floor area… where all necessary public services and facilities are available and the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive.
The proposed wireless telecommunication facility will consist of one mono-pine cell tower structure with an associated 668 square foot ground equipment area comprised of CMU wall. The proposed facility will comply with all Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations and will not involve the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances.
The proposed facility will be constructed in a previously developed area not considered environmentally sensitive. Therefore, the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15303/Class 3.
Under Section 15332/Class 32, the proposed project is exempt from CEQA requirements when the project is characterized as in-fill development meeting the following conditions:
a) The project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations.
The proposed project is consistent with the Fresno General Plan, the Downtown Community Plan, the Downtown Neighborhood / Apartment House zone district, and the applicable Policies and Procedures Issue No. 33 – Wireless Telecommunication Facilities.
b) The proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses.
The project is located within city limits and t he project site will cover 0.015- acres of the parcel. The parcel is surrounded by other urban (residential, commercial, light industrial) uses.
c) The project has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species.
The project site and surrounding area is developed and would have no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species.
d) Approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, ai r quality, or water quality.
There will not be significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air, or water quality as this facility will be unmanned, self-operating, and will not generate vehicular or foot traffic. The project is in compliance with City of Fresno noise standards.
e) The site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
The proposed project has been reviewed by the Department of Public Utilities, Public Works, and Fire Department to comply with City of Fresno r equirements. No concerns were brought forth from the departments.
Therefore, the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15332/Class 32.
None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to the project. Furthermore, the proposed project is not expected to have a significant effect on the environment. A categorical exemption, as noted above, has been prepared for the project and the area is not environmentally sensitive.
Date: February 24, 2022
Prepared By: Steven Martinez - Planner
Submitted by:
Ralph Kachadourian
Ralph Kachadourian
Supervising Planner
City of Fresno
Planning & Development
Department
(559) 621-8277