496257v1 Rev. 10.24
CITY OF FRESNO
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. FA00007
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: Marshall Smith
City of Fresno Capita l Projects Department
747 R Street, 2
nd Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
PROJECT LOCATION: Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts 815 East Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
(City of Fresno Council District 1)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed project involves a full replacement of the fire alarm system at the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts. The proj ect includes the complete design, installation, programming, and commissioning of a new fire alarm system. This encompasses installation of listed fire alarm equipment and conduit pathways, integrated monitoring for the sprinkler and hood suppression systems, and control point s for dampers, stage roll -down doors, and emergency lighting/audio shunt functions. The work also includes building and programming the fire alarm control panels, pre-testing, and final acceptance testing.
This project is exempt under Section 15301/Cl ass 1 of the State of California CEQA Guidelines. None of the exceptions to Categor ical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
EXPLANATION:
Section 15301 (Class 1) of the CEQA Guidelines exempts projects involving the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechani cal equipment, or topographical feat ures, when such activities involve negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed work consists solely of interior and limited exteri or conduit and equipment upgrades within an existing building to replace and modernize the fire alarm system. Under CEQA Gu idelines Section 15301, this activity qualifies as a minor alteration to existing mechanical equipment that will not expand current use or cause significant environmental impacts. No exceptions apply.
Class 1 exemptions for Existing Facilities incl ude actions such as: operation, repair, and maintenance of existing structures and mechani cal equipment; restorat ion or rehabilitation needed to meet current health and safety standards; and addition of safety or health protection devices associated with existing structures or facilities. The proposed fire alarm replacement
496257v1 Rev. 10.24
aligns with these examples as it enhances a safety system without altering the nature or capacity of the facility.
The project involves the design and installation of a new fire alarm system for the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts and does not expand the facility’s use. The replacement system will increase safety for visitors and st aff while maintaining the existing building’s function, use, and operational capacity.
None of the exceptions to categorical exemptions in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project. The proposed work would not result in any significant environmental impacts.
Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA.
Date: April 20
th, 2026
Prepared By: Marshall Smith
Project Manager
Submitted by:
Marshall Smith
City of Fresno
Capital Projects Department
(559) 621-8877