Project Title:                                                      The Arboretum Visitor Plaza Project

Project Location:                              Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
                                                                             301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007

Project Applicant:                                           County of Los Angeles

Project Description:

The Arboretum Visitor Plaza Project (project) will create a new arrival and entrance experience for visitors to the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The project will improve accessibility and include new landscaping that prioritizes stormwater management through the use of rain gardens to receive and cleanse runoff. Specifically, the proposed project is comprised of the following components:

  • The Arrival Plaza will expand the current entrance and include featured plantings that highlight regionally iconic plants.
  • The Welcome Pavilion will restore the historic 1956 gatehouse with four admission ticket windows, including one ADA accessible window, and give more prominence and access to the membership office.
  • The Welcome Plaza will be improved to include enhancements, such as a visitor information kiosk, adjacent seating, restrooms, and beverage hospitality, to better connect visitors with the educational experiences, botanical diversity, and family adventures of the Arboretum landscape.
  • The South Lot Improvements will create accessible parking and an accessible path of travel from the existing South Parking Lot to the new Arrival Plaza.

Contact Information:
Julie Yom, AICP
Park Planner
626-588-5311
jyom@parks.lacounty.gov

Exempt Status: Categorical Exemption

Type, Section or Code: 15301(a) (d) (h), 15303 (e), and 15304 (a) (b)

Reasons for Exemption: The proposed project is categorically exempt under CEQA according to sections 15301 (a)(d)(h), 15303(e) and 15304 (a)(b), because the project provides for interior and exterior alterations, restoration of deteriorated structures to meet current standards of public health and safety, maintenance of existing landscaping, construction of small new structures, minor alterations to land, new landscaping and will not involve the removal of healthy, mature, and scenic trees.

In addition, based on the proposed project records, it will comply with all applicable regulations, and it is not in a sensitive environment, and there are no cumulative impacts, unusual circumstances, damage to scenic highways, listing on hazardous waste site lists compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5, or indications that it may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource that would make the exemption inapplicable.


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