What are CEQA requirements?
CEQA requires that state and local agencies disclose and evaluate the significant environmental impacts of proposed projects and adopt all feasible mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate those impacts. The Attorney General, in his independent capacity, has a special role in overseeing and enforcing CEQA.
What are CEQA documents?
CEQA requires California public agencies to conduct an environmental review process to identify significant environmental impacts of a “project” and to adopt feasible mitigation measures for those impacts before approving a project. CEQA is part of the California Public Resources Code (PRC), beginning with § 21000.
What projects are subject to CEQA?
All projects undertaken by a public agency are subject to CEQA. This includes projects undertaken by any state or local agency, any special district (e.g., a school district), and any public college or university. CEQA applies to discretionary projects undertaken by private parties.
Which projects are exempt from CEQA?
Examples include exemptions for agricultural housing, affordable housing, and residential infill projects (see Article 12.5 of the CEQA Guidelines); an exemption for sustainable communities projects (see Public Resources Code [PRC] Section 21155.1); an exemption for residential projects pursuant to a specific plan (see …
What is a CEQA exemption?
Categorical exemptions are made up of classes of projects that generally are considered not to have potential impacts on the environment. Categorical exemptions are identified by the State Resources Agency and are defined in the CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR Section 15300-15331).
How is CEQA enforced?
The Attorney General enforces CEQA by submitting comment letters to lead agencies that are undertaking CEQA review.
Does my project require CEQA?
DOES EVERY PROJECT REQUIRE CEQA REVIEW? No. CEQA only applies to projects that require discretionary permits from a state public agency. The agency must have some discretion in how the project can be conducted for CEQA to apply, and the project must be one that could result in an adverse change to the environment.
What is the CEQA process?
CEQA Process Overview
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) generally requires state and local government agencies to inform decision makers and the public about the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, and to reduce those environmental impacts to the extent feasible.
Which of the following projects or activities is exempt from CEQA review?
For example, emergency projects such as emergency repairs to publicly or privately owned service facilities necessary to maintain services essential to the public health, safety or welfare are statutorily exempt from CEQA.
How long is a CEQA document good for?
Outdated CEQA Review and Project Changes
If an environmental review was completed 2-10 years prior to the permit, it may be outdated. This would depend on changes to the project and/or changes to the surrounding area of the project.
What triggers a CEQA?
CEQA is intentionally designed for broad public enforcement, and in general, anyone who has an environmental concern with a project has the standing to bring a lawsuit if the legal violation they are alleging was raised during the administrative process.
What does CEQA exempt mean?
How does the CEQA process work?
Who approves CEQA?
The public agency responsible for approving the project considers the adequacy of the environmental documentation. This is typically the City Council, Board of Supervisors or other local governing body.