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1. What is CEQA?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was adopted in 1970 and incorporated in the Public Resources Code §§21000-21177. The basic purposes of CEQA are to:

1. Inform governmental decision makers and the public about the potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities;

2. Identify ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced;

3. Require changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when feasible;

4. Disclose to the public the reasons why a project was approved if significant environmental effects are involved;

5. Encourage early coordination among agencies in reviewing projects; and,

6. Provide better opportunity for public participation.

The analysis of a project required by CEQA usually takes the form of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Negative Declaration (ND), or Environmental Assessment (EA).

2. What projects are subject to CEQA?

CEQA applies to projects undertaken by a public agency, funded by a public agency or requires an issuance of a permit by a public agency. A "project" means the whole of an action that has a potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, and is an activity that may be subject to several discretionary approvals by governmental agencies. A "project" may include construction activities, clearing or grading of land, improvements to existing structures, and activities or equipment involving the issuance of a permit.

3. Who is exempt from CEQA?

A project is exempt from CEQA if by statute, if considered ministerial or categorical, or where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment (general rule exemption). Statutory exemptions are those granted by the Legislature and the complete list of statutory exemptions can be found in the CEQA Guidelines, Article 18. Projects are ministerial when the government decision involves no discretion by the public official as to the wisdom or manner of carrying out the project, such as a building permit. A categorical exemption is based on a finding by the Secretary for Resources that the class of projects does not have a significant effect on the environment. The list of categorical projects can be found in the CEQA Guidelines, Article 19. CEQA Guidelines, Article 19, Chapter No. 3

4. What is an EIR, and when is it required?

An environmental impact report (EIR) is a detailed report written by the lead agency describing and analyzing the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, identifying alternatives and discussing ways to reduce or avoid the possible environmental damage. An EIR is prepared when the lead agency finds substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. An environmental assessment (EA) is a substitute for the EIR under the Certified Regulatory Program. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is an environmental impact document prepared pursuant to NEPA, in place of the term EIR which is used in CEQA.

5. What is a Negative Declaration and when is it required?

A negative declaration (neg dec or ND) is a brief report written by the lead agency describing the reasons that a proposed project, not exempt from CEQA, will not have a significant effect on the environment and therefore does not require the preparation of an EIR. An ND is prepared when the lead agency finds that there is no substantial evidence that a project may have a significant environmental effect.

6. What is an Initial Study (IS)?

An initial study (IS) is a preliminary analysis prepared by the lead agency to determine whether an EIR or a negative declaration must be prepared or to identify the significant environmental effects to be analyzed in an EIR.

7. What constitutes "significance"?

Significant effect on the environment means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance. The determination of whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment calls for careful judgment on the part of the lead agency involved, based to the extent possible on scientific and factual data. The lead agency shall consider direct physical changes in the environment and reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment, which may be caused by the project.

8. How do I process an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units)?

Listed below you will find information regarding the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU):

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Information Sheet (PDF)
Desarrollo de una Unidad de Vivienda Accesoria - Español (PDF)

For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at (909) 350-6718 or via email.