CEQA & environmental
Class 32 infill exemption
Guidelines § 15332's exemption for urban infill on 5 acres or less — five criteria: plan consistency, urban setting, habitat, site impacts, and utilities.
Definition
The Class 32 categorical exemption in the CEQA Guidelines (§ 15332) covers infill development meeting five criteria: (1) consistency with the general plan designation and policies and with zoning; (2) a site within city limits of no more than five acres, substantially surrounded by urban uses; (3) no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; (4) no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) adequate service by utilities and public services. As a categorical class it remains subject to the § 15300.2 exceptions.
Why it matters in an underwrite
Class 32 was the classic tool for skipping an EIR on urban housing sites, and it still matters where the 2025 statutory route doesn't fit — AB 130's infill housing exemption reaches sites up to 20 acres without the categorical exceptions, but carries its own site screens and labor standards on taller projects. Either way the five findings need supporting technical memos; "consistent with plans and zoning" is where density-bonus waivers must be documented as consistent by statute.
Sources & related guides
See also
See the term in the law itself
Read the controlling text in the Code Library, or ask the AI how it applies to your project.
Last reviewed 2026-07-29. General information, not legal advice.