Skip to content
ChatProjectCodes

15005. TERMINOLOGY

CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text) · 2026 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · California

The following words are used to indicate whether a particular subject in the Guidelines is mandatory, advisory, or permissive:

  • (a) “Must” or “shall” identifies a mandatory element which all public agencies are required to follow.

  • (b) “Should” identifies guidance provided by the Secretary for Resources based on policy considerations contained in CEQA, in the legislative history of the statute, or in federal court decisions which California courts can be expected to follow. Public agencies are advised to follow this guidance in the absence of compelling, countervailing considerations.

  • (c) “May” identifies a permissive element which is left fully to the discretion of the public agencies involved.

Note: Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resources Code; Reference: Sections 21082 and 21083, Public Resources Code.

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
Export this section
▸Contents — CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text)
CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text)

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.