15025. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES
CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text) · 2026 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · California
(a) A public agency may assign specific functions to its staff to assist in administering CEQA. Functions which may be delegated include but are not limited to:
(1) Determining whether a project is exempt.
(2) Conducting an Initial Study and deciding whether to prepare a draft EIR or Negative Declaration.
(3) Preparing a Negative Declaration or EIR.
(4) Determining that a Negative Declaration has been completed within a period of 180 days.
(5) Preparing responses to comments on environmental documents.
(6) Filing of notices.
(b) The decision-making body of a public agency shall not delegate the following functions:
(1) Reviewing and considering a final EIR or approving a Negative Declaration prior to approving a project.
(2) The making of findings as required by Sections 15091 and 15093.
(c) Where an advisory body such as a planning commission is required to make a recommendation on a project to the decision-making body, the advisory body shall also review and consider the EIR or Negative Declaration in draft or final form.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21087, Public Resources Code; Reference: Section 21082, 21100.2 and 21151.5, Public Resources Code; Kleist v. City of Glendale , (1976) 56 Cal. App. 3d 770.
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