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15091. FINDINGS

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

  • (a) No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been certified which identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The possible findings are:

    • (1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final EIR.

    • (2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency.

    • (3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR.

  • (b) The findings required by subdivision (a) shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record.

  • (c) The finding in subdivision (a)(2) shall not be made if the agency making the finding has concurrent jurisdiction with another agency to deal with identified feasible mitigation measures or alternatives. The finding in subdivision (a)(3) shall describe the specific reasons for rejecting identified mitigation measures and project alternatives.

  • (d) When making the findings required in subdivision (a)(1) , the agency shall also adopt a program for reporting on or monitoring the changes which it has either required in the project or made a condition of approval to avoid or substantially lessen significant environmental effects. These measures must be fully enforceable through permit conditions, agreements, or other measures.

  • (e) The public agency shall specify the location and custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of the proceedings upon which its decision is based.

  • (f) A statement made pursuant to Section 15093 does not substitute for the findings required by this section.

Note: Authority cited: Section 21083, Public Resources Code; Reference: Sections 21002, 21002.1, 21081, and 21081.6, Public Resources Code; Laurel Hills Homeowners Association v. City Council (1978) 83 Cal.App.3d 515; Cleary v. County of Stanislaus (1981) 118 Cal.App.3d 348; Sierra Club v. Contra Costa County (1992) 10 Cal.App.4th 1212; Citizens for Quality Growth v. City of Mount Shasta (1988) 198 Cal.App.3d 433.

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Association of Environmental Professionals 2025

CEQA Guidelines

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▸Contents — CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text)
CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text)

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