Contents — CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS ..................... XIX NAEP Affiliation ............................................................................................................................................... xix AEP Membership Categories ......................................................................................................................... xix AEP Membership Benefits and Services ....................................................................................................... xx SUMMARY OF KEY 2024 CEQA COURT CASES ..................................................................... XXV West Adams Heritage Assoc. v. City of Los Angeles (Oct. 31, 2024) __ Cal.App.5[th] __ ......................... xxv Gooden v. County of Los Angeles (Oct. 24, 2024) __ Cal.App.5th __ ....................................................... xxv Bonta v. County of Lake (Oct. 23, 2024) __ Cal.App.5th __ ....................................................................... xxvi Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment v. County of Los Angeles (Oct. 21, 2024) __ Cal.App.5[th] __ ................................................................................................................ xxvii Save Our Capitol! v. Department of General Services (Oct. 9, 2024) __ Cal.App.5th __ ...................... xxviii Yolo Land and Water Defense v. County of Yolo (Oct. 3, 2024) 105 Cal.App.5th 710 .......................... xxviii Friends of the South Fork Gualala v. Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Sept. 26, 2024) 105 Cal.App.5th 517 ............................................................................................................ xxix California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition v. State Air Resources Board (Sept. 24, 2024) 105 Cal.App.5th 304 .................................................................................................................... xxx Upland Community First v. City of Upland (Sept. 13, 2024) 105 Cal.App.5th 1 ....................................... xxxi Sunflower Alliance v. California Dept. of Conservation (Sept. 6, 2024) 104 Cal.App.5th 1135 ............. xxxii Westside Los Angeles Neighbors Network v. City of Los Angeles (Aug. 19, 2024) 104 Cal.App.5th 223 ...................................................................................................................................... xxxiii Center for Biological Diversity v. County of San Benito (Aug. 6, 2024) 104 Cal.App.5th 22................ xxxiv Nassiri v. City of Lafayette (Sept. 18, 2024) 103 Cal.App.5th 910 ........................................................... xxxiv Make UC a Good Neighbor v. The Regents of the University of California (June 6, 2024) 16 Cal.5th 43 ......................................................................................................................................... xxxv Save the Capitol, Save the Trees v. Department of General Services (April 18, 2024) 101 Cal.App.5th 123 7 ................................................................................................................ xxxv Vichy Springs Resort, Inc. v. City of Ukiah (March 29. 2024) 101 Cal.App.5th 46 ................................. xxxvi V Lions Farming, LLC v. County of Kern (March 7, 2024) 100 Cal.App.5th 412 .................................... xxxvi Hilltop Group, Inc. v. County of San Diego (Feb. 16, 2024) 99 Cal.App.5th 890 ................................... xxxvii Natural Resources Defense Council v. City of Los Angeles (Jan. 22, 2024) 98 Cal.App.5th 1176 .... xxxviii Guerrero v. City of Los Angeles (Jan. 17, 2024) 98 Cal.App.5th 108 7 .......................................................... xl Planning and Conservation League v. Dept. of Water Resources (Jan. 8, 2024) 98 Cal.App.5th 726 .... xli SUMMARY OF KEY 2024 CEQA LEGISLATION ....................................................................... XLIII AB 1359 (Chapter 678, Statutes of 2024) [Urgency bill: took effect September 27, 2024] ...................... xliii AB 1413 (Chapter 265, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xliii AB 2085 (Chapter 820, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xliii AB 2091 (Chapter 377, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xliv AB 2199 (Chapter 271, Statutes of 2024) ....................................................................................................... xlv AB 2503 (Chapter 718, Statutes of 2024) ....................................................................................................... xlv AB 2553 (Chapter 275, Statutes of 2024) ....................................................................................................... xlv AB 3007 (Chapter 583, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlvi

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AB 3057 (Chapter 210, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlvi AB 3122 (Chapter 754, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlvi AB 3227 (Chapter 761, Statutes of 2024) ..................................................................................................... xlvii AB 3265 (Bryan) (Chapter 255, Statutes of 2024) ....................................................................................... xlvii SB 174 (Chapter 74, Statutes of 2024) ......................................................................................................... xlvii SB 312 (Weiner) (Chapter 284, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................... xlviii SB 768 (Caballero) (Chapter 773, Statutes of 2024) .................................................................................. xlviii SB 1123 (Chapter 294, Statutes of 2024) .................................................................................................... xlviii SB 1342 (Chapter 794, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlix SB 1361 (Chapter 188, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlix SB 1420 (Chapter 608, Statutes of 2024) ...................................................................................................... xlix CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE DIVISION 13. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STATUTE, AS AMENDED IN 2024 .............. 1 Chapter 1: Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 1 § 21000. Legislative intent .................................................................................................................................... 1 § 21001. Additional legislative intent .................................................................................................................... 1 § 21001.1. Review of public agency projects ....................................................................................................... 2 § 21002. Approval of projects; feasible alternative or mitigation measures ......................................................... 2 § 21002.1. Use of environmental impact reports; policy ...................................................................................... 2 § 21003. Planning and environmental review procedures; documents; reports; data base; administration of process ...................................................................................................................................... 3 § 21003.1. Environmental effects of projects; comments from public and public agencies to lead agencies; availability of information ...................................................................................................................... 3 § 21004. Mitigating or avoiding a significant effect; powers of public agency ...................................................... 4 § 21005. Information disclosure provisions; noncompliance; presumption; findings ........................................... 4 § 21006. Issuance of permits, licenses, certificates or other entitlements; waivers of sovereign ........................ 4 Chapter 2: Short Title ......................................................................................................................................... 4 § 21050. Citation................................................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 2.5: Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... 4 § 21060. Application of Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 4 § 21060.1. Agricultural land .................................................................................................................................. 4 § 21060.2. ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 § 21060.3. Emergency ......................................................................................................................................... 5 § 21060.5. Environment ....................................................................................................................................... 5 § 21061. Environmental impact report.................................................................................................................. 5 § 21061.1. Feasible .............................................................................................................................................. 6 § 21061.2. Land evaluation and site assessment ................................................................................................ 6 § 21061.3. Infill Site .............................................................................................................................................. 6 § 21062. Local agency ......................................................................................................................................... 6 § 21063. Public agency ........................................................................................................................................ 6 § 21064. Negative declaration .............................................................................................................................. 6 §

.......................................................................... 6 § 21063. Public agency ........................................................................................................................................ 6 § 21064. Negative declaration .............................................................................................................................. 6 § 21064.3. Major transit stop ................................................................................................................................ 6

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§ 21064.5. Mitigated negative declaration ............................................................................................................ 6 § 21065. Project.................................................................................................................................................... 7 § 21065.3. Project-specific effect ......................................................................................................................... 7 § 21065.5. Geothermal exploratory project .......................................................................................................... 7 § 21066. Person ................................................................................................................................................... 7 § 21067. Lead agency .......................................................................................................................................... 7 § 21068. Significant effect on the environment .................................................................................................... 7 § 21068.5. Tiering or tier ...................................................................................................................................... 7 § 21069. Responsible agency .............................................................................................................................. 7 § 21070. Trustee Agency ..................................................................................................................................... 8 § 21071. Urbanized area; definition ...................................................................................................................... 8 § 21072. Qualified urban use; definition ............................................................................................................... 8 § 21073. ................................................................................................................................................................ 8 § 21074. ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Chapter 2.6: General .......................................................................................................................................... 9 § 21080. Division application to discretionary projects; nonapplication; negative declarations; environmental impact report preparation .............................................................................................................. 9 § 21080.01. California Men’s Colony West Facility in San Luis Obispo County; inapplicability of division to reopening and operation .................................................................................................................... 11 § 21080.02. Kings County; vicinity of Corcoran; new prison facilities; application of division ............................ 12 § 21080.03. Kings and Amador (Ione) Counties; prisons; application of division .............................................. 12 § 21080.04. Rocktram-Krug passenger rail service project; application of division; lead agency; legislative intent .................................................................................................................................................. 12 § 21080.05. San Francisco Peninsula commute service project between San Francisco and San Jose; application of division ................................................................................................................................ 12 § 21080.07. Riverside and Del Norte Counties; planning and construction of new prison facilities; application of division ......................................................................................................................................... 12 § 21080.09. Public higher education; campus location; long-range development plans ................................... 12 § 21080.1. Environmental impact report or negative declaration; determination by lead agency; finality; consultation ............................................................................................................................................ 13 § 21080.2. Issuance of lease, permit, license, certificate or other entitlement; determination by lead agency; time ....................................................................................................................................................... 13 § 21080.3. Consultation with responsible agencies; assistance by office of planning and research ................. 14 § 21080.3.1. ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 § 21080.3.2. ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 § 21080.4. Environmental impact report; requirement determined by lead agency; duties of responsible agencies and certain public agencies; consultation; assistance by office of planning and research ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 § 21080.5. Plan or other written documentation; submission in lieu of impact report; regulatory programs; criteria; certification; proposed changes; review; commencement of actions; state agencies ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 § 21080.8. Application of division; conversion of existing rental mobilehome park to resident initiated subdivision, cooperative, condominium for mobilehomes..................................................................... 18

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§ 21080.9. Local coastal programs or long-range land use development; university or governmental activities and approvals; application of division ........................................................................... 19 § 21080.10. Application of division; general plans; low- or moderate- income or residential housing; agricultural employee housing ............................................................................................................................ 19 § 21080.11. Application of division; settlements by state lands commission ..................................................... 19 § 21080.12. ......................................................................................................................................................... 19 § 21080.13. Railroad grade separation projects; application of division ............................................................ 19 ~~§ 21080.14.~~ ......................................................................................................................................................... 20 § 21080.17. Application of division to ordinances implementing law relating to construction of dwelling units and second units .......................................................................................................................... 20 § 21080.18. Application of division to closing of public school maintaining kindergarten or any of grades 1 through 12 ........................................................................................................................................... 20 § 21080.19. Restriping of streets or highways; application of division ............................................................... 20 § 21080.20 Transportation Plans, Pedestrian Plans, and Bicycle Transportation Plans ................................... 21 § 21080.21. Application of division to public right-of-way pipeline projects less than one mile in length .................................................................................................................................................................. 21 § 21080.22. Local governments; preparation of general plan amendments; application of division .................. 21 § 21080.23. Pipeline projects; application of division ......................................................................................... 22 § 21080.24. Permits; issuance, modification, amendment, or renewal; application of law ................................ 23 § 21080.25 .......................................................................................................................................................... 23 § 21080.26. Fluoridation; application of division; minor alterations .................................................................... 27 ~~§ 21080.27.~~ ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 § 21080.28. ......................................................................................................................................................... 29 § 21080.28.5. ...................................................................................................................................................... 29 § 21080.29. La Playa Project; Application of Division ........................................................................................ 31 § 21080.31. ......................................................................................................................................................... 32 § 21080.32. Exemption of specified actions by publicly owned transit agencies; implementation of budget reductions ............................................................................................................................................... 33 § 21080.33. Emergency projects to maintain, repair or restore existing highways; application of division; exceptions ............................................................................................................................................ 34 § 21080.35. Carrying out or approving a project; definition ................................................................................ 34 § 21080.35. ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 § 21080.40. ......................................................................................................................................................... 35 § 21080.42. ......................................................................................................................................................... 38 § 21080.47 .......................................................................................................................................................... 38 § 21080.50 .......................................................................................................................................................... 42 § 21080.51 .......................................................................................................................................................... 43 § 21080.56. ......................................................................................................................................................... 44 § 21080.58. ......................................................................................................................................................... 44 § 21080.61. ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 § 21081. Necessary findings where environmental impact report identifies effects ........................................... 52 § 21081.2 Exceptio

................................................................................. 44 § 21080.61. ......................................................................................................................................................... 52 § 21081. Necessary findings where environmental impact report identifies effects ........................................... 52 § 21081.2 Exception to Findings for Infill Residential Projects ........................................................................... 52 § 21081.3. aesthetic impacts .............................................................................................................................. 53

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§ 21081.5. Feasibility of mitigation measures or project alternatives; basis for findings.................................... 54 § 21081.6. Findings or negative declarations; reporting or monitoring project changes; effect on environment; conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 54 § 21081.7. Transportation information; submission of report to transportation planning agency ...................... 55 § 21082. Public agencies; adoption of objectives, criteria and procedures; consistency with guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................ 55 § 21082.1. Draft environmental impact report, environmental impact report, or negative declaration; preparation by public agency .............................................................................................................................. 55 § 21082.2. Significant effect on environment; determination; environmental impact report preparation .......................................................................................................................................................... 56 § 21082.3. ........................................................................................................................................................... 56 § 21082.4. ........................................................................................................................................................... 58 § 21083. Office of planning and research; preparation and development of guidelines; conditions .................. 58 § 21083.01. Guidelines amendments; fire hazard .............................................................................................. 59 § 21083.05. ......................................................................................................................................................... 59 § 21083.09. ......................................................................................................................................................... 59 § 21083.1. Legislative intent; interpretation by courts ........................................................................................ 59 § 21083.2. Archaeological resources; determination of effect of project; EIR or negative declaration; mitigation measures ........................................................................................................................ 60 § 21083.3. Application of division to approval of subdivision map or other project; limitation; mitigation measures under prior environmental impact report; public hearing; finding ...................................... 61 § 21083.4. Counties; Conversion of Oak Woodlands; Mitigation Alternatives; Oak Woodlands Conservation Act Grant Use; Exemptions .......................................................................................................... 63 § 21083.5. Environmental impact statement or report; submission in lieu of impact report; compliance by adoption of Tahoe regional plan; public review and notice requirements .................................. 64 § 21083.6. Combined environmental impact report and statement; time limits ................................................. 64 § 21083.7. Use of impact statement as the impact report; consultations ........................................................... 64 § 21083.8.1. Reuse plans ................................................................................................................................... 65 § 21083.9. Scoping meetings ............................................................................................................................. 66 § 21084. List of exempt classes of projects; projects damaging scenic resources ............................................ 67 § 21084.1. Historical resource; substantial adverse change .............................................................................. 68 § 21084.2. ........................................................................................................................................................... 68 § 21084.3. ........................................................................................................................................................... 68 § 21085. .............................................................................................................................................................. 68 § 21085.2 ............................................................................................................................................................ 68 § 21086. Addition or deletion of exempt classes of projects; procedure ............................................................ 69 § 21088. Distribution of guidelines, amendments and changes; notice ............................................................. 69 § 21089. Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 69 § 21090. Redevelopment plan deemed single project ....................................................................................... 70 § 21090.1. Geothermal exploratory project deemed separate and distinct from field development project ................................................................................................................................................................. 70 § 21091. Draft environmental impact reports and negative declarations; review periods .................................. 70 § 21091.5. Public review period for draft environmental impact report; publicly owned airports ....................... 72

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§ 21092. Public notice of preparation of environmental impact report or negative declaration; publication ........................................................................................................................................................... 72 § 21092.1. Addition of new information; notice and consultation ....................................................................... 73 § 21092.2. Requests for certain notices ............................................................................................................. 73 § 21092.3. Posting of certain notices ................................................................................................................. 74 § 21092.4. Consultation with transportation planning agencies and public agencies ........................................ 74 § 21092.5. Proposed response to public agency comments received by lead agency; notice to agency commenting on negative declaration; untimely comments .................................................................... 74 § 21092.6. Application of Govt. C. § 65962.5; duties of lead agency; notice by environmental protection agency of failure to specify ................................................................................................................ 75 § 21093. Legislative findings and declaration; public agencies may tier environmental impact reports ................................................................................................................................................................. 75 § 21094. Later projects; tiered environmental impact reports; initial study; use of prior reports ........................ 75 § 21094.5. ........................................................................................................................................................... 76 § 21094.5.5. ........................................................................................................................................................ 78 § 21095. Amendment to state guidelines to provide optional methodology to evaluate environmental effects of agricultural land conversions ....................................................................................... 78 § 21096. Airport-related safety hazards and noise problems; projects within airport comprehensive land use plan boundaries or within two nautical miles of airport; preparation of environmental impact reports ..................................................................................................................................................... 79 § 21098. Low-level flight path; military impact zone; special use airspace ........................................................ 79 Chapter 2.7: Modernization of Transportation Analysis for Transit-Oriented Infill Projects .................... 80 § 21099. .............................................................................................................................................................. 80 § 21099.5. ........................................................................................................................................................... 82 Chapter 3: State Agencies, Boards and Commissions ................................................................................ 83 § 21100. Environmental impact report on proposed state projects; significant effect; cumulative impact analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 83 § 21100.1. Information required in certain environmental impact reports .......................................................... 83 § 21100.2. Leases, permits, licenses, certificates and other entitlements; establishment of time limits for impact reports and negative declarations ............................................................................................ 83 § 21100.2. ........................................................................................................................................................... 84 § 21101. Environmental impact report on proposed federal projects ................................................................. 85 § 21102. Request for or authorization of expenditure of funds; statement of effect on environment ................. 85 § 21104. State lead agency; consultations prior to completion of impact report ................................................ 85 § 21104.2. Consultation and findings; effect of projects on threatened or endangered species ....................... 86 § 21105. Environmental impact report and comments as part of regular project report; availability to legislature and general public ............................................................................................................................. 86 § 21106. Request of funds to protect environment ............................................................................................ 86 § 21108. State agency, board or commission; approval of determination to carry out project; notice; contents; public inspection; posting .................................................................................................................... 86 Chapter 4: Local Agencies .............................................................................................................................. 87 § 21150. Environmental impact report required before allocation of state or federal funds ............................... 87 § 21151. Local agencies; preparation and completion of impact report; submission as part of general plan report; significant effect .................................................................................................................. 87

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§ 21151.1. Waste-burning projects; land disposal facilities, and offsite large treatment facilities; environmental impact reports; application of section; exemptions; offsite facility defined ................................. 87 § 21151.2. School site proposed acquisition or addition; notice to planning commission; investigation; report ............................................................................................................................................ 89 § 21151.4. Construction or alteration of facility Within One-Fourth of a mile of school; reasonable anticipation of air emission or handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous material; approval of environmental impact report or negative declaration ......................................................................................... 90 § 21151.5. Time limits for preparation of environmental impact reports and negative declarations .................. 90 § 21151.7. Preparation and certification of completion of environmental impact report for open-pit mining operation by lead agency ........................................................................................................................ 91 § 21151.8. Schoolsite acquisition or construction; approval of environmental impact report or negative declaration; conditions ......................................................................................................................... 91 § 21151.9. Projects subject to this division; compliance requirement ................................................................ 93 § 21152. Local agency; approval or determination to carry out project; notice; contents; public inspection; posting .............................................................................................................................................. 93 § 21152.1. Local Agency; Exempt Housing Projects; Notice Filing and Posting ............................................... 94 § 21153. Local lead agency; consultations prior to completion of impact report ................................................ 94 § 21154. Issuance of project order by state; effect on impact report of local agency ........................................ 95 Chapter 4.2: Implementation of the Sustainable Communities Strategy .................................................... 95 § 21155. .............................................................................................................................................................. 95 § 21155. 1. .......................................................................................................................................................... 95 § 21155.2. ........................................................................................................................................................... 98 § 21155.3 ............................................................................................................................................................ 99 § 21155.4 .......................................................................................................................................................... 100 Chapter 4.3: Housing Sustainability Districts ............................................................................................. 100 § 21155.10 ........................................................................................................................................................ 100 § 21155.11 ........................................................................................................................................................ 100 Chapter 4.5: Streamlined Environmental Review ........................................................................................ 101 Article 1: Findings .......................................................................................................................................... 101 § 21156. Legislative intent ................................................................................................................................ 101 Article 2: Master Environmental Impact Report .......................................................................................... 101 § 21157. Preparation; content; fee program ..................................................................................................... 101 § 21157.1. Review of subsequent projects described in report; requirements ................................................ 102 § 21157.5. Mitigated negative declarations; preparation; conditions; alternative ............................................. 103 § 21157.6. Limitation period on use of environmental impact report ............................................................... 103 § 21157.7. Improvements to Roadway Segments of Highway 99; Use of Master Environmental Impact Report ................................................................................................................................................... 104 Article 3: Focused Environmental Impact Report ....................................................................................... 105 § 21158. Purpose; content; additional significant effect on the environment ................................................... 105 § 21158.1. Regulatory programs certified under Public Resources Code § 21080.5; certain master and focused environmental impact reports ...................................................................................................... 105 § 21158.5. Multiple-family residential development of not more than 100 units; residential and commercial or retail mixed-use development of not more than 100,000 square feet; preparation of report; limitations .............................................................................................................................................. 106

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Article 4: Expedited Environmental Review for Environmentally Mandated Projects ............................ 106 § 21159. Rule or regulation adoption; environmental analysis; content ........................................................... 106 § 21159.1. Utilization of focused environmental impact report; requirements; limitations ............................... 107 § 21159.2. Negative declaration; mitigated negative declaration; environmental impact report on compliance project; project-specific issued; contents ...................................................................................... 108 § 21159.3. Deadlines for preparation of report ................................................................................................. 108 § 21159.4. Agencies; article application ........................................................................................................... 108 Article 5: Public Assistance Program........................................................................................................... 109 § 21159.9. Implementation of program ............................................................................................................. 109 Article 6: Special Review of Housing Projects ............................................................................................ 109 § 21159.20. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... 109 § 21159.21. Criteria to qualify for housing project exemptions ........................................................................ 110 § 21159.22. Agricultural employee housing exemption .................................................................................... 111 § 21159.23. Low-income housing exemption ................................................................................................... 112 § 21159.24. Infill housing exemption ................................................................................................................ 113 § 21159.25. Exemption: Residential Or Mixed-Use Housing Projects ............................................................. 114 § 21159.26. Reductions in housing units as mitigation discouraged ............................................................... 115 § 21159.27. Prohibition against piecemealing to qualify for exemptions ......................................................... 116 § 21159.28. ....................................................................................................................................................... 116 Chapter 5: Submission of Information ......................................................................................................... 116 § 21160. Application for lease, permit, license, etc.; data and information; purpose; trade secrets ................ 116 § 21161. Completion of impact report; notice; validity of project ...................................................................... 117 § 21163. ............................................................................................................................................................ 117 § 21163.1. ......................................................................................................................................................... 117 § 21163.2. ......................................................................................................................................................... 117 § 21163.3. ......................................................................................................................................................... 117 § 21163.4. ......................................................................................................................................................... 118 Chapter 6: Limitations .................................................................................................................................... 118 § 21165. Lead agency; preparation of impact report ........................................................................................ 118 § 21166. Subsequent or supplemental impact report; conditions .................................................................... 118 § 21166.1. Effect of preparation of impact report by lead agency .................................................................... 119 § 21166.2. ......................................................................................................................................................... 119 § 21167. Commencement of actions or proceedings; time .............................................................................. 119 § 21167.1. Preferential hearing or other civil actions; designation of judges to develop expertise .................. 120 § 21167.2. Failure to commence action or proceeding within time limits; presumption that impact report complies with division ............................................................................................................................. 120 § 21167.3. Assumption that impact report or negative declaration complies with division; conditional approval or disapproval .................................................................................................................. 121 § 21167.4. Mandate proceeding alleging noncompliance with division; hearing request; dismissal; briefing schedules and hearing dates ............................................................................................................... 121 § 21167.5. Proof of service; filing with initial pleading ...................................................................................... 121 § 21167.6. Record of proceedings; clerk’s transcript on appeal; filing briefs on appeal; date of appeal for hearing .........................................

......................................................................................... 121 § 21167.5. Proof of service; filing with initial pleading ...................................................................................... 121 § 21167.6. Record of proceedings; clerk’s transcript on appeal; filing briefs on appeal; date of appeal for hearing ............................................................................................................................................. 122

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§ 21167.6.2. ...................................................................................................................................................... 124 § 21167.6.5. Service of real party in interest; listing and notice to responsible and trustee agencies; failure to name potential parties ....................................................................................................................... 125 § 21167.7. Copy of pleadings to attorney general; granting of relief ................................................................ 126 § 21167.8. Settlement meeting; presettlement and settlement statements; further settlement conference; failure to participate ...................................................................................................................... 126 § 21167.8. ......................................................................................................................................................... 127 § 21167.9. ......................................................................................................................................................... 127 § 21167.10. ....................................................................................................................................................... 127 § 21168. Review of determination; finding or decision of public agency; law governing; scope ...................... 128 § 21168.5. Abuse of discretion ......................................................................................................................... 128 § 21168.6. Mandate to public utilities commission; supreme court jurisdiction ................................................ 128 § 21168.6.6. ...................................................................................................................................................... 128 § 21168.6.7. Oakland Sports and Mixed-Use Project ...................................................................................... 133 § 21168.6.8. Sports and Entertainment Project ............................................................................................... 138 § 21168.6.9. ...................................................................................................................................................... 145 § 21168.7. Declaration of existing law .............................................................................................................. 151 § 21168.9. Public agency actions; noncompliance with division; court order; content; restrictions ................. 151 § 21169. Validation of projects. ........................................................................................................................ 152 § 21169.11. ....................................................................................................................................................... 152 § 21173. Severability ........................................................................................................................................ 152 § 21174. Construction of division; enforcement of other provisions; coastal act ............................................. 152 § 21177. Presentation of grounds for noncompliance; objections to approval of project ................................. 153 Chapter 6.5: Jobs and Economic Improvement through Environmental Leadership Act of 2011 ......... 153 § 21178. ............................................................................................................................................................ 153 § 21180. ............................................................................................................................................................ 154 § 21181. ............................................................................................................................................................ 155 § 21182. ............................................................................................................................................................ 155 § 21183. ............................................................................................................................................................ 155 § 21183.5. ......................................................................................................................................................... 156 § 21183.6. ......................................................................................................................................................... 159 § 21184. ............................................................................................................................................................ 159 § 21184.5. ......................................................................................................................................................... 160 § 21184.7. ......................................................................................................................................................... 160 § 21185. ............................................................................................................................................................ 160 § 21186. ............................................................................................................................................................ 160 § 21187. ............................................................................................................................................................ 161 § 21187.5 .......................................................................................................................................................... 161 § 21188. ...........................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................. 161 § 21187.5 .......................................................................................................................................................... 161 § 21188. ............................................................................................................................................................ 162 § 21189. ............................................................................................................................................................ 162 § 21189.1. ......................................................................................................................................................... 162 § 21189.3 .......................................................................................................................................................... 162

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Chapter 6.9: City of San Diego: Old Town Center Redevelopment ........................................................... 162 § 21189.70 ........................................................................................................................................................ 162 § 21189.70.1. .................................................................................................................................................... 163 § 21189.70.2. .................................................................................................................................................... 167 § 21189.70.3. .................................................................................................................................................... 169 § 21189.70.4. .................................................................................................................................................... 169 § 21189.70.5. .................................................................................................................................................... 170 § 21189.70.6. .................................................................................................................................................... 170 § 21189.70.7. .................................................................................................................................................... 172 § 21189.70.8. .................................................................................................................................................... 172 § 21189.70.9. .................................................................................................................................................... 175 § 21189.70.10. .................................................................................................................................................. 175 § 21189.80. ....................................................................................................................................................... 175 § 21189.81. ....................................................................................................................................................... 176 § 21189.81.1. .................................................................................................................................................... 178 § 21189.82. ....................................................................................................................................................... 178 § 21189.83. ....................................................................................................................................................... 180 § 21189.84. ....................................................................................................................................................... 181 § 21189.85. ....................................................................................................................................................... 181 § 21189.86. ....................................................................................................................................................... 181 § 21189.87. ....................................................................................................................................................... 182 § 21189.88. ....................................................................................................................................................... 182 § 21189.89. ....................................................................................................................................................... 182 § 21189.90. ....................................................................................................................................................... 182 § 21189.91. ....................................................................................................................................................... 183 CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 14. NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION 6. RESOURCES AGENCY CHAPTER 3: GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AS AMENDED DECEMBER 28, 2018 ................................................................................................ 185 Article 1. General ............................................................................................................................................ 185 15000. Authority................................................................................................................................................ 185 15001. Short Title ............................................................................................................................................. 185 15002. General Concepts ................................................................................................................................. 185 15003. Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 187 15004. Time of Preparation .............................................................................................................................. 188 15005. Terminology .......................................................................................................................................... 189 15006. Reducing Delay and Paperwork ........................................................................................................... 189 15007. Amendments ........................................................................................................................................ 190 **Article 2. General Responsibilities ............................................................

. Reducing Delay and Paperwork ........................................................................................................... 189 15007. Amendments ........................................................................................................................................ 190 Article 2. General Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 191 15020. General ................................................................................................................................................. 191 15021. Duty to Minimize Environmental Damage and Balance Competing Public Objectives ........................ 191 15022. Public Agency Implementing Procedures ............................................................................................. 192

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Office of Planning and Research (OPR) .............................................................................................. 193 15024. Secretary for Resources ....................................................................................................................... 193 15025. Delegation of Responsibilities .............................................................................................................. 194 Article 3. Authorities Granted to Public Agencies by CEQA ...................................................................... 194 15040. Authority Provided by CEQA ................................................................................................................ 194 15041. Authority to Mitigate .............................................................................................................................. 195 15042. Authority to Disapprove Projects .......................................................................................................... 195 15043. Authority to Approve Projects Despite Significant Effects .................................................................... 195 15044. Authority to Comment ........................................................................................................................... 196 15045. Fees ...................................................................................................................................................... 196 Article 4. Lead Agency ................................................................................................................................... 196 15050. Lead Agency Concept .......................................................................................................................... 196 15051. Criteria for Identifying the Lead Agency ............................................................................................... 196 15052. Shift in Lead Agency Designation ........................................................................................................ 197 15053. Designation of Lead Agency by the Office of Planning and Research ................................................. 197 Article 5. Preliminary Review of Projects and Conduct of Initial Study .................................................... 198 15060. Preliminary Review ............................................................................................................................... 198 15060.5. Preapplication Consultation ............................................................................................................... 199 15061. Review for Exemption ........................................................................................................................... 199 15062. Notice of Exemption ............................................................................................................................. 200 15063. Initial Study ........................................................................................................................................... 201 15064. Determining the Significance of the Environmental Effects Caused by a Project ................................ 203 Section 15064.3. Determining the Significance of Transportation Impacts ...................................................... 206 15064.4. Determining the Significance of Impacts from Greenhouse Gas Emissions ..................................... 207 15064.5. Determining the Significance of Impacts to Archaeological and Historical Resources ..................... 208 15064.7. Thresholds of Significance. ............................................................................................................... 211 15065. Mandatory Findings of Significance ..................................................................................................... 212 Article 6. Negative Declaration Process ....................................................................................................... 213 15070. Decision to Prepare a Negative or Mitigated Negative Declaration ..................................................... 213 15071. Contents ............................................................................................................................................... 213 15072. Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration ........................... 213 15073. Public Review of a Proposed Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration ...................... 215 15073.5. Recirculation of a Negative Declaration Prior to Adoption. ............................................................... 215 15074. Consideration and Adoption of a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration. ................ 216 15074.1. Substitution of Mitigation Measures in a Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. ........................ 217 15075. Notice of Determination on a Project for which a Proposed Negative or Mitigated Negative Declaration has been Approved. ...................................................................................................................... 218 Article 7. EIR Process .................................................................................................................................... 219 15080. General ................................................................................................................................................. 219 15081. Decision to Prepare an EIR .................................................................................................................. 219 15081.5. EIRs Required by Statute .................................................................................................................. 219 15082. Notice of preparation and Determination of Scope of EIR ............................

19 15081. Decision to Prepare an EIR .................................................................................................................. 219 15081.5. EIRs Required by Statute .................................................................................................................. 219 15082. Notice of preparation and Determination of Scope of EIR ................................................................... 220

Association of Environmental Professionals 2025

Contents

Early Public Consultation ...................................................................................................................... 222 15084. Preparing the Draft EIR ........................................................................................................................ 223 15085. Notice of Completion ............................................................................................................................ 223 15086. Consultation Concerning Draft EIR ...................................................................................................... 224 15087. Public Review of Draft EIR ................................................................................................................... 225 15088. Evaluation of and Response to Comments .......................................................................................... 226 15088.5. Recirculation of an EIR Prior to Certification ..................................................................................... 227 15089. Preparation of Final EIR ....................................................................................................................... 228 15090. Certification of the Final EIR ................................................................................................................. 228 15091. Findings ................................................................................................................................................ 229 15092. Approval................................................................................................................................................ 230 15093. Statement of Overriding Considerations .............................................................................................. 230 15094. Notice of Determination ........................................................................................................................ 231 15095. Disposition of a Final EIR ..................................................................................................................... 232 15096. Process for a Responsible Agency ...................................................................................................... 232 15097. Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting. ...................................................................................................... 233 Article 8. Time Limits ..................................................................................................................................... 235 15100. General ................................................................................................................................................. 235 15101. Review of Application for Completeness .............................................................................................. 235 15102. Initial Study ........................................................................................................................................... 235 15103. Response to Notice of Preparation ...................................................................................................... 236 15104. Convening of Meetings ......................................................................................................................... 236 15105. Public Review Period for a Draft EIR or a Proposed Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration ........................................................................................................................................ 236 15107. Completion of Negative Declaration ..................................................................................................... 237 15108. Completion and Certification of EIR ..................................................................................................... 237 15109. Suspension of Time Periods ................................................................................................................. 237 15110. Projects with Federal Involvement........................................................................................................ 237 15111. Projects with Short Time Periods for Approval ..................................................................................... 238 15112. Statutes of Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 238 Article 9. Contents of Environmental Impact Reports ................................................................................ 239 15120. General ................................................................................................................................................. 239 15121. Informational Document ....................................................................................................................... 239 15122. Table of Contents or Index ................................................................................................................... 240 15123. Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 240 15124. Project Description ............................................................................................................................... 240 15125. Environmental Setting .......................................................................................................................... 241 15126. Consideration and Discussion of Environmental Impacts .................................................................... 242 15126.2 Consideration and Discussion of Significant Environmental Impacts. ............................................... 242 15126.4 Consideration and Discussion of Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize Significant Effect

................................... 241 15126. Consideration and Discussion of Environmental Impacts .................................................................... 242 15126.2 Consideration and Discussion of Significant Environmental Impacts. ............................................... 242 15126.4 Consideration and Discussion of Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize Significant Effects. .............................................................................................................................................................. 244 15126.6. Consideration and Discussion of Alternatives to the Proposed Project. ........................................... 246

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Limitations on Discussion of Environmental Impact ............................................................................. 249 15128. Effects Not Found to be Significant ...................................................................................................... 249 15129. Organizations and Persons Consulted ................................................................................................. 249 15130. Discussion of Cumulative Impacts........................................................................................................ 249 15131. Economic and Social Effects ................................................................................................................ 251 15132. Contents of Final Environmental Impact Report ................................................................................... 252 Article 10. Considerations in Preparing EIRs and Negative Declarations ................................................ 252 15140. Writing ................................................................................................................................................... 252 15141. Page Limits ........................................................................................................................................... 252 15142. Interdisciplinary Approach .................................................................................................................... 252 15143. Emphasis .............................................................................................................................................. 252 15144. Forecasting ........................................................................................................................................... 253 15145. Speculation ........................................................................................................................................... 253 15146. Degree of Specificity ............................................................................................................................. 253 15147. Technical Detail .................................................................................................................................... 253 15148. Citation .................................................................................................................................................. 253 15149. Use of Registered Professionals in Preparing EIRs ............................................................................. 254 15150. Incorporation by Reference .................................................................................................................. 254 15151. Standards for Adequacy of an EIR ....................................................................................................... 255 15152. Tiering ................................................................................................................................................... 255 15153. Use of an EIR from an Earlier Project .................................................................................................. 257 15154. Projects Near Airports .......................................................................................................................... 258 15155. Water Supply Analysis; City or County Consultation with Water Agencies. ......................................... 258 Article 11. Types of EIRs ................................................................................................................................ 261 15160. General ................................................................................................................................................. 261 15161. Project EIR ........................................................................................................................................... 261 15162. Subsequent EIRs and Negative Declarations ...................................................................................... 261 15163. Supplement to an EIR .......................................................................................................................... 262 15164. Addendum to an EIR or Negative Declaration ..................................................................................... 262 15165. Multiple and Phased Projects ............................................................................................................... 263 15166. EIR as Part of a General Plan .............................................................................................................. 263 15167. Staged EIR ........................................................................................................................................... 263 15168. Program EIR ......................................................................................................................................... 264 15169. Master Environmental Assessment ...................................................................................................... 265 15170. Joint EIR-EIS ........................................................................................................................................ 266 Article 11.5 Master Environmental Impact Report ...................................................................................... 267 15175. Master EIR ............................................................................................................................................ 267 15176. Contents of a Master EIR ..................................................................................................................... 267 15177. Subsequent Projects Within the Scope of the MEIR ............................................................................ 268 15178. Subsequent Projects Identified in

............................................................... 267 15176. Contents of a Master EIR ..................................................................................................................... 267 15177. Subsequent Projects Within the Scope of the MEIR ............................................................................ 268 15178. Subsequent Projects Identified in the MEIR ......................................................................................... 269 15179. Limitations on the Use of the Master EIR ............................................................................................. 270 15179.5. Focused EIRs and Small Projects ..................................................................................................... 271

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Article 12. Special Situations ........................................................................................................................ 271 15180. Redevelopment Projects ...................................................................................................................... 271 15182. Projects Pursuant to a Specific Plan .................................................................................................... 272 15183. Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning ........................................................................ 273 15183.3 Streamlining for infill projects .............................................................................................................. 275 15183.5. Tiering and Streamlining the Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................. 279 15184. State Mandated Local Projects............................................................................................................. 280 15185. Administrative Appeals ......................................................................................................................... 281 15186. School Facilities .................................................................................................................................... 281 15187. Environmental Review of New Rules and Regulations ........................................................................ 283 15188. Focused EIR for Pollution Control Equipment ...................................................................................... 284 15189. Compliance with Performance Standard or Treatment Requirement Rule or Regulation ................... 284 15190. Deadlines for Compliance with Sections 15188 and 15189 ................................................................. 285 15190.5. Department Of Defense Notification Requirement ............................................................................ 285 Article 12.5 Exemptions for Agricultural Housing, Affordable Housing, and Residential Infill Projects ................................................................................................................................. 286 15191. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 286 15192. Threshold Requirements for Exemptions for Agricultural Housing, Affordable Housing, and Residential Infill Projects .................................................................................................................................. 289 15193. Agricultural Housing Exemption ........................................................................................................... 291 15194. Affordable Housing Exemption ............................................................................................................. 292 15195. Residential Infill Exemption .................................................................................................................. 293 15196. Notice of Exemption for Agricultural Housing, Affordable Housing, and Residential Infill Projects ............................................................................................................................................................. 294 Article 13. Review and Evaluation of EIRs and Negative Declarations ..................................................... 295 15200. Purposes of Review .............................................................................................................................. 295 15201. Public Participation ............................................................................................................................... 295 15202. Public Hearings .................................................................................................................................... 295 15203. Adequate Time for Review and Comment ........................................................................................... 296 15204. Focus of Review ................................................................................................................................... 296 15205. Review by State Agencies .................................................................................................................... 297 15206. Projects of Statewide, Regional, or Areawide Significance .................................................................. 298 15207. Failure to Comment .............................................................................................................................. 299 15208. Retention and Availability of Comments ............................................................................................... 299 15209. Comments on Initiative of Public Agencies .......................................................................................... 300 Article 14. Projects Also Subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) .............................. 300 15220. General ................................................................................................................................................. 300 15221. NEPA Document Ready Before CEQA Document ............................................................................... 300 15222. Preparation of Joint Documents ........................................................................................................... 300 15223. Consultation With Federal Agencies .................................................................................................... 301 15224. Time Limits ........................................................................................................................................... 301 15225. Circulation of Documents ...........................................................

Consultation With Federal Agencies .................................................................................................... 301 15224. Time Limits ........................................................................................................................................... 301 15225. Circulation of Documents ..................................................................................................................... 301

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15226. Joint Activities ....................................................................................................................................... 302
15227. State Comments on a Federal Project ................................................................................................. 302
15228. Where Federal Agency Will Not Cooperate ......................................................................................... 302
15229. Baseline Analysis for Military Base Reuse Plan EIRs .......................................................................... 302
Article 15. Litigation ....................................................................................................................................... 304
15230. Time Limits and Criteria ........................................................................................................................ 304
15231. Adequacy of EIR or Negative Declaration for Use By Responsible Agencies ..................................... 304
15232. Request for Hearing ............................................................................................................................. 305
15233. Conditional Permits .............................................................................................................................. 305
Section 15234.	Remand ......................................................................................................................... 305
Article 16. EIR Monitor ................................................................................................................................... 306
15240. EIR Monitor ........................................................................................................................................... 306
Article 17. Exemption for Certified State Regulatory Programs ................................................................ 306
15250. General ................................................................................................................................................. 306
15251. List of Certified Programs ..................................................................................................................... 306
15252. Substitute Document ............................................................................................................................ 308
15253. Use of an EIR Substitute by a Responsible Agency ............................................................................ 308
Article 18. Statutory Exemptions .................................................................................................................. 309
15260. General ................................................................................................................................................. 309
15261. Ongoing Project .................................................................................................................................... 309
15262. Feasibility and Planning Studies........................................................................................................... 310
15263. Discharge Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 310
15264. Timberland Preserves .......................................................................................................................... 310
15265. Adoption of Coastal Plans and Programs ............................................................................................ 311
15266. General Plan Time Extension ............................................................................................................... 311
15267. Financial Assistance to Low or Moderate Income Housing ................................................................. 311
15268. Ministerial Projects ............................................................................................................................... 311
15269. Emergency Projects ............................................................................................................................. 312
15270. Projects Which are Disapproved .......................................................................................................... 313
15271. Early Activities Related to Thermal Power Plants ................................................................................ 313
15272. Olympic Games .................................................................................................................................... 313
15273. Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges ......................................................................................................... 313
15274. Family Day Care Homes ...................................................................................................................... 314
15275. Specified Mass Transit Projects ........................................................................................................... 314
15276. Transportation Improvement and Congestion Management Programs ............................................... 314
15277. Projects Located Outside California ..................................................................................................... 315
15278. Application of Coatings ......................................................................................................................... 315
15281. Air Quality Permits ................................................................................................................................ 315
15282. Other Statutory Exemptions ................................................................................................................. 316

15283. Housing Needs Allocation .................................................................................................................... 317
15284. Pipelines ............................................................................................................................................... 317
15285. Transit Agency Responses to Revenue Shortfalls ............................................................................... 319

Association of Environmental Professionals 2025

Contents

Article 19. Categorical Exemptions .............................................................................................................. 319 15300. Categorical Exemptions ........................................................................................................................ 319 15300.1. Relation to Ministerial Projects .......................................................................................................... 320 15300.2. Exceptions ......................................................................................................................................... 320 15300.3. Revisions to List of Categorical Exemptions ..................................................................................... 320 15300.4. Application By Public Agencies ......................................................................................................... 321 15301. Existing Facilities .................................................................................................................................. 321 15302. Replacement or Reconstruction ........................................................................................................... 322 15303. New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures .......................................................................... 323 15304. Minor Alterations to Land ...................................................................................................................... 323 15305. Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations ............................................................................................ 324 15306. Information Collection ........................................................................................................................... 324 15307. Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources ................................................. 324 15308. Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment ..................................................... 325 15309. Inspections ........................................................................................................................................... 325 15310. Loans .................................................................................................................................................... 325 15311. Accessory Structures ............................................................................................................................ 325 15312. Surplus Government Property Sales .................................................................................................... 326 15313. Acquisition of Lands for Wildlife Conservation Purposes ..................................................................... 326 15314. Minor Additions to Schools ................................................................................................................... 326 15315. Minor Land Divisions ............................................................................................................................ 326 15316. Transfer of Ownership of Land in Order to Create Parks ..................................................................... 326 15317. Open Space Contracts or Easements .................................................................................................. 327 15318. Designation of Wilderness Areas ......................................................................................................... 327 15319. Annexations of Existing Facilities and Lots for Exempt Facilities ......................................................... 327 15320. Changes in Organization of Local Agencies ........................................................................................ 327 15321. Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies ..................................................................................... 327 15322. Educational or Training Programs Involving No Physical Changes ..................................................... 328 15323. Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings .......................................................................... 328 15324. Regulations of Working Conditions ...................................................................................................... 328 15325. Transfers of Ownership of Interest In Land to Preserve Existing Natural Conditions and Historical Resources ......................................................................................................................................... 329 15326. Acquisition of Housing for Housing Assistance Programs ................................................................... 329 15327. Leasing New Facilities .......................................................................................................................... 329 15328. Small Hydroelectric Projects at Existing Facilities ................................................................................ 329 15329. Cogeneration Projects at Existing Facilities ......................................................................................... 330 15330. Minor Actions to Prevent, Minimize, Stabilize, Mitigate or Eliminate the Release or Threat of Release of Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substances ................................................................................ 331 15331. Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation .................................................................................... 331 15332. In-Fill Development Projects ................................................................................................................. 331 15333. Small Habitat Restoration Projects. ...................................................................................................... 332 **Article 20. Definitions ...........................

...................................... 331 15332. In-Fill Development Projects ................................................................................................................. 331 15333. Small Habitat Restoration Projects. ...................................................................................................... 332 Article 20. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................... 332

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General ................................................................................................................................................. 332 15351. Applicant ............................................................................................................................................... 333 15352. Approval................................................................................................................................................ 333 15353. CEQA .................................................................................................................................................... 333 15354. Categorical Exemption ......................................................................................................................... 333 15355. Cumulative Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 333 15356. Decision-Making Body .......................................................................................................................... 334 15357. Discretionary Project ............................................................................................................................ 334 15358. Effects ................................................................................................................................................... 334 15359. Emergency ........................................................................................................................................... 334 15360. Environment ......................................................................................................................................... 335 15361. Environmental Documents ................................................................................................................... 335 15362. EIR - Environmental Impact Report ...................................................................................................... 335 15363. EIS - Environmental Impact Statement ................................................................................................ 335 15364. Feasible ................................................................................................................................................ 335 15364.5. Greenhouse Gas ............................................................................................................................... 335 15365. Initial Study ........................................................................................................................................... 336 15366. Jurisdiction by Law ............................................................................................................................... 336 15367. Lead Agency ......................................................................................................................................... 336 15368. Local Agency ........................................................................................................................................ 336 15369. Ministerial.............................................................................................................................................. 337 15369.5. Mitigated Negative Declaration.......................................................................................................... 337 15370. Mitigation .............................................................................................................................................. 337 15371. Negative Declaration ............................................................................................................................ 337 15372. Notice of Completion ............................................................................................................................ 338 15373. Notice of Determination ........................................................................................................................ 338 15374. Notice of Exemption ............................................................................................................................. 338 15375. Notice of Preparation ............................................................................................................................ 338 15376. Person .................................................................................................................................................. 338 15377. Private Project ...................................................................................................................................... 338 15378. Project ................................................................................................................................................... 339 15379. Public Agency ....................................................................................................................................... 340 15380. Endangered, Rare or Threatened Species ........................................................................................... 340 15381. Responsible Agency ............................................................................................................................. 340 15382. Significant Effect on the Environment .................................................................................................. 341 15383. State Agency ........................................................................................................................................ 341 15384. Substantial Evidence ............................................................................................................................ 341 15385. Tiering .....................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................... 341 15384. Substantial Evidence ............................................................................................................................ 341 15385. Tiering ................................................................................................................................................... 341 15386. Trustee Agency .................................................................................................................................... 342 15387. Urbanized Area ..................................................................................................................................... 342 CEQA GUIDELINES APPENDICES ............................................................................................. 343 Appendix A: CEQA Process Flow Chart ........................................................................................................... 345

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Association of Environmental Professionals 2025

Contents

Appendix B: Statutory Authority of State Departments .................................................................................... 347 Appendix C: Notice of Completion & Environmental Document Transmittal .................................................... 351 Appendix D: Notice of Determination ............................................................................................................... 353 Appendix E: Notice of Exemption ..................................................................................................................... 355 Appendix F: Energy Conservation .................................................................................................................... 355 Appendix G: Environmental Checklist form ...................................................................................................... 359 Appendix H: Environmental Information Form ................................................................................................. 373 Appendix I: Notice of Preparation ..................................................................................................................... 375 Appendix J: Examples of Tiering EIRs ............................................................................................................. 377 Appendix K: Criteria for shortened clearinghouse review ................................................................................ 381 Appendix L: Notice of Completion of Draft EIR ................................................................................................ 383 Appendix M: Performance Standards for Infill Projects Eligible for Streamlined Review ................................. 385 Appendix N: Infill Environmental Checklist form ............................................................................................... 389 INDEX ............................................................................................................................................ 403 CEQA GUIDELINES TOPICS INDEX ........................................................................................... 405

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

CEQA Statute and Guidelines (2025 consolidated text)

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