VI. - Evaluating Projects for CEQA Exemptions

After completion of the environmental information form (Initial Study Part 1) environmental staff shall screen the application consistent with procedures outlined in Section V to determine if the proposed activity is not a "project" according to CEQA, whether a project qualifies for a statutory or categorical exemption, and finally whether there is no possibility that the project could have a significant effect on the environment. In each of these cases, the application is considered exempt from further environmental review procedures under CEQA and a notice of exemption will be issued. Tables 1 and 2 indicate the kinds of projects that typically are exempt or require environmental review. If the project is not exempt, an initial study is conducted. If the project requires subsequent approvals from other County departments, informal consultation with their staff will be conducted at this point.

For private projects or activities requiring environmental approvals by an "approving body" the Planning Commission shall hear said projects.

For County projects or activities requiring environmental approval by an "approving body" the Board of Supervisors shall hear said projects.

Table 2

The following projects are those normally exempt processed by each department. If the project is not listed it is probably not exempt. Consultation with environmental staff will determine on a case-by-case basis which projects are actually exempt. (Refer to CEQA 15301)

A. Exempt Projects (Planning Department):

1. Lot line adjustment;

2. Setback variance;

3. Director's determinations;

4. Review of building plans for Zoning Code compliance;

5. Parking lots less than twenty (20) spaces;

6. Zoning Enforcement.

B. Exempt Projects (Public Works):

1. Street repair in existing right-of-way;

2. New traffic control devices including painting curbs or stripes, traffic signs or traffic signals and changes in speed limits;

3. Extension of public utilities to serve less than four (4) units;

4. Encroachment permits (less than 3 feet);

5. Dead tree removal;

6. Acceptance of voluntary dedication (except on collector or arterial streets);

7. Grading Permits of less than 200 cubic yards for which a Soils Engineer is not required.

C. Exempt Projects (Building Department):

1. All Building Permits (excluding demolition permits) not covered by Site Plan or Use Permit;

2. Building Code Enforcement.

D. Exempt Projects (Energy Department):

1. Hydroelectric projects at existing facilities (5 megawatts or less);

2. Cogeneration projects at existing facilities (50 megawatts or less).

E. Exempt Projects (County Counsel):

1. All litigation, opinions and legal reports.

F. Exempt Projects (Parks and Facilities):

1. Purchase of land in its natural state for parks if the land is in its natural state, or contains a historic site or archaeological site, and either no management plan is prepared or said plan will keep the area in a natural state or preserve the historic site or archaeological site.

G. Exempt Projects (Auditor's Office):

1. Budget;

2. Sale of Government property (except parks or areas of critical concern);

3. Purchasing equipment;

4. Financial investments (Treasurer).

H. Exempt Projects (County Clerk-Recorder):

1. Business License issuance;

2. Minutes and Agenda preparation;

3. Keeping of files.

I. Other Exemptions:

1. Grant applications (excluding actual physical work) or as required by granting agency;

2. Personnel matters;

3. Routine or legislatively prescribed administrative or ministerial duties.