What is CEQA and Environmental Review?
CEQA stands for the California Environmental Quality Act. It is a state law that establishes a procedure for all California public agencies (i.e. City of Temecula) evaluating the environmental effects of a proposed project (whether public or private). CEQA is used to reduce or eliminate any significant negative impacts or effects on the environment which could occur from an approved project.
CEQA applies to all projects that require discretionary approval, unless the project is determined to be exempt. A discretionary project is one that requires the exercise of judgment or deliberation by a public agency in determining whether the project will be approved, or if a permit will be issued. For example, if you want to construct a new building or subdivide your property – these are discretionary projects because the City must review the proposal before issuing an approval or permit. CEQA also applies to decisions that could lead to indirect impacts, such as making changes to local codes, policies, and general and specific plans.
Usually CEQA does not apply to projects that are only subject to ministerial approval. A ministerial project is one that requires a public official to determine only that the project conforms with applicable zoning and building code requirements and that applicable fees have been paid. Some examples of projects that are generally ministerial include sign permits, roof replacements, interior alterations to residences, and landscaping changes.
Generally, what is the CEQA Process?
Process Overview:
Know your property:Be aware of what is on your property! Do you have sensitive species or are you in a flood zone? Use our GIS Mapping tools to see if any potential issues are on your land.
Are you subject to CEQA?:
If you are proposing to add a new building to a vacant property, subdivide land, or even complete a façade improvement to your business, you are subject to CEQA. There are different levels of CEQA which include: Exemptions, Initial Studies, and Environmental Impact Reports.
Please contact the Planning Department at 951-694-6400 for more information on your individual project. CEQA may require additional information and/or professional studies to be submitted.
Don’t forget about MSHCP! The Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) was established in March of 2004. The plan encompasses 1.2 million acres in the western Riverside County and is designated to protect 146 species. The process relies on two differing categories of land, those within a criteria cell and those who are not within criteria cells.
Is your property within a MSHCP criteria cell? Click here to find out. (external link)
Some of the benefits of MSHCP include:
- Local control of the environmental process
- Certainty of the development process
- Open space secured
- Compliance with MSHCP will provide CEQA mitigation for covered species for private and public projects.
Additional helpful documents: