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Contact

Julia Pujo
Environmental Analyst
(805) 564-5470 x 4467
JPujo@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Title

Environmental Review Project Guidance

Body

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the environmental protection law most frequently applied to land use decisions. CEQA is a complex law with a simple purpose: to assure that decision makers understand and account for the environmental consequences of a project.

Sections
Screening Checklist
Archaeological Resources Guide
MAPS

What Type of Review is Required?

1
Is the Project Subject to CEQA

Only discretionary applications are subject to environmental review.

2
Does an Exemption Apply?

A project may be exempt from CEQA under state law or regulations.

3
Is an Initial Study Required?

If not exempt, planning staff will prepare an initial study and make one of these determinations:

  • Negative Declaration. If the initial study shows that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, a negative declaration will be prepared and circulated for public comment.
  • Mitigated Negative Declaration. A mitigated negative declaration may be prepared if revisions are made to avoid or mitigate the significant effects.
  • Environmental Impact Report. If significant environmental effects cannot be mitigated, an environmental impact report must be prepared. Decision-makers must adopt a "statement of overriding considerations" explaining the specific social or economic factors they considered to approve the project in spite of the environmental concerns.