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Planning Department - Environmental Review
Why is environmental review required?
The California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) was enacted by the state legislature in 1979 to ensure that
the environmental
effects of public and private projects have been examined
before a decision is made to approve a project. CEQA declares
that it is state policy "to develop and maintain a high
quality environment now and in the future, and take all actions
necessary to protect, rehabilitate and enhance the environmental
quality of the state."
CEQA requires the City of Rancho Cucamonga
to disclose, consider, and, when possible, avoid or reduce
the significant environmental
effects of projects.
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Who does it affect?
All new development projects must comply
with CEQA. Based upon what is know about the project and the
site, the City will
determine which type of environmental review is required
under California law. Some smaller projects, such as room
additions, are defined by CEQA as "categorically exempt" from
environmental review by CEQA. The issuance of minor permits
that do not involve discretion are considered "ministerial
actions" and are exempt from CEQA review. A complete
list of exemptions is found in the state CEQA Guidelines,
which is available in the Planning Division.
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How does it work?
The City, acting as the "Lead Agency" under CEQA,
prepares an Initial Study, a checklist of the projects environmental
impacts. Staff will answer a series of questions about the
project and the site, visit the project site, and consult other
environmental studies. The Initial Study determines if the
project may have a significant effect on the environment. The
applicant may be required to submit, or pay for the preparation
of, additional environmental studies, such as geologic reports,
noise studies, traffic impact analysis, and drainage studies.
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What is a Negative Declaration?
Where the Initial Study shows that the proposed
project is not likely to result in any significant environmental
effects,
the City adopts a Negative Declaration. Where the Initial
Study identifies potentially significant impacts, but the
project design is revised or mitigation measures are included
so that the impacts are avoided or reduced to a level of
insignificance, the City adopts a "mitigated" Negative
Declaration.
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When is an EIR required?
If significant environmental effect is expected
requiring further study, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
is required.
The applicant will pay for the costs of preparing the EIR.
The EIR must be reviewed by the decison makers, usually
the Planning Commission or City Council, prior to project approval.
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What is a mitigation measure?
Any action, feature, modification or requirement
intended to eliminate or reduce the significant environmental
effects
of a project. Mitigation measures may be incorporated into
a project design or become conditions of approval.
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Where can I get help?
For help in complying with California environmental regulations:
California Office of Permit Assistance
(916)322-4245
Consultants specializing in environmental issues are available
by checking your phone directory.
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