Site Approval: CEQA

AB 972 (Calderon) became effective October 13, 2001. This bill changed the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) public review and approval process. These changes are not yet reflected on this website. Please contact the SFPD representative assigned to your county, or the DTSC, for more information on the effects of AB 972. This website is being updated to reflect the changes made by AB 972 and AB 1367 (Wiggins). AB 1367 takes effect on January 1, 2002.

Below is some basic information about the CEQA review process.

• What the Process Involves
• What Should Already Be Done
• Who to Hire
• Who Needs a CEQA Review
• Who Reviews the CEQA Report
• How Long the Process Takes

What the Process Involves

Completing the CEQA review process involves:

• Performing a CEQA "Initial Study" of the site
• Producing a Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review by the public and various State agencies
• Responding to concerns generated by the report

What Should Already Be Done

Your school district has:

• Determined its need for new facilities
• Received verification of eligibility for State funding
• Obtained approved financial hardship status, if your district is applying for financial hardship assistance
• Selected its preferred site
• Completed a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment (Phase 1), including completing a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA), if required

Who to Hire

Usually, your school district will need to employ an environmental consulting company or other firm that specializes in CEQA reviews. In rare instances, your district may have its own resources for performing the review.

Who Needs a CEQA Review

CEQA applies to "projects" proposed to be undertaken or requiring approval by State and local government agencies. "Projects" are activities with the potential to have a physical impact on the environment. This would include most school construction projects.

The school district is the "lead agency" under CEQA for all school projects. That means that your district determines if its planned activities constitute a "project" under CEQA, and whether the project is exempt from CEQA for any reason.

You can find CEQA statutes, and guidelines for your school district in its role as a lead agency, on the California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) website at http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa.

Who Reviews the CEQA Report

The State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit (SCH) and various other State agencies review your district's CEQA report. The SCH determines which agencies need to be involved.

CEQA regulations require school districts to notify interested parties of the availability of the CEQA report. Interested parties may include the local water board, residents of the surrounding area, etc. For details on CEQA notification requirements, please visit the CERES website at http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa.

How Long the Process Takes

Usually, Noticed Public Review and State agency review of your district's CEQA report is completed within 30 days for a Negative Declaration or 45 days for an EIR.