CEQA STEPS DEPARTMENT ACTION DEPARTMENT LEAD RESPONSIBILITY Public agency evaluates project to determine if the project may have a significant effect on the environment. Respond to informal coordination Region Lead agency prepares initial study. Lead agency decision to prepare environmental impact report (EIR) or negative declaration. Respond to informal coordination Region Lead agency sends notice of preparation to responsible agency. Lead agency prepares draft EIR or negative declaration. Respond to notice of preparation as to contents of draft EIR or negative declaration (see Section 15082 (b) CEQA Guidelines) Region Lead agency files notice of completion and gives public notice of availability of draft of EIR or negative declaration Public review period. Comments on adequacy of draft EIR or negative declaration Region/Habitat Conservation Planning Branch (HCPB) - Advice Lead agency prepares final EIR including responses to comments on draft EIR. Decision making body considers final EIR or negative declaration prepared by lead agency. Findings on feasibility of avoiding significant environmental effects. Optional review and comment on adequacy of response and public hearing testimony. Region/HCPB Advice Decision on project. State agencies file notice of determination with OPR. Local agencies file notice of determination/ certification with County Clerk. State agencies file notice of determination with OPR. Department may challenge decision of approval under CEQA. Region/ HCPB/LAD Attorney General
CEQA Review The California Environmental Quality Act External CEQA Project Review Procedures CEQA Filing Fees Process for No Effect Determinations Federal Project Review CDFW's Internal CEQA Procedures Other Types of CEQA Project Reviews Related Links 2018 CEQA Statutes and Guidelines (PDF) CEQA FAQ (PDF) CEQA Public Notices SB 1535 (PDF) Changes in filing fees Fish and Game Code Section 711.4 and Section 713 (PDF) Legal information on filing fees