Attachment 5 - Additional Information from the Appellant, received October 21, 2021CEQA Requirements
17200 Los Robles Way Lot Line Adjustment Application
Alison Steer-304 Harding Ave, Los Gatos
ATTACHMENT 5
List of
Supporting
Exhibits
Exhibit 19: CEQA Basics 08-31-2010
Exhibit 20: Exemptions Topics Paper 03-23-161
State CEQA
Guidelines
Section
15604(d)
Determining the Significance of the Environmental Effects Caused by a Project
In evaluating the significance of the environmental effect of a project, the lead agency
shall consider direct physical changes in the environment which may be caused by the
project and reasonably foreseeable indirect physical changes in the environment which
may be caused by the project.
(1)A direct physical change in the environment is a physical change in the environment
which is caused by and immediately related to the project. Examples of direct physical
changes in the environment are the dust, noise, and traffic of heavy equipment that
would result from construction of a sewage treatment plant and possible odors from
operation of the plant.
(2)An indirect physical change in the environment is a physical change in the
environment which is not immediately related to the project, but which is caused
indirectly by the project. If a direct physical change in the environment in turn causes
another change in the environment, then the other change is an indirect physical change
in the environment. For example, the construction of a new sewage treatment plant may
facilitate population growth in the service area due to the increase in sewage treatment
capacity and may lead to an increase in air pollution.
(3)An indirect physical change is to be considered only if that change is a reasonably
foreseeable impact which may be caused by the project. A change which is speculative or
unlikely to occur is not reasonably foreseeable.
Summary of
State CEQA
Guidelines
Section
15604(f) and
(g)
Section 15064(f)(1) indicates that if a lead agency is presented with a fair argument that
a project may have a significant effect on the environment, the lead agency shall
prepare an EIR even though it may also be presented with other substantial evidence
that the project will not have a significant effect. Section 15064(g) states that after
application of the principles set forth above in section 15064(f), and in marginal cases
where it is not clear whether there is substantial evidence that a project may have a
significant effect on the environment, the lead agency shall be guided by the following
principle: “If there is disagreement among expert opinion supported by facts over the
significance of an effect on the environment, the Lead Agency shall treat the effect as
significant and shall prepare an EIR.”
Santa Clara
County Online
Property
Profile
APN
532-36-075
Santa Clara
County Online
Property
Profile
APN
532-36-076
Required
Findings from
DRC and
Planning
Commission
Required
Findings by
DRC and
Planning
Commission
17200 Los Robles
Way LLA
application is not
Categorically
Exempt from
CEQA
17200 Los Robles Way lot line adjustment application M-20-012 is not
categorically exempt from CEQA. CEQA Class 5, “Minor Alterations in
Land Use Limitations,” exemption per Section 15305 of the CEQA
Guidelines excludes slopes >20% and lot line adjustments that result in
changes to land use density.
17200 Los Robles Way has 26% average slope.
Per Exhibit 21:
Exemptions
Topics Paper
03-23-161
Common Sense Exemption
When an action or project does not fall within any statutory or
categorical exemption, yet it can still be seen with certainty that there is
no possibility that the activity may have a significant impact on the
environment, the general rule exemption or common sense exemption
applies.
According to the State CEQA Guidelines, “Where it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may
have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to
CEQA” [State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)]. When determining
whether this project applies to a project, please note the use of the
words “with certainty” and “no possibility.” A Lead Agency’s
determination that the general rule exemption applies must be
supported with factual evidence.
Per Exhibit 22:
CEQA Basics
08-31-2010
Lead Agency determines if this is a Project. If the Project is not statutory or
categorically exempt-> Lead agency to prepare Initial Study. Determines
whether there is no significant impact , significant impacts reduced to less
than significant levels, or potentially significant impacts. If all impacts are
not significant or mitigated to a less than significant level, a Negative
Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared. If any
significant impact is identified and cannot be mitigated, an EIR must be
prepared.
17200 Los Robles
Way Project
should not be
exempted from
CEQA
17200 Los Robles Way Project should not be exempt from CEQA because there
is reasonable possibility that the project will have a significant adverse effect
on the environment due to unusual circumstances.
Based on the Santa Clara County Property Profile for 17200 Los Robles Way and previously submitted
JCP reports, we believe this Project is located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would
become unstable as a result of the Project, and potentially result in on-or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. In addition, there is potential that this project would
expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury,
or death involving landslides
There is a reasonably foreseeable future development which will result in indirect physical
changes in the environment.
Per CEQA Section 15604 (g) “After application of the principles set forth above in Section
15064(f), and in marginal cases where it is not clear whether there is substantial evidence
that a project may have a significant effect on the environment, the lead agency shall be
guided by the following principle: If there is disagreement among expert opinion
supported by facts over the significance of an effect on the environment, the Lead Agency
shall treat the effect as significant and shall prepare an EIR.”
Note: No Initial Study was performed on 17200 Los Robles Way, or Negative
Declaration Prepared
The California Environmental Quality ActyCEQA BASICSPrepared for:Orange County Department of EducationPrepared by:Orange County Department of Education | The Planning CenterContact: DWAYNE MEARS, AICP – Principal714.966.9220 | dmears@planningcenter.com
The BeginningCEQA / Environmental Process1969: President Nixon signs NationalThe Beginning1969: President Nixon signs National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)1970: Governor Reagan signs California E i t l Q lit A t (CEQA)Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)Orange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
ApplicabilityCEQA / Environmental ProcessCEQA applies to‘all’projects subject toApplicabilityCEQA applies to all projects subject to public agency discretionary actionOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Objectives of CEQACEQA / Environmental ProcessProtect the EnvironmentObjectives of CEQASeek ways to avoid or minimize environmental damageGenerally, through mitigation measures and alternativesP bli Di lPublic DisclosureInform decision makers about the environmental consequencesDisclose to the public why decisions were madeOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
The RulesCEQA / Environmental ProcessThe StatuteThe RulesPublic Resources Code §§ 21000-21178The GuidelinesCalifornia Code of Regulations Title 14, §15000 et seq.The CourtsOngoing case lawOrange County Department of Education | The Planning CenterCEQA Statute and Guidelines available online for free: http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa/
Agency RolesCEQA / Environmental ProcessLead Agency Agency Rolesgyhas primary approval authority over the projectResponsible Agencyhas approval authority over some aspect of projectTrustee Agencyhas authority over some resources (e.g., CA Department of Fish & Game)Orange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Four Phases of CEQACEQA / Environmental Process1.Preliminary ReviewFour Phases of CEQAy2.Initial Study (IS)3.Negative Declaration (ND) / Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) / Environmental Impact Report (EIR)4.Project Consideration/Approval4.Project Consideration/ApprovalOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
The CEQA ProcessCEQA / Environmental ProcessThe CEQA ProcessOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Part I: Preliminary ReviewCEQA / Environmental ProcessPart I: Preliminary ReviewOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Exempt from CEQA?CEQA / Environmental ProcessThree Types of Exemptions:Exempt from CEQA?yp p1. Statutorial blanket exemptions given by Legislature2. Categorical types or classes of projects determined by Secretary of Resources Agency not to have significant impactgy g p3. “Common Sense” RuleCEQA applies only to projects with potential for significant impact on environmentimpact on environmentOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Exempt from CEQA? Statutorial ExemptionsCEQA / Environmental ProcessOngoing projectsExempt from CEQA? Statutorial ExemptionsggpjEmergency RepairsFeasibility and Planning StudiesMinisterial Approvals (absence of discretion)School closures (where actions at receiving schools are exempt)are exempt)OthersOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Exempt from CEQA? Categorical ExemptionsCEQA / Environmental ProcessClass 1: Existing FacilitiesExempt from CEQA? Categorical ExemptionsClass 2: Replacement or ReconstructionClass 3: New construction/minor conversion of small structuresClass 4: Minor alterations to landClass 14: Minor additions to schools but limited to:Class 14: Minor additions to schools, but limited to:• 10 classrooms, or• 25% net capacity increase, whichever is lessA total of 30+ categoriesOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Exempt from CEQA? Categorical ExemptionsCEQA / Environmental ProcessEven where project falls within one of the exemption Exempt from CEQA? Categorical Exemptionspj pclasses, the exemption is not permitted if one of these exceptions is triggered:•Sensitive location•Sensitive location• Cumulative impact• Significant impact•Scenic highways•Scenic highways• Hazardous waste sites• Historic resourcesOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Part II: Prepare Initial StudyCEQA / Environmental ProcessPart II: Prepare Initial StudyOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
CEQA Checklist TopicsCEQA / Environmental ProcessCEQA Checklist TopicsAestheticsAgriculture and Forestry ResourcesAir QualityBiological ResourcesCultural ResourcesGeology and SoilsGreenhouse Gas EmissionsHazards and Hazardous MaterialsHydrology and Water QualityOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
CEQA Checklist TopicsCEQA / Environmental ProcessCEQA Checklist TopicsLand Use and PlanningMineral ResourcesNoisePopulationPublic ServicesRecreationTransportation/Traffic Utilities and Service SystemsMandatory Findings of SignificanceOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
CEQA Checklist TopicsCEQA / Environmental ProcessThis is the first page of the CEQA Checklist. The appropriate box must beCEQA Checklist Topicsappropriate box must be checked and supporting documentation justifying the determination must be provided.If any significant impact is identified and cannot be mitigated, an EIR must be preparedprepared. If all impacts are not significant or mitigated to a less than significant level a Negativesignificant level, a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared.Orange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Determining Significant ImpactsCEQA / Environmental Process“Significant Impact”Determining Significant Impactsgpa substantial or potentially substantial adverse change in physical conditions“L th Si ifi t I t”“Less than Significant Impact”a change in physical conditions that is not substantialOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Determining Significant ImpactsCEQA / Environmental ProcessNo Significant Impacts:Determining Significant ImpactsgpNegative Declaration (ND)Significant Impacts Can be Mitigated to Less than gp gSignificant: Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)Some impacts cannot be avoided or mitigated:Environmental Impact Report (EIR)Orange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Determining Significance of Cumulative ImpactsCEQA / Environmental Process“Considerable” Contribution to Cumulative ImpactDetermining Significance of Cumulative ImpactsNot Cumulatively Considerable if:• Project’s contribution substantially reducedP j t ld l ith iti ti•Project would comply with mitigation programOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Part III: Prepare ND or EIRCEQA / Environmental ProcessPart III: Prepare ND or EIROrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Contents of Negative Declaration or MNDCEQA / Environmental ProcessBrief Description of project, location, proponent’s Contents of Negative Declaration or MNDnameProposed finding that the project will have No Significant ImpactSignificant ImpactInitial Study (IS) documenting basis for findingMitigation Measures (MND only)Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Plan (MND only)Orange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Major Steps for an ND/MNDCEQA / Environmental ProcessWhere no significant impacts will occur:Major Steps for an ND/MNDgpNegative Declaration• Circulate ND and ISSh t i (2030 d )•Short review (20-30 days)• No significant impactsMitigated Negative DeclarationMitigated Negative Declaration• Circulate MND and IS• Short review (20-30 days)•Impacts mitigated to Less than Significant impact•Impacts mitigated to Less than Significant impactOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Contents of an Environmental Impact ReportCEQA / Environmental ProcessWhere significant impacts are possible:Contents of an Environmental Impact Reportgpp• Table of Contents• Summary•Project Descriptionjp• Environmental Setting• Consideration and discussion of Impacts• Significance Thresholds•Significant Effects•Significant Effects• Mitigation Measures• Alternatives• Cumulative Impacts• Significant Irreversible Changes• Growth-Inducing Impacts• Effects Found Not to be Significant•Organizations/Persons ConsultedOrange County Department of Education | The Planning CenterOrganizations/Persons Consulted
Major Steps with an Environmental Impact ReportCEQA / Environmental ProcessNotice of Preparation for 30 days (typically circulated Major Steps with an Environmental Impact Reportpy(ypywith IS)Scoping meeting required under certain circumstancescircumstancesDraft EIR circulated for 45 days with Notice of Completion and Notice of AvailabilityPublic Hearings on Draft EIR are discretionaryOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Major Steps with an Environmental Impact Report(continued)CEQA / Environmental ProcessProposed responses to comments sent to responding Major Steps with an Environmental Impact Report (continued)pp pgpublic agencies 10 days prior to certificationPublic hearing generally held for discretionary approvalapprovalEIR certification, project approval, CEQA findings, statement of overriding considerationsgNotice of Determination is filed, which starts 30-day statute of limitationsOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Part IV: Decision MakingCEQA / Environmental ProcessPart IV: Decision MakingOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Final Steps for an ND/MNDCEQA / Environmental ProcessPublic hearing generally held for discretionary Final Steps for an ND/MNDgg y yapprovalND or MND is approvedMitigation monitoring and reporting plan is approved (for MND only)Notice of Determination is filed, which begins the 30-day statute of limitationsOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
Final Steps for an EIRCEQA / Environmental ProcessFindingsFinal Steps for an EIRgMitigation Monitoring PlanStatement of Overriding ConsiderationsStatement of Overriding ConsiderationsProject ApprovalFile Notice of DeterminationFile Notice of Determination30-Day Statute of LimitationsOrange County Department of Education | The Planning Center
1
CEQA Portal Topic Paper
Exemptions
What Is An Exemption?
While CEQA requires compliance for all discretionary actions taken by government agencies, it
also carves out specific individual projects and classes of projects for which compliance with
CEQA is not required. These are called exemptions. If a project fits within one of the specified
exemptions, the Lead Agency need not prepare an Initial Study or any other CEQA document.
Exemptions are intended to save time and cost related to CEQA compliance for certain activities
and projects, including those that the California Legislature or the California Secretary of Natural
Resources determined would not have a significant impact on the environment.
There are three types of exemptions available under CEQA: statutory, categorical, and the
“general rule” or “common sense” exemption. Statutory exemptions are granted by the
California Legislature for individual or classes of projects, and apply regardless of the
environmental impacts of the project for state policy reasons. In contrast, categorical
exemptions are classes of projects exempted from CEQA because the California Secretary of
Natural Resources has determined that they typically do not have substantial impacts on the
environment. The “general rule” or “common sense” exemption applies to projects that don’t fit
within a statutory or categorical exemption, but where it can be clearly demonstrated that the
project has no potential to have significant environmental effects.
In addition, there is a fourth type of exemption available only to certain state agencies, a
Certified State Regulatory Program exemption. The Certified Regulatory Program exemption is
not a complete exemption from CEQA requirements, but rather the substitution of a “CEQA-
equivalent document” for what CEQA would otherwise require.
Although not an exemption in the same sense as otherwise discussed in this Topic Paper,
CEQA has the potential to be preempted under federal law, for example, for private rail projects
authorized by the Federal Surface Transportation Board under the Interstate Commerce
Commission Termination Act. (See, Town of Atherton v. California High-Speed Rail Authority
(2014) 228 Cal.App.4th 314 and cases cited therein.)
Why Are Exemptions Important?
Exemptions are important for lead agencies, as the proper use of exemptions can save time and
money in processing qualifying projects, including both public projects undertaken by the
agency itself and private development projects. However, the improper application of an
exemption to a project deprives decision makers and the public of information about project
impacts. It also opens the Lead Agency to delays in project implementation if, as a result of a
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successful legal challenge, the agency is ordered to rescind its approvals and complete CEQA
review for the project.
What are the Different Types of Exemptions?
Statutory and categorical exemptions include individual projects and defined classes of projects
that are exempt from CEQA. These two types of exemptions differ in purpose and intent.
However, the most notable difference between them is that statutory exemptions are absolute –
when a project qualifies for a statutory exemption, CEQA absolutely does not apply. In contrast,
categorical exemptions are subject to a variety of “exceptions.” If an exception applies to an
otherwise categorically exempt project, the project must go through CEQA review even if it
otherwise qualifies for a categorical exemption.
Statutory Exemptions
The State Legislature can adopt laws that totally exempt certain projects from CEQA. Many of
the individual projects and project types that have been granted statutory exemptions are listed
in Public Resources Code Sections 21080 et seq., and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15261
through 15285. Still more statutory exemptions can be found in other sections of the Public
Resources Code, or in other California Codes including the California Education Code, Fish and
Game Code, Government Code, Health and Safety Code, and Water Code.
Projects covered by statutory exemptions may include those that could result in significant
environmental effects, but for which the Legislature has determined that the benefits of these
projects to the state or a particular community outweigh the benefits of complying with CEQA.
For example, the Legislature created an exemption for hosting the Olympic Games in 1984 in
Los Angeles, which brought the City over $200 million in revenue.
Statutory exemptions range from the broad to the specific. Statutory exemptions that apply to
broad categories of actions include:
• Ministerial Projects, where the Lead Agency uses objective standards and little or no
judgment in its decision-making. For example, approval of most building permits consists of
reviewing objective standards as outlined in the City Zoning Code and California Building
Code [CEQA Statute Sections 21080(b)(1) and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15268 and
15369].1
• Emergency Projects, where urgency is required to implement projects that reduce threats to
health and property [CEQA Statute Sections 21080(b)(2)-(4) and State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15269].
1 See also the CEQA Triggers Topic Paper.
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• Disapproved Projects, where an agency declines to approve a project or commence an
action [Public Resource Code Section 21080(b)(5) and State CEQA Guidelines Section
15270(a)].
In addition, the following more specific types of actions or projects are also exempt by statute:
• An ongoing project (that was in place before CEQA was passed);
• Feasibility and planning studies (where there are no physical facilities or improvements
proposed to be constructed at the time the plan is approved, assumes future CEQA
compliance of actual facilities proposed to be constructed);
• Discharge requirements;
• Timberland preserves;
• Adoption of Local Coastal Plans and Programs;
• Granting a General Plan time extension (although approval of a General Plan itself
usually requires preparation of a programmatic EIR);
• Financial assistance to low or moderate income housing;
• Early activities related to thermal power plants (does not apply to actual construction of
the power plant);
• Olympic games (originally meant for Los Angeles in 1984 but could apply to other
locations and other times, if necessary);
• Setting rates, tolls, fares, and charges (as long as they are not tied to constructing new
physical facilities);
• Family day care homes (applies to residential structures in residential areas);
• Specified mass transit projects;
• State and regional transportation improvement programs (RTIP);
• Projects located outside California (or portions of projects that lie outside; the portions
that are inside the state must comply);
• Application of coatings (may still be subject to local air district permitting);
• Certain types of pipeline work;
• Air quality permits; and
• Other miscellaneous actions per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15282 (a list of 22
specific actions or projects is provided in sub-sections a through v).
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Important Note: A Lead Agency contemplating using one of these exemptions should carefully
review both the Public Resources Code and the State CEQA Guidelines to determine whether
specific criteria apply that may or may not be applicable to their proposed project. For example,
some statutory exemptions have special noticing requirements that do not apply to others.
Additionally, some statutory exemptions are partial exemptions and, therefore, a Lead Agency
should be aware of the scope of any applicable statutory exemption.
Categorical Exemptions
Unlike statutory exemptions, which are adopted by the California Legislature and placed in the
California statutes, categorical exemptions are adopted by the California Secretary for Natural
Resources and incorporated into the State CEQA Guidelines.
Through Public Resources Code Section 21084, the California Legislature directed the
Secretary of Natural Resources to include within the State CEQA Guidelines a list of project
“classes” which the Secretary determines do not have a significant effect on the environment
and therefore shall be exempt from CEQA review.
State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 through 15333 describe the following 33 “classes” of
Categorical Exemptions (referred to as Class 1, Class 2, etc.):
1. Existing facilities;
2. Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities;
3. New construction or conversion of small structures;
4. Minor alterations to land;
5. Minor alterations in land use limitations;
6. Information collection;
7. Actions by regulatory agencies for protection of natural resources;
8. Actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment;
9. Inspections;
10. Loans;
11. Accessory structures;
12. Surplus government property sales;
13. Acquisition of lands for wildlife conservation purposes;
14. Minor additions to schools;
15. Minor land divisions;
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16. Transfer of ownership of land in order to create parks;
17. Open space contracts or easements;
18. Designation of wilderness areas;
19. Annexations of existing facilities and lots for exempt facilities;
20. Changes in organization of local agencies;
21. Enforcement actions by regulatory agencies;
22. Educational or training programs involving no physical changes;
23. Normal operations of facilities for public gatherings;
24. Regulations of working conditions;
25. Transfers of ownership of interest in land to preserve existing natural conditions and
historical resources;
26. Acquisition of housing for housing assistance programs;
27. Leasing new facilities;
27. Small hydroelectric projects at existing facilities;
28. Cogeneration projects at existing facilities;
30. Minor actions to prevent, minimize, stabilize, mitigate, or eliminate the release or threat
of release of hazardous waste or hazardous substances;
31. Historical resource restoration or rehabilitation;
32. In-fill development projects; and
33. Small habitat restoration projects.
Important Note: The Public Resources Code and especially the State CEQA Guidelines
provide additional detail as to when these exemptions may apply. For many of the exemptions,
the State CEQA Guidelines also provide non-exhaustive examples of the general types of
projects that would fall within the exemption class. For all categorical exemptions, it is the
responsibility of the Lead Agency to demonstrate and determine that the proposed action falls
within an exempt category, and support this determination with factual evidence.
General Rule or Common Sense Exemption
When an action or project does not fall within any statutory or categorical exemption, yet it can
still be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant
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impact on the environment, the general rule exemption or common sense exemption applies.
According to the State CEQA Guidelines, “Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the
activity is not subject to CEQA” [State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)]. When
determining whether this project applies to a project, please note the use of the words “with
certainty” and “no possibility.” A Lead Agency’s determination that the general rule exemption
applies must be supported with factual evidence.
Does My Project Qualify for an Exemption?
After it is determined that an activity or action is a “project” under CEQA (see CEQA Triggers
Topic Paper), the Lead Agency should next consider whether a specific CEQA exemption
applies. In order to determine whether a project qualifies for an exemption, the lead agency
evaluates whether the project fits into any of the statutory or categorical exemptions listed in
Articles 18 and 19 in the State CEQA Guidelines, respectively. If it is plainly clear that the
activity has no potential to result in any significant environmental impacts, a “general rule”
exemption may apply [State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)].
Statutory Exemptions
If a project matches the description of any of the statutory exemptions, no further action is
required to determine its exempt status.
Categorical Exemptions
If a project falls within any of the categorical exemption classes, the Lead Agency must next
evaluate whether any exception to the exemptions apply. These exceptions to the exemptions
define circumstances that override or negate the agency’s ability to use a categorical
exemption. In other words, if an exception applies, then the project no longer qualifies for a
categorical exemption and the Lead Agency must proceed to complete CEQA review. The
exceptions are described in Public Resources Code Section 21084(c), (d), and (e) and State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2. These exceptions apply (and therefore a categorical
exemption does not apply) where:
• The project is located in a sensitive environment such that the project may impact an
officially mapped and designated environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern2;
• The cumulative effect of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time,
is significant;
• The project may have a significant environmental impact due to unusual circumstances;
2 Note: This exception only applies where the Lead Agency is looking to use the Class 3 (existing facilities), Class 4
(minor alterations to land), Class 5 (minor alterations in land use limitations), Class 6 (information collection), or Class
11 (accessory structures) exemptions. This exception does not apply to any other categorical exemption.
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• The project may damage scenic resources (i.e. trees, historic buildings, or rock
outcroppings) within an official state scenic highway;
• The project is located on a hazardous waste site; or
• The project may a cause substantial adverse change to a historical resource.
If any of these exceptions pertain to the project or the project site, the agency or governmental
unit cannot use a categorical exemption and must instead proceed with environmental review
under CEQA.
Important Notes
Where a project cannot be fairly said to fall within one of the categorical exemption classes, or
where a Lead Agency cannot support its determination that a categorical exemption applies with
facts and evidence, the use of the exemption may be challenged in court. If a court determines
that the exemption was used in error, the Lead Agency will usually be required to rescind its
project approvals unless and until it completes an Initial Study, and re-approves the project
based on either a negative declaration, a mitigated negative declaration, or an environmental
impact report.
In addition, a project cannot be “mitigated into an exemption” by adding measures or controls
during the project’s approval process to avoid identified potential environmental impacts.
However, sometimes it can be unclear whether an element is a mitigation measure added to the
project to reduce a potential impact, or whether it is a project feature or a part of the project’s
design. Project design features, in contrast to mitigation measures, may be considered in
determining whether a project qualifies for a categorical exemption. Typically, if a measure or
feature was not originally contemplated in the project’s design, but was added in response to an
identified potential impact, best practice is to consider it to be a mitigation measure, and not
attempt to apply a CEQA exemption.
Can a Lead Agency Use More Than One Categorical
Exemption?
Yes, a Lead Agency may apply multiple categorical exemptions to a single project, as long as
each cited exemption applies to the project in full. This is sometimes referred to as “layering.”
Generally, the entire project must qualify for each exemption – a Lead Agency cannot
“piecemeal” a project by separating it out into smaller pieces, and then use different exemptions
to exempt each “piece.”
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What are the Process Requirements for an
Exemption?
There are no specific procedures for a Lead Agency to follow prior to approving a project that is
exempt from CEQA. Under CEQA, use of an exemption does not require prior public notice,
does not require a public comment period, and does not require special findings.3
After approval of a project, the lead agency may, but is not required to prepare and file a Notice
of Exemption (NOE) with the County Clerk’s office. The NOE must include a brief description of
the project, a finding that the project is exempt, citations to the exemptions that are being relied
upon, and an explanation of why the project qualifies for the exemption(s). Unlike other CEQA
notices and documents, NOEs are not subject to public review or circulation.
The principal benefit of filing an NOE, is that it reduces the statute of limitations for filing a legal
challenge to the project from 180 days after project approval to 35 days after filing of the NOE.
Thus, filing an NOE reduces the timeframe within which a project is susceptible to legal
challenge. Therefore, even if it is not required by CEQA, filing an NOE as soon after approval of
an exempted project is good practice.
If a lead agency chooses to file a NOE, it must do so after the project is approved. The NOE is
filed with the County Clerk4, who posts it within 24 hours of receiving it, and who must keep it
posted for 30 days. The 35-day statute of limitations does not begin until the NOE has been
filed. If no NOE is filed, the 180-day statute of limitations applies from the date the project is
approved.
Appendix E of the State CEQA Guidelines contains a recommended NOE form. The form can
also be found online at http://www.opr.ca.gov/s_ceqadocumentsubmission.php.
If My Project is Exempt, Do I Need to Prepare an
IS/MND or EIR?
Once a Lead Agency determines that an exemption applies to a project, no further CEQA
compliance or environmental review is required.
3 However, a Local Agency’s own local CEQA Guidelines or municipal code may have more requirements. In
addition, for strategic reasons, a Lead Agency may wish to provide public notice and allow for public comment prior to
relying on an exemption. Doing so may limit who can later file a lawsuit against the use of the exemption, and upon
which grounds a lawsuit can be based. 4 Some statutory exemptions (the statutory agricultural housing exemption, affordable housing exemption, and
residential infill exemption) also require filing with the State Clearinghouse.
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Categorical Exclusions Under NEPA
NEPA provides for “categorical exclusions” rather than exemptions for projects or actions that
can be demonstrated to have no potential for significant environmental impacts. However, unlike
CEQA, NEPA allows each federal agency or governmental unit to define its own unique list of
exclusions. This means that each federal agency may have some exclusions that are similar
and some that are different, sometimes very different, from those of other agencies. This allows
each agency or governmental unit to establish exclusions that are specifically tailored to the
needs of the agency and the resources for which it is responsible.
As with categorical exemptions under CEQA, the NEPA categorical exclusion allows federal
agencies and governmental units to concentrate their NEPA compliance efforts on actions that
could have a significant impact on the environment, while minimizing time, effort, and budget
expended on administrative or minor actions that would not have a significant impact on the
environment. It allows the agencies and governmental units to conduct their daily business in an
efficient manner while still protecting important natural resources.
Exemptions in a Joint CEQA/NEPA Document
In cases where both a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA and a Categorical Exemption under
CEQA may apply, the agencies should coordinate to ensure that the consideration of potential
effects is consistent with the review of extraordinary circumstances or exceptions. (Council on
Environmental Quality and Governor’s Office of Planning and Research 2014).
Both NEPA and CEQA also provide for certain statutory exemptions. As acts of Congress and
of the California Legislature, NEPA and CEQA are subject to exceptions also enacted by
Congress or the Legislature. The exemptions can be complete, limited, or conditional depending
on the statutory language in the exemption. Many CEQA statutory exemptions are contained
within CEQA while others are found in other laws. The NEPA statutory exemptions are
contained in other laws.
Areas of Controversy Regarding Exemptions?
The Unusual Circumstances Exception
Before the recent California Supreme Court case Berkeley Hillside Preservation v. City of
Berkeley (2015) 60 Cal. 4th 1086, California courts had applied the unusual circumstances
exception to the use of categorical exemptions in different ways. Some courts viewed the
exception as rather narrow – applying only when there is evidence there were unusual
circumstances surrounding the project and evidence that these unusual circumstances may
result in a significant impact to the environment. Other courts viewed the exception as being
broader – applying anytime there is a fair argument that the project may result in a significant
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impact. In Berkeley Hillside Preservation, the Supreme Court held that the exception was
narrow, and applied only when it can be shown that both unusual circumstances are present,
and those unusual circumstances lead to a reasonable possibility the project could result in a
significant impact. However, the court also adopted a rather complicated test for determining
when either of these requirements are present. The agency’s determination that an unusual
circumstance does not apply need only be supported by substantial evidence. However, once
the agency has found that an unusual circumstance does apply, if there is substantial evidence
to support a fair argument that a significant impact might occur as a result of that unusual
circumstance, the categorical exemption cannot be used. Because the case is so recent, it
remains to be seen how easily the lower courts will apply this test, and how this case will impact
application of exemptions and exceptions to the exemptions in the future.
Use of More Than One Exemption
At least one court has determined that 2 exemptions can be combined to exempt a project, and
each exemption is not required to cover the whole project, so long as the whole project is
covered by the combined exemptions. Surfrider v. California Coastal Commission (1994) 26
Cal.App.4th 151.
Important Cases
The following published cases involve issues related to CEQA exemptions:
• Berkeley Hillside Preservation v. City of Berkeley (2015) 60 Cal. 4th 1086. California
Supreme Court holds that the mere possibility of a significant impact is not, in itself, an
unusual circumstance, and therefore is not enough to negate the application of a
categorical exemption. Court also explains the history and applicability of categorical
exemptions and the unusual circumstances exception.
• Tomlinson v. County of Alameda (2012) 54 Cal. 4th 281. California Supreme Court
holds that even if not required by CEQA, where an agency gives notice of its grounds for
an exemption determination, and the determination is preceded by public hearings giving
the public the opportunity to raise objections, CEQA’s exhaustion of administrative
remedies requirement applies. Under that requirement, only individuals and entities who
raised objections to the exemption before the agency may file a lawsuit challenging the
agency’s use of the exemption.
• Muzzy Ranch Co. v. Solano County Airport Land Use Commission (2007) 41 Cal. 4th
372. California Supreme Court holds that county adoption of a plan that embraced
existing development restrictions qualified for the “common sense exemption” because
the plan was consistent with existing general plan and zoning designations and
development controls.
• Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster v. State Water Resources Control Board (1993) 12
Cal. App. 4th 1371. Disapproved projects are not subject to the CEQA environmental
review process.
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Related CEQA Portal Topics
• Overview of the CEQA Process (To come)
• CEQA Triggers (In process)
• Lead Agency, Trustee Agencies, and Responsible Agencies
Exemptions in the CEQA Guidelines
The following sections of the CEQA Guidelines address important concepts regarding
exemptions. This is not a comprehensive list:
• Section 15061 - provides general guidance regarding exemptions from CEQA
compliance
• Section 15061(b)(3) – Describes the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects
which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
• Section 15062 – Describes the procedures for and advantages of filing a Notice of
Exemption
• Sections 15261 through 15285 – Define activities statutorily exempt from CEQA
compliance
• Section 15300.2 – Defines exceptions to categorical exemptions
• Sections 15301 through 15333 – Define activities categorically exempt from CEQA
compliance
Authors
Kent Norton, AICP, REA, LSA Associates, Inc., Kent.Norton@lsa-assoc.com
Urszula (Ula) Chrobak, LSA Associates, Inc., Urszula.Chrobak@lsa-assoc.com
Lynn Calvert-Hayes, AICP, LSA Associates, Inc., lynn.hayes@lsa-assoc.com
Craig Stevens, Stevens Consulting, craig@cdstevens.com
Reviewers
Jennifer Lynch, AICP, Best Best & Krieger LLP - Jennifer.Lynch@bbklaw.com
Kristen Castaños, Stoel Rives LLC, kristen.castanos@stoel.com
Stuart Flashman, Law Offices of Stuart Flashman - stu@stuflash.com
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Date Updated: March 23, 2016
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