CEQA Process Flow Chart

Project

State Agencies

Lead agency files Notice of Completion and gives public notice of availability of draft EIR

Local Agencies

Lead agency prepare initial study

Lead Agency gives public notice of availability of Negative Declaration

Public Agency determins if the project is exempt

Project is ministerial

Public Review Period

Decision on project

Decision on permit

Consideration and approval of Negative Declaration by decision-making body

Lead agency decision to prepare EIR or Negative Declaration

RESPONSIBLE AQENCY

Finding on feasibility of reducing or avoiding significant environmental effects

Negative Declaration

Public Agency determines whether the activity is a \"project\"

Consultation

EIR

No further action required under CEQA

Determination of lead agency where more than one public agency is involved

Comments on adequacy of draft EIR or Negative Declaration

Public agency evaluates project to determine if there is a possibility that the project may have a significant effect on environment

Lead agency prepare final EIR inducing responses to comments on draft EIR

Decision-making body considers final EIR or Negative Declaration prepared by lead agency

Lead agency prepare draft EIR

No possible significant effect

Respond to Notice of Preparation as to contents of draft EIR

LEAD AQENCY

File Notice of Determination with County Clerk

Consideration and approval pf final EIR by decision-making body

Findings on teasibility of reducing or avoiding significant environmental effects

Not Exempt

Lead agency sends Notice of Preparation to responsible agency

Respond to informal consultation

File Notice of Determination with Office of Planning & Research

Categorical exemption

Not a Project

Notice of Exemption may be filed

File Notice of Determination with Office & Research

Possible significant effect