What is the purpose of CEQA?

The purpose of CEQA and environmental review at any level is to:

  • Disclose to the public, interested agencies and decision makers the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project.
  • Enhance public participation in the environmental review process through scoping meetings, public notices, public review and comment periods, and public hearings.
  • Facilitate interagency coordination through notices of preparation, notices of availability, and State Clearinghouse review.
  • Minimize project impacts on the environment through development of project alternatives, mitigation measures, and mitigation monitoring during project implementation.
  • Publicly disclose the city’s decision-making process through findings and statements of overriding consideration (if significant and unavoidable impacts are identified and the project is approved).

Show All Answers

1. What is the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)?
2. What is the purpose of CEQA?
3. What are the different levels of CEQA review?
4. How is the level of review determined?
5. Why is an EIR being prepared for projects in the Bayfront Area when the ConnectMenlo General Plan EIR considered the potential environmental impacts from the land use changes?
6. How can the community get involved in the CEQA process?
7. What do the decision-makers do with the environmental document?
8. What are the steps in the EIR process?