CEQA Streamlining

The CEQA process tends to be lengthy, sometimes taking up to 3 years or more due to litigation, protracted review and approval schedules, and general stakeholder decision-making. 

CEQA streamlining provisions typically expedite evaluation and review processes, resulting in reduced time and effort critical to project timelines.

 

Preparing for the Future

By removing obstacles and prioritizing public and community needs, the streamlining process can result in new jobs and overall economic growth. FCS is an industry-leader in CEQA Streamlining and can help you begin the process for a variety of eligible projects, including:

 

• Residential Infill (PRC Section 21080.66, SB 130): Residential projects on sites less than 20 acres located in incorporated cities or urban areas, provided they meet specific criteria related to site development, density, zoning consistency, and environmental safeguards. 
• Small Infill (Guidelines Section 15332, Class 32): Project sites less than 5 acres located in urbanized areas and served by existing utilities.
• Infill (Guidelines Section 15183.3): Site in an area analyzed in a certified EIR; can be residential or commercial.
• Affordable Housing (Section No 15194): Project site less than 5 acres with 100 or fewer housing units.
• Specific Plan (Guidelines Section 15182): Can be mixed-use, residential, or employment center/office; must be consistent with Specific Plan and EIR.
• Development Density/Zoning Consistency (Guidelines Section 15183): Consistent with the development density of a community plan, zoning, or general plan with a certified EIR.
• Transit Priority (PRC Section  21155): Among other requirements, the project must contain at least 50 percent residential use and a net density of at least 20 units/acre. 
  
  

 

CEQA Streamlining Under AB 130 & SB 131

Under AB 130, CEQA offers a statutory exemption for qualifying urban infill housing projects consistent with Public Resources Code § 21080.66. This exemption is broader than Class 32 and streamlines approvals for housing developments located in incorporated cities or urban areas, provided they meet specific criteria related to site location, density, zoning consistency, and environmental safeguards. Navigating these requirements can be complex. Our team can draft exemption documentation, assess project eligibility, guide applicants, and lead agencies through every step of the process to ensure compliance with these new streamlining opportunities. 

AB 131 expands the reach of CEQA exemptions by clarifying that residential projects missing one required characteristic may still qualify for exemption under a CEQA statutory exemption or one of several categorical exemptions, provided they meet alternative criteria outlined in the law. This flexibility is designed to streamline residential projects and reduce delays.

 

Tailored CEQA Streamlining Templates

FCS prepares CEQA streamlining templates using a lead agency’s certified Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) as the foundation. These templates are tailored to reflect the specific characteristics, policies, and requirements of the jurisdiction. They provide a structured basis for second-tier CEQA documents, including addendums, consistency checklists, and infill exemption forms. The templates incorporate prior environmental analyses to reduce duplication of effort and maintain consistency across related projects. This approach supports accurate application of previously adopted mitigation measures and ensures alignment with CEQA requirements. By standardizing documentation and referencing existing analyses, agencies can complete reviews more efficiently while preserving legal defensibility and consistency in environmental review.