The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that projects be evaluated for any potential effects on the environment.

This applies to:

• Projects the City builds (like public works projects)
• Projects proposed by private groups that need City approval

The City records this review in documents such as:

• Notices of Exemption
• Initial Studies
• Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs)
• Mitigated Negative Declarations 

Types of Environmental Review Documents

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemptions

This document is used when:

• These projects do not have a significant effect on the environment.
• They are not required to go through full California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.

Initial Study

This document is used when:

• To check if a project might cause serious environmental impacts.

Negative Declaration

This document is used when:

• An Initial Study shows no significant environmental impacts
• No Environmental Impact Report is needed

Mitigated Negative Declaration

This document is used when:

• A project could have impacts
• Changes (called mitigation) are added to reduce those impacts
• After changes, the impacts are no longer serious

Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

An EIR is a detailed report that:

• Explains a project’s environmental impacts
• Suggests ways to reduce or avoid harm
• Gives alternative options

Draft EIR (DEIR)

• The first version shared with the public for review

Final EIR (FEIR)

• Includes the Draft EIR
• Adds public comments and responses

Public Review

The City shares environmental documents for public review, as required by State law. See below for projects currently under public review or have a completed public review.

Projects Currently Under Public Review:

1. SV 21-03: Knolls Zone Water Facilities Project

Access the environmental documents for this project below:

• Notice of Intent (NOI)  

• Initial Study - Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) 

Projects with Completed Public Review:

1. North Canyon Ranch Project and Annexations

The public review period for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was April 15, 2024 – May 30, 2024. The Planning Commission Hearing date for this project has yet to be determined.

Access the environmental documents for this project below:

• Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (April 2024)

• Final Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (December 2024) 

• Notice of Preparation 

Notices

Access posted environmental notice documents below:

Notices of Determination (NOD)

• Project GPA-2024-0003, Z-S-2025-0003, SP-S-2025-0002, PD-S-2025-0003, AND TT-2025-0002 (document)
• Project CUP-S-2023-0004 (document) 

Notices of Exemption (NOE)

• Project CUP-S-2023-0011 (document) 
• Project CUP-S-2024-0007 (document) 
• Project PD-S-2023-0004 (document)