2019-050 -Adopting Local CEQA Guidelines

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Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (2019) INITIAL STUDY (b) An identification of the environmental setting. The environmental setting is usually the existing physical environmental conditions in the vicinity of the project, as they exist at the time the Notice of Preparation is published, or if no Notice of Preparation is published, such as in the case of a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration, at the time environmental analysis begins. The environmental setting should describe both the project site and surrounding properties. The description should include, but not necessarily be limited to, a discussion of existing structures, land use, energy supplies, topography, water usage, soil stability, plants and animals, and any cultural, historical, or scenic aspects. This environmental setting will normally constitute the baseline physical conditions against which a Lead Agency may compare the project to determine whether an impact is significant; (c) An identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other method, provided that entries are briefly explained to show the evidence supporting the entries. The brief explanation may be through either a narrative or a reference to other information such as attached maps, photographs, or an earlier EIR or Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration. A reference to another document should include a citation to the page or pages where the information is found; (d) A discussion of ways to mitigate any significant effects identified; (e) An examination of whether the project is consistent with existing zoning and local land use plans and other applicable land use controls; (f) The name of the person or persons who prepared or participated in the Initial Study; and (g) Identification of prior EIRs or environmental documents that could be used with the project. 5.07 U SE OF A C HECKLIST I NITIAL S TUDY. When properly completed, the Envi requirements of Local Guidelines Section 5.05 for an Initial Study provided that the entries on the che or a separate attachment should be prepared to describe the project, including its location, and to identify the environmental setting. California courts have rejected the use of a bare, unsupported Environmental Checklist as an Initial Study. An Initial Study must contain more than mere conclusions. It must disclose supporting data or evidence upon which the Lead Agency relied in conducting the Initial Study. The Lead Agency must augment checklists with supporting factual data and reference should be provided on attached sheets. For controversial projects, it is advisable to state briefly EIRs, plans, traffic studies, air quality data, or other supporting studies. 5.08 E VALUATING S IGNIFICANT E NVIRONMENTAL E FFECTS. In evaluating the environmental significance of effects disclosed by the Initial Study, the Lead Agency shall consider: 2019 City of Santa Ana Local Guidelines 5-4 ©Best Best & Krieger LLP