2019-050 -Adopting Local CEQA Guidelines

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Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (2019) NEGATIVE DECLARATION 6. NEGATIVE DECLARATION 6.01 D ECISION TO P REPARE A N EGATIVE D ECLARATION. when the Initial Study shows that there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record that the project may have a significant or potentially significant adverse effect on the environment. (See Local Guidelines Sections 11.65 and 11.71.) 6.02 D ECISION TO P REPARE A M ITIGATED N EGATIVE D ECLARATION. CEQA when the Initial Study identifies potentially significant effects on the environment, but: (a) The project applicant has agreed to revise the project or the City can revise the project to avoid these significant effects or to mitigate the effects to a point where it is clear that no significant effects would occur; or (b) There is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the revised project may have a significant effect. It is insufficient to require an applicant to adopt mitigation measures after final adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration or to state that mitigation measures will be recommended on the basis of a future study. The City must know the measures at the time the Mitigated Negative Declaration is adopted in order for them to be evaluated and accepted as adequate mitigation. Evidence of agreement by the applicant to such mitigation should be in the record prior to public review. Except where noted, the procedural requirements for the preparation and approval of a Negative Declaration and Mitigated Negative Declaration are the same. 6.03 C ONTRACTING FOR P REPARATION OF N EGATIVE D ECLARATION OR M ITIGATED N EGATIVE D ECLARATION. The City, when acting as Lead Agency, is responsible for preparing all documents required pursuant to CEQA. The documents may be prepared by Staff or by private consultants pursuant to a contract with the City, but they must be the Cityflect the independent judgment of the City. 6.04 N OTICE OF I NTENT TO A DOPT A N EGATIVE D ECLARATION OR M ITIGATED N EGATIVE D ECLARATION. When, based upon the Initial Study, it is recommended to the decision-making body that a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration be adopted, a Notice of Intent to In addition to being provided to the public through the means set forth in Local Guidelines Section 6.07, this Notice shall also be provided to: (a) Each Responsible and Trustee Agency; (b) Any other federal, state, or local agency that has jurisdiction by law or exercises authority over resources affected by the project, including: 2019 City of Santa Ana Local Guidelines 6-1 ©Best Best & Krieger LLP