Item 22 - Resolution Adopting Local CEQA Guidelines Resolution

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Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (2023) INITIAL STUDY 2023 City of Santa Ana Local Guidelines 5-14 ©Best Best & Krieger LLP sufficient to satisfy the demands of the project, in addition to existing and planned future uses. If a city or county determines that water supplies will not be sufficient, the city or county shall include that determination in its findings for the project. The degree of certainty regarding the availability of water supplies will vary depending on the stage of project approval. A Lead Agency should have greater confidence in the availability of water supplies for a specific project than might be required for a conceptual plan (i.e. general plan, specific plan). An analysis of water supply in an environmental document may incorporate by reference information in a water supply assessment, urban water management plan, or other publicly available sources. The analysis shall include the following: (1) Sufficient information regarding the project's proposed water demand and proposed water supplies to permit the Lead Agency to evaluate the pros and cons of supplying the amount of water that the project will need. (2) An analysis of the reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of supplying water throughout all phases of the project. (3) An analysis of circumstances affecting the likelihood of the water's availability, as well as the degree of uncertainty involved. Relevant factors may include but are not limited to, drought, salt-water intrusion, regulatory or contractual curtailments, and other reasonably foreseeable demands on the water supply. (4) If the Lead Agency cannot determine that a particular water supply will be available, it shall conduct an analysis of alternative sources, including at least in general terms the environmental consequences of using those alternative sources, or alternatives to the project that could be served with available water. For complete information on these requirements, consult Water Code sections 10910, et seq. For other CEQA provisions applicable to these types of projects, see Local Guidelines Sections 7.03 and 7.25. 5.17 SUBDIVISIONS WITH MORE THAN 500 DWELLING UNITS. Cities and counties must obtain written verification (see Form “O” for a sample) from the applicable public water system(s) that a sufficient water supply is available before approving certain residential development projects. If the City is a municipal water provider for a project, the city or county may request such a verification from the City. The City should also be aware of these requirements when reviewing projects in its role as a Responsible Agency. Cities and counties are prohibited from approving a tentative map, parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, or a development agreement for a subdivision of property of more than 500 dwellings units, unless: (1) The City Council, Board of Supervisors, or the advisory agency receives written verification from the applicable public water system that a sufficient water supply is available; or