Frequently Asked Questions —CEQA

CEQA, or the California Environmental Quality Act, sets statewide policies that require state and local agencies to identify, avoid or lessen significant environmental impacts.

A public agency will determine if a proposed activity is considered a “project.” If the proposed activity is a project and not exempt from CEQA then the following process is initiated: 

1. Public agency evaluates the project to determine if there is a possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
2. Lead agency prepares initial study to determine to issue either an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or a Negative Declaration.
3. Comments are issued. A decision to assign either the EIR or Negative Declaration is made.
4. State and local agencies will come to a decision about the project. State agencies will file a Notice of Determination with the Office of Planning & Research, while local agencies will file Notice of Determination with County Clerk.

• City of Moreno Valley CEQA Documentation Guidelines