Environmental Planning

Environmental Impact Reports/Studies  

Environmental Planning staff (EPS) review discretionary development projects in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  They check for impacts to protected biological species, air quality, and historic resources.   

As part of the environmental process, the City weighs a variety of factors when deciding whether to approve a proposed land use or other project. One such factor is what kind of effect a project would have on the environment.  

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guides the process of gathering such information. The process is quite complex and technical. This page is just an overview of some basic concepts.  A flowchart from CEQA is also available as a reference.   

Environmental Planning also provides environmental analysis for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

Services   

Capital Improvement/Private/Public Projects:

EPS prepares and oversees (either in-house or through private sector contracting) the preparation of all environmental documents, technical studies, and associated permit applications required to comply with CEQA and NEPA prior to project approval by the City. EPS coordinates with all applicable responsible agencies for document preparation. EPS also participates in the selection of consultants approved to prepare environmental review documents within Sacramento.  

In-house Technical Assistance & Policy Coordination:

EPS oversees and provides quality assurance for exemptions and simple negative declarations prepared by City staff.