The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state law that establishes a procedure for all California public agencies such as the City of Temecula for evaluating the environmental effects of a proposed project. CEQA is used to reduce or eliminate any significant negative impacts or effects on the environment which could occur from an approved project.
CEQA applies to all projects that require discretionary approval, unless the project is determined to be exempt. A discretionary project is one that requires the exercise of judgment or deliberation by a public agency in determining whether the project will be approved, or if a permit will be issued. For example, if you want to construct a new building or subdivide your property – these are discretionary projects because the City must review the proposal before issuing an approval or permit. CEQA also applies to decisions that could lead to indirect impacts, such as making changes to local codes, policies, and general and specific plans.
CEQA GuidelinesThe 2010 CEQA Statutes and Guidelines are available online. Please click here to access this document.
Frequently Asked Questions about CEQAClick here to find out more about the CEQA process.
City of Temecula:
Environmental review procedures handbooks
Environmental Review Procedures Handbook for Private Projects
Environmental Review Procedures Handbook for CIP Projects
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)The Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) was established in March of 2004. The plan encompasses 1.2 million acres in the western Riverside County and is designated to protect 146 species. The process relies on two differing categories of land, those within a criteria cell and those who are not within criteria cells.
Is your property within a MSHCP criteria cell? Click here to find out.
Some of the benefits of MSHCP include:
- Local control of the environmental process
- Certainty of the development process
- Open space secured
- Compliance with MSHCP will provide CEQA mitigation for covered species for private and public projects.
- Step by step guide through the MSHCP process (pdf)
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