1. Goal: Protection of land, water, air, and life (also efficiency, national security, preservation of aesthetics and recreation, community stability, and sustainability)
2. CEQA
3. Planning
4. Project proposal prepared
5. Lead agent identified – usually local planning
6. May hold “scooping” meetings to determine requirements
7. Application
8. File permit application forms with supporting docs
9. Agency determines completeness w/in 30 days
10. Accepted as complete (1 year to prepare and certify an EIR, 180 days for negative declaration, 60 days to determine if exempt)
11. Review
12. Determine whether exempt or non-exempt
13. Initial Study – determine whether negative declaration or negative declaration with mitigating measures will be issued – if not, proceed with EIR
14. Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
15. Notice of Preparation sent to responsible agencies
16. Draft EIR prepared with recommendations from responsible agencies
17. Lead agency files Notice of Completion of the EIR and gives public notice of the availability of the draft EIR
18. Public review period
19. Lead agency prepares Final EIR including responses to comments on draft EIR
20. Findings are made on feasibility and avoiding significant environmental impacts, and decision is made