Page 2 - CEQAChecklist

The following is a preliminary guideline to assist school districts in
determining what level of review is required under the California
CEQA CHECKLIST FOR Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”, Public Resources Code §§
SCHOOL DISTRICTS 21000, et seq.) when the districts build new facilities, expand
or alter school sites or undertake other projects. Districts may
wish to consult with their legal counsel or qualified environ-
mental consultants to confirm the required level of review.

I. Is the action to be undertaken by the school district a “project” within the meaning of CEQA?

A. Is the action an “approval” within the meaning of CEQA (meaning that a decision is being made that
commits the district to a definite course of action)?

YES: CEQA consideration must be given to the NO: No further analysis required. (CEQA Guideline
nature of the action (continue to step I B). § 15352(a).)

B. Is the action being taken “discretionary” (may or may not be approved at the district’s discretion) or
“ministerial” (district must approve if all applicable legal criteria have been met)?

DISCRETIONARY: Must consider whether the MINISTERIAL: No CEQA analysis is required. (Pub.
action constitutes a CEQA “project” Resources Code § 21080(a), (b)(1); CEQA Guideline
(continue to step I C). §§ 15357 & 15369.)

C. Will the action potentially result in a direct or indirect change in the environment?

YES: Preliminary CEQA analysis is required NO: No further analysis required.
(continue to step I D). (CEQA Guideline § 15378.)

D. Can it be said with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity could have a significant or even
potentially significant effect on the environment?

YES: No further CEQA analysis is required. NO: Preliminary CEQA analysis is required
(continue to step II). (Pub. Resources Code § 21068;
CEQA Guideline §§ 15061(b)(3) & 15382.)

CEQA Checklist for School Districts LozanoSmith.com 1