CEQA Basics The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), encoded in Sections 21000 et seq of the Public Resources Code (PRC) with Guidelines for implementation codified in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 et seq., requires state and local public agencies to identify the environmental impacts of proposed discretionary activities or projects, determine if the impacts will be significant, and identify alternatives and mitigation measures that will substantially reduce or eliminate significant impacts to the environment. State owned properties are subject to the provisions of Public Resources Code Section 5024 and 5024.5.
Historical resources are considered part of the environment and a project that may cause a substantial adverse effect on the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have a significant effecton the environment. The definition of "historical resources" is contained in Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.
This information is intended to merely illustrate the process outlined in CEQA statute and guidelines relative to historical and cultural resources. These materials on CEQA and other laws are offered by the State Office of Historic Preservation for informational purposes only. This information does not have the force of law or regulation and should not be cited in legal briefs as the authority for any proposition. In the case of discrepancies between the information provided on this website and the CEQA statute or guidelines, the language of the CEQA statute and Guidelines (PRC Section 21000 et seq. and 14 CCR Section 15000 et seq.) is controlling. Information contained in this site does not offer nor constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney for technical guidance on current legal requirements.
