ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING THAT KEEPS PROJECTS MOVING 

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is California's primary environmental review law and plays a critical role in the planning and approval of discretionary development projects. CEQA requires public agencies to identify, evaluate, and disclose a project's potential environmental impacts before approving it. When significant impacts are identified, feasible measures must be incorporated to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those impacts.

Whether you're developing affordable housing, commercial projects, public infrastructure, utility improvements, or mixed-use developments, CEQA is often one of the most important steps in the entitlement process. Successfully navigating CEQA requires thoughtful planning, technical expertise, and close coordination with regulatory agencies to keep projects moving efficiently.
 

The level of environmental review varies depending on the project's size, location, complexity, and potential impacts. Reviews may range from a simple exemption to a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Understanding the appropriate level of review early in the planning process helps project teams anticipate costs, permitting requirements, mitigation measures, and project schedules while reducing the risk of delays.

At Birdseye Planning Group, we guide clients through every phase of the CEQA process—from early project planning and environmental analysis through public review, agency coordination, and final approval. Our goal is to provide clear, defensible environmental documentation that supports informed decision-making while helping clients achieve their development objectives.

Our CEQA Services Include

• Categorical Exemptions

• Initial Studies (IS)

• Negative Declarations (ND)

• Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND)

• Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)

• CEQA Addenda

• Notice of Availability (NOA)

• Notice of Intent (NOI)

• Notice of Completion (NOC)

• Notice of Determination (NOD) preparation and filing

• State Clearinghouse coordination and document circulation

• Agency consultation and regulatory coordination

• Public review and hearing support

• Mitigation monitoring and compliance assistance

CEQA Plus (State Revolving Fund Environmental Compliance)

For projects seeking funding through the State Water Resources Control Board's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), environmental review extends beyond standard CEQA compliance. This process—commonly referred to as CEQA Plus—ensures that projects receiving federal funding also comply with applicable federal environmental requirements.
 

CEQA Plus incorporates a series of federal environmental regulations, often referred to as cross-cutting authorities, that address topics such as historic preservation, biological resources, floodplains, wetlands, environmental justice, and other federal resource protections. Although many of these requirements overlap with California environmental regulations, additional documentation and agency coordination are often necessary to demonstrate full compliance.

Birdseye Planning Group prepares the comprehensive Environmental Package required by the State Water Resources Control Board, coordinating technical studies, agency consultations, and supporting documentation needed for funding eligibility. Our team works closely with clients and regulatory agencies to streamline the review process, helping water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure projects secure funding while maintaining compliance with both state and federal environmental regulations.

Whether your project requires a straightforward CEQA exemption or a complex environmental review tied to state and federal funding, Birdseye Planning Group provides the expertise and guidance needed to navigate the process with confidence.