CEQA Test Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2025 Graded A+
CEQA is this kind of statute, meaning it is presumed to be followed correctly unless otherwise
challenged through these - Answers Self-executing statute
Lawsuits
In CEQA documents, we classify projects as having these different levels of impacts - Answers Significant
Impacts, Less than significant impacts, no impact
What is the dividing line between significant impacts and less than significant impacts called? - Answers
Threshold of Significance
What types of projects are subject to CEQA? - Answers Publicly built/funded projects
and
Private projects with public discretionary approval
When does CEQA apply to private projects? - Answers When they are subject to discretionary decisions
by the city council or the planning commission (not the planning staff)
What are the 5 reasons that subdivision maps can be rejected? - Answers - Env damage
- Lots unbuildable
- Conflicts with general plan/other plans
- Conflicts with easement
- Not enough water
If a project with unmitigated significant impacts is approved, this document is required... - Answers
Statement of Overriding Consideration
What is a statement of overriding consideration? - Answers Statement as to why a project with
unmitigated significant impacts was approved.
In a statement of overriding consideration what findings about mitigation are required? - Answers
Specific legal, economic, or technical reasons make mitigation infeasible
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - Answers An assessment of the possible positive or
negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment
What are the 5 functions of CEQA? - Answers - Inform decision-makers
- Identify ways damage can be avoided or reduced
, - Disclose to public
- Foster interagency cooperation
- Increase public participation
How has CEQA functioned in practice (as opposed to in theory)? - Answers A way for interest groups to
stall a project and/or get concessions for government or developer
This case determined that private projects should be subject to CEQA - Answers Friends of Mammoth
(1972) - "situations which the state regulates private activity"
Who is the Bus Driver of CEQA? - Answers The Lead Agency. They are ultimately responsible for making
sure environmental review is conducted.
Who actually does most of the CEQA legwork? - Answers Consultants
According to the courts who has a "privileged position" under CEQA? - Answers The public
How is the public's privileged position reflected in CEQA? - Answers Through a series of public
notifications, meetings, comment letter requirements; and
the ability for the public to sue
What is the overall goal of CEQA? - Answers To disclose environmental impacts (significant/less than
significant) and encourage public input
If your project is a CEQA project what is the next question to ask under the CEQA checklist? - Answers Is
it exempt?
If your CEQA project is not exempt, what is the next step in the process? - Answers The initial study
What does the initial study determine? - Answers If a project may produce significant environmental
effects.
This determines how deep of a review a project gets.
You check for impacts to 17 different types of environmental resources
The initial study checks for impacts to... - Answers 1. classic environmental resources (wildlife, water,
air)
CEQA is this kind of statute, meaning it is presumed to be followed correctly unless otherwise
challenged through these - Answers Self-executing statute
Lawsuits
In CEQA documents, we classify projects as having these different levels of impacts - Answers Significant
Impacts, Less than significant impacts, no impact
What is the dividing line between significant impacts and less than significant impacts called? - Answers
Threshold of Significance
What types of projects are subject to CEQA? - Answers Publicly built/funded projects
and
Private projects with public discretionary approval
When does CEQA apply to private projects? - Answers When they are subject to discretionary decisions
by the city council or the planning commission (not the planning staff)
What are the 5 reasons that subdivision maps can be rejected? - Answers - Env damage
- Lots unbuildable
- Conflicts with general plan/other plans
- Conflicts with easement
- Not enough water
If a project with unmitigated significant impacts is approved, this document is required... - Answers
Statement of Overriding Consideration
What is a statement of overriding consideration? - Answers Statement as to why a project with
unmitigated significant impacts was approved.
In a statement of overriding consideration what findings about mitigation are required? - Answers
Specific legal, economic, or technical reasons make mitigation infeasible
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - Answers An assessment of the possible positive or
negative impacts that a proposed project may have on the environment
What are the 5 functions of CEQA? - Answers - Inform decision-makers
- Identify ways damage can be avoided or reduced
, - Disclose to public
- Foster interagency cooperation
- Increase public participation
How has CEQA functioned in practice (as opposed to in theory)? - Answers A way for interest groups to
stall a project and/or get concessions for government or developer
This case determined that private projects should be subject to CEQA - Answers Friends of Mammoth
(1972) - "situations which the state regulates private activity"
Who is the Bus Driver of CEQA? - Answers The Lead Agency. They are ultimately responsible for making
sure environmental review is conducted.
Who actually does most of the CEQA legwork? - Answers Consultants
According to the courts who has a "privileged position" under CEQA? - Answers The public
How is the public's privileged position reflected in CEQA? - Answers Through a series of public
notifications, meetings, comment letter requirements; and
the ability for the public to sue
What is the overall goal of CEQA? - Answers To disclose environmental impacts (significant/less than
significant) and encourage public input
If your project is a CEQA project what is the next question to ask under the CEQA checklist? - Answers Is
it exempt?
If your CEQA project is not exempt, what is the next step in the process? - Answers The initial study
What does the initial study determine? - Answers If a project may produce significant environmental
effects.
This determines how deep of a review a project gets.
You check for impacts to 17 different types of environmental resources
The initial study checks for impacts to... - Answers 1. classic environmental resources (wildlife, water,
air)
