California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.

CEQA applies to projects undertaken by a public agency or a private activity which must receive some discretionary approval. Undertaking CEQA review is the responsibility of the local agency providing land use approval for a project. HCD typically evaluates environmental review performed under at CEQA review was completed at the local level where applicable.

Many California housing projects administered through HCD are exempt from CEQA review. However, within HCD’s Division of Federal Financial Assistance, Tribal projects on Trust land require CEQA review. In these cases, HCD is responsible for preparing the appropriate CEQA report or finding the correct CEQA exemption and preparing a Notice of Exemption (NOE). All exemptions must be filed with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR). If you believe HCD would serve as the lead agency for your project, please contact the Environmental Services Team.

The CEQA and Housing - Office of Planning and Research website should be used as a reference. Some projects may require environmental permitting on the federal, state, and/or local level prior to and during implementation.

Please visit Tribal Entities for additional information.