No application for a private project shall be approved by the city nor shall any project be undertaken by the city or any other local agency where the city may be the lead agency until one of the following determinations has been made:
A. 
The project is not a "project" as defined by CEQA and CEQA guidelines or determined by the city and listed in Chapter 18.32;
B. 
The project is one which has a statutory exemption pursuant to Article 18 of CEQA guidelines and/or determined by the city and listed in Chapter 18.32;
C. 
The project is one which is categorically exempt pursuant to Article 19 of CEQA guidelines or determined by the city and listed in Chapter 18.32;
D. 
The project will have no possible significant effect on the environment;
E. 
A negative declaration has been prepared for the project;
F. 
A draft EIR has been prepared for the project;
G. 
The city and the project sponsor have agreed to defer preparation of an EIR where there is a likelihood that the project will be disapproved on its merits pursuant to Section 15270 of CEQA guidelines;
H. 
The city is not the lead agency.
(Ord. 404 (Exh. A), 1987)
Within thirty days of receipt of a project application the CEQA administrator shall determine its completeness and whether it constitutes a project, is exempt from CEQA or will have no possible significant effect on the environment. If so determined a notice of exemption (CEQA guidelines Appendix E), may be prepared and filed with the Contra Costa county clerk following project approval. If found to be complete and subject to CEQA the CEQA administrator shall proceed with an initial study.
(Ord. 404 (Exh. A), 1987)
A. 
It shall be the responsibility of city department heads or other city officials and of local public agencies to assure through the CEQA administrator that a project to be undertaken is not subject to CEQA. Projects not subject to CEQA include but are not limited to those listed in Chapter 18.32.
B. 
If it is determined that a public project is or may be subject to CEQA the CEQA administrator shall be provided with a full description of the project and all the information necessary for a preliminary review to determine whether the project is exempt pursuant to Section 18.12.010.
C. 
Within thirty days of receipt of a project proposal the CEQA administrator shall determine its completeness and whether it constitutes a project, is exempt or will have no possible significant effect on the environment. If so determined a notice of exemption (CEQA guidelines Appendix B) may be prepared and filed with the Contra Costa county clerk following project approval. If found to be complete and subject to CEQA, the CEQA administrator shall prepare an initial study.
(Ord. 404 (Exh. A), 1987)