This chapter is intended to set forth guidelines, principles
and procedures for insuring that adequate environmental review is
provided for all development proposals in the city of Lemon Grove.
These procedures are intended to be consistent with and to implement
the most current edition of the Guidelines for Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, adopted
by the State Resources Agency. The state guidelines are incorporated
in this chapter, and made a part hereof as if set forth in full. If
there is any inconsistency between this chapter and those guidelines,
the state guidelines shall rule. Detailed requirements of the state
law and guidelines concerning processing, timing, content and other
aspects of project environmental review shall apply.
Upon the submission of a project or a proposal for an action,
the planning director shall make a determination as to the status
of the application, according to the following classifications:
A. The
proposal is not a project under CEQA.
B. The
proposal is ministerial by nature and, therefore, is not subject to
further environmental review.
C. The
proposal is categorically exempt and, therefore, is not subject to
further review.
D. The
proposal is not categorically exempt, and might have a significant
impact on the environment and is subject to further review.
Following submission of the final EIR, a public hearing shall
be held by the planning commission or city council, whichever has
jurisdiction over the proposed project. If all conditions and requirements
concerning preparation and consideration of the EIR have been satisfied,
then the final EIR shall be certified as complete and adequate. No
proposed project for which an EIR has been judged to be necessary
shall be approved until that EIR has been certified.
In addition to the costs of preparing an environmental impact
report, the city may assess the applicant additional fees for filing
and processing activities and for any special studies which might
be necessary. Such fees shall be as established by resolution of the
city council.
All determinations, rulings, and other actions of the planning director or planning commission may be appealed, in accordance with the provisions of Section
17.28.020.
(Ord. 386 § 3, 2009)